Tips for Winterizing Your Summer Toys

September 7, 2017
Lindow Insurance
Fall, Personal

Though we’re sad to say it, summer is coming to an end and the brisk fall air is on its way in. As your kids go back to school and your weekends include football instead of days on the lake, it’s time to start thinking about storing your summer toys for the winter!

Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you get your cherished possessions ready for storage.

Motorcycles & Cars

Cleanliness is important. Make sure you clean the inside and outside of your car or bike before storage, especially on ones that are prone to rust or corrosion.
Disconnect the battery and turn off the alarm. If you can, keep the battery stored in a warm, dry area. Car and motorcycle batteries kept in the cold can be susceptible to freezing or cracking.
Fill up your gas tank and add fuel stabilizer to avoid depletion and condensation. You will also want to inflate your tires to the maximum PSI.
Put your cover on with all the windows, doors or storage compartments securely closed. You’ll also want to consider getting an interior car jacket for your vehicle as well.
Try not to start the car after you store it. This can cause moisture to build up throughout the engine, especially if you don’t let it warm up to operating temperature.

Boats

First things first, take your boat out for one last ride around the lake! No, this isn’t just for fun. Take the time during this ride to see if there is anything mechanical that needs fixing.
Like your car or motorcycle, you’ll want to give the interior and exterior of your boat a thorough cleaning. Once it’s spotless and shiny, coat the body of the boat with wax to avoid rust or wear during the winter months.
Fill up the gas tank to prevent condensation and add fuel stabilizer so it doesn’t deplete during winter storage.
Empty your boat of electronics that can be damaged in the cold, such as radios, depth sounders and sonar fish finders. You will also want to remove life jackets, blankets and cushions to prevent deterioration to those items as well.
Remove or loosen the drive belts in your boat so they don’t crack under pressure as temperatures dip below freezing. Just like in your vehicle or motorcycle, you’ll want to unhook the battery and store in a warm dry area for the winter.
Cover your boat to protect it from dirt, moisture and grime. You’ll thank yourself when you take that first cruise in spring or summer!

Although it’s sad to put away your fun summer toys for the winter, it’s a necessary step to keep everything in tip-top shape and make sure your boat or vehicle lasts for years to come. Another responsibility when owning these “toys” is to make sure you’re fully covered, which is where Lindow Insurance Agency comes in! Give us a call today with any questions about your insurance coverage or to make sure it’s completely up-to-date.

Sources:
https://www.sparefoot.com/self-storage/blog/483-storing-a-boat/http://blog.fishidy.com/2015/10/7-steps-to-prepare-your-fishing-vessel-for-winter-storage/
https://www.cubesmart.com/blog/tips/organization/5-boat-storage-tips-to-keep-your-vessel-seaworthy
http://www.wheels.ca/top-ten/top-ten-tips-to-consider-for-winter-car-storage/
https://www.cars.com/articles/2013/10/how-to-store-your-car-for-winter/