--- title: "How to Store a Car for Winter in Canada: Checklist" description: "A step-by-step checklist for storing a car over a Canadian winter: wash, tires, fuel, oil, battery, rodents and cover, plus what to do when spring comes." url: https://car-storage.ca/guides/how-to-store-a-car-for-winter/ last_updated: 2026-10-24 --- # How to store a car for winter in Canada Most of this takes an afternoon. The steps below come from CAA North & East Ontario, CAA-Québec and Canadian Tire Roadside. Where they differ, we say so. ## Start with the place Indoor is better in a cold climate. If the car has to stay outside, CAA North & East Ontario suggests asphalt and a cover. See [indoor vs outdoor](https://car-storage.ca/guides/indoor-vs-outdoor-car-storage/) and [storing a car outside](https://car-storage.ca/guides/storing-a-car-outside-in-winter/). If you do not have a place yet, [send a request](https://car-storage.ca/request-a-spot/) and we will look for one. Starting prices are on the [pricing page](https://car-storage.ca/pricing/). ## The fall checklist In this order, so you do not undo your own work. - Wash it inside and out: Rinse off road salt, including underneath. CAA and Canadian Tire both suggest cleaning the interior too, and wax if you like. Remove food and wrappers. - Inflate the tires: CAA and Canadian Tire both advise checking pressure before storage. A tire that sits for months can develop a flat spot, so start with the pressure correct. - Fill the tank: A full tank leaves less room for moisture. For storage longer than about a month, CAA, CAA-Québec and Canadian Tire suggest a fuel stabilizer. - Change the oil and filter: CAA North & East Ontario, CAA-Québec and Canadian Tire all suggest fresh oil before long storage. Used oil holds acids and moisture. - Look after the battery: CAA suggests a battery tender. CAA-Québec suggests disconnecting or removing the battery and charging it once or twice over the winter. Canadian Tire also mentions starting and driving the car about once a week, which only works if you will really do it. - Leave the parking brake off: CAA and Canadian Tire suggest wheel chocks instead. Brake pads can stick to the rotors over months. - Keep rodents out: CAA and Canadian Tire suggest blocking the exhaust pipe and air intakes and using repellents. Write down every plug you fit so you remove each one in spring. - Wipers and cover: CAA suggests lifting the wipers off the glass and covering the car. Use a breathable cover, not plastic sheeting. - Check antifreeze and other fluids: CAA-Québec says to check the antifreeze. CAA says to check the other fluids. - Put cardboard under the car: Canadian Tire suggests it so you can see any leak. - Call your insurer: Tell your insurer the car is going into storage. In Quebec, tell the SAAQ first. See [insurance while in storage](https://car-storage.ca/guides/car-insurance-while-in-storage/). > Electric car? Different rules apply to the high-voltage battery. See the [EV storage guide](https://car-storage.ca/guides/ev-long-term-storage/). Motorcycle? See the [motorcycle guide](https://car-storage.ca/guides/motorcycle-winter-storage/). ## Spring wake-up Do these before the first drive. - Remove every plug and cover: Exhaust, air intakes, anything you fitted against rodents. - Look for signs of rodents: Check the engine bay, the air filter box and under the seats. - Check fluids and tire pressure: Top up what is low and set the pressure. - Test the lights and reconnect the battery: If you disconnected it, reconnect it and check that everything works. - Expect a squeak: CAA notes that brakes can squeak at first from a light layer of rust on the rotors. It usually clears after a few stops. If it does not, have them checked. ## Help with the work - [Storage preparation](https://car-storage.ca/services/car-storage-preparation/): Wash, battery tender and other prep before the car goes in. - [Spring prep](https://car-storage.ca/services/spring-car-prep/): A check-over when you collect the car. - [Pickup and delivery](https://car-storage.ca/services/car-pickup-and-delivery/): A flatbed to and from the storage place. ## Sources - CAA North & East Ontario: preparing a car for long periods without use. (source: https://caaneo.ca/magazine/travel/going-vacation-heres-how-prepare-your-car-long-periods-without-use/) - CAA-Québec: putting your vehicle in, and taking it out of, storage. (source: https://www.caaquebec.com/en/advices/insuring-a-vehicle/putting-your-vehicle-in-taking-it-out-of-storage) - Canadian Tire Roadside: keeping your vehicle safe while in storage. (source: https://roadsideassistance.canadiantire.ca/blogs/blog/help-keep-your-vehicle-safe-while-in-storage) General advice. Your owner’s manual comes first. ## Related - [Indoor vs outdoor car storage](https://car-storage.ca/guides/indoor-vs-outdoor-car-storage/) - [Winter car storage](https://car-storage.ca/storage/winter-car-storage/) - [Getting the car ready for storage](https://car-storage.ca/services/car-storage-preparation/) --- Find a spot: https://car-storage.ca/request-a-spot/ · Email: info@car-storage.ca