Winter is currently in full swing, with snowstorms leaving many parts of the U.S. covered in thick snow. For many BMW owners, this means that the end of the driving season and time to think about winter car storage. This is because, first of all, driving during the winter can be extremely difficult and dangerous as a result of slippery roads and visibility problems. Also, leaving your car parked outside and unprotected during the winter can lead to the damage of key components like the engine or battery. As such, it is important to follow the proper winter storage practices to ensure that your bimmer is in perfect condition and ready to go as soon as the cold weather subsides.
Wash and wax
It might seem fruitless to wash your car when you’re about to put it away for months, but it’s an important step that you must not overlook. Start by getting rid of exterior dirt, water stains, and bird droppings that can damage the paint permanently when left on there for long. Clean the wheels and undersides to get rid of mud, tar, and grease. Get rid of any dirt, trash, and food droppings in the interior that can leave bad odors or attract unwanted critters. For added protection, give your bimmer a coat of wax and treat the interior leather with a high-quality conditioner.
Protect your car from mold
Mold is a huge threat to your stored car during the winter. The conditions for mold growth are perfect during the winter so you must take the necessary steps to prevent that like storing your car in a moisture-free area and covering it with a waterproof car cover. However, even after taking these measures, mold spores can still grow in your stored car. As such, you need to inspect your car regularly when in storage to detect any signs of a mold infestation as quickly as possible. If you find mold, you can then get rid of it on your own or with the help of a professional mold remediator.
Mind your tires
When your bimmer sits in storage for a long time, the tires gradually lose pressure over time and develop flat spots. In severe cases, such flat spots can become a permanent part of your tires forcing you to replace them. To prevent this, inflate your tires to a higher pressure to account for the air that will be lost during the hibernation period. However, be careful not to exceed the maximum air pressure indicated on the side of the tire.
After taking the necessary measures to protect your bimmer from the wrath of winter, the only hard thing that’s left to do is endure those long weeks of not being able to drive it. Practice patience and find other auto-related hobbies to keep you occupied as you wait for the driving season.