How to Store Your Jeep or 4x4 for the Winter

Don’t forget these essential steps to ensure a reliable running rig in the spring.

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Words by Steve Fennell

Many off-road enthusiasts - including us - embrace winter wheeling but we would be remiss not to mention the important steps of properly storing your trail-dedicated Jeep or 4x4 if spending time off-road just isn’t in your plans over the next four or five months.

While some can’t entirely understand putting a 4x4 in storage for the winter as it’s designed to handle more extreme conditions (including snow), others would be in agreement just for the added longevity to the body and engine alone.

With your plans of putting your beloved off-roader in hibernation from November to late March, there are a variety of storage processes to follow and some care needs to be taken. Don’t just lock the doors, throw a cover over it and hope for the best next season.

There are many factors to consider. For example, fuel in the tank can destabilize, gaskets and belts can become brittle, tires can become damaged, rust can develop, the list goes on. But don’t despair, here are a few easy tips to follow if your off-roading plans are on hold until the wheeling season fires up again in the spring.

1. Give Your Off-Roader Some Shelter

Residential garages are the common go-to space where many enthusiasts store their rigs for the winter, and they work just fine with the proper preparation for your vehicle. But if your garage looks like the first coming of the apocalypse or has the typical man-cave essentials with little room for anything else, storage facilities are a great alternative. They are secure, some are heated (though they don’t have to be), and depending on the location, they can be easily accessible for quick ‘check-ins’ or to even complete a light mod.

First and foremost is the cost. We have found they are a little cheaper in rural communities than in larger cities but according to Public Storage Canada, which has locations in BC, Alberta Ontario, and Quebec, rates start from approximately $50 (CDN) per month depending on the size of the unit and amenities your vehicle requires.

For example, as a Jeep Wrangler JL 4-door is approximately 4 m (14 ft) with a width of 2 m (6 ft), you’ll need a storage unit of about 3 x 6 m (10 x 20 ft). Units of 3 x 8 m or 3 x 9 m (10 x 25 ft or 10 x 30 ft) are also available if you want more space or have a larger vehicle. In simple terms, the larger the vehicle you have, the bigger the storage unit you’ll need, and the more cash you’ll have to fork out every month.

If you’re on a budget with no place for your 4x4 to go, an open storage facility is the third option. They’ll be less expensive and still offer security like an enclosed storage unit with amenities such as paved and covered spaces but the downside is the vehicle will be exposed to the winter elements. So, even though you’ll need a good quality cover, you may be better off storing your rig at home in your driveway (if that’s a possibility and many do) and save on the monthly storage fees.

2. Changing the Oil Before Storage

It seems the jury is still out on this one as opinions vary. According to J.D. Power, petroleum-based oil that sits in an engine for long periods can potentially damage some components so it’s suggested to change the oil before and even after you put it away for the winter.

You’ll also want to consider how long your vehicle will be in storage. You may want to consider using synthetic oil, which can remain stable for about a year since it has a higher tolerance to ageing and better protects your engine’s components. If you’re still in doubt, reach out to your local 4x4 shop or service centre for additional advice.

3. Take Care of the Fuel Tank

This may be a no-brainer to some, but it’s worth a reminder to top off the tank with fresh fuel if your vehicle will be sitting in storage for more than 30 days. This will prevent moisture from building up inside of the tank and as an added measure, add in some fuel stabilizer. It’s available for gas or diesel engines, effective for about 12 months, and widely available at a minimal cost. Just simply pour the stabilizer in with the fuel (according to the manufacturer’s guidelines) and run your engine for about 15 minutes to circulate the fuel stabilizer through the fuel system.

4. The Trick(s) to Maintain a Reliable Battery

There are a few methods to maintain a charged battery. One is to completely remove it, store the battery on a surface other than the concrete flooring in your garage - such as on a piece of wood - and connect it to a battery maintainer (also called battery tenders). You can also store the battery in a dry space in your home using the same method.

If you have never used one, battery maintainers are slow-charging systems that can maintain a constant charge for long periods so it will be ready to run when you need it.

Relatively inexpensive,  they can be purchased at Canadian Tire and cost anywhere from about $40 to $75 (CAD).

One of the benefits of a maintainer is ‘float mode’ or an automatic shutoff system that prevents the battery from overcharging. If you don’t want to take your battery out of the vehicle, you can just run the cables of the maintainer to the battery while keeping the hood closed and cover on. Trickle chargers, too, are widely used and although they provide a slow steady charge at a low voltage, they need to be monitored to prevent overcharging.

5. Tire Care

Another concern during winter storage to address is flat spots on the tires. These develop on the area of the tire that has prolonged contact with the ground under vehicle load when tire pressure is lower than the recommended Psi or if the vehicle is stored in an area with high temperatures over long periods. According to Continental Tires, flat spots may be permanent in extreme cases, but most times they can be fixed by simply driving a few kilometres ‘until the tires have reached their proper operating temperature and regained their normal shape.’

They can also be prevented. One sure-fire way - depending on your rig - is by raising the vehicle on jack stands to eliminate all the weight off the tires. If this isn’t possible, inflate the tires to the recommended Psi (and never the maximum) and monitor the pressure over the winter. Parking the vehicle on a rubber mat or wood boards about two inches thick may also help prevent flat spots.

6. Cleanliness Counts

In addition to washing your Jeep or 4x4 to eliminate the last traces of mud, apply a good coat of wax so it will have a good coating/barrier against dust and other debris during winter storage. Additionally, clean areas of the exterior you can’t see. You’ll be amazed at the amount of buildup of dirt and debris on the undercarriage, even from that one last trip on the trails.

One easy way to do this as suggested by Covercraft Industries, the manufacturer of quality automotive covers and a variety of accessories, is running an oscillating lawn sprinkler underneath the vehicle. Use it as you normally would when watering the lawn and let it blast away on the underside until the water runs clear. Then, simply move it to another location if needed.

You’ll also want to vacuum and ensure the interior is free of food crumbs, forgotten snacks, and debris and wipe all surfaces clean. Pay particular attention to enclosed storage areas and other parts of the interior that are frequently accessed.  You’ll be glad you did in the spring.   

7. Place it Under Cover

Tarps, old bedsheets or other makeshift covers might have been used for your father’s old truck, but times have changed and so have the options for 4x4 vehicle covers. Popular brands like Rugged Ridge and Covercraft have a huge selection of styles, designs, fabrics, colours and sizes for your 4x4, regardless of the make, model and year.

They vary in price from around $100 to $800 (CAD) and be sure to look for covers that are breathable, UV- resistant, have fast drying times, allow proper rain dispersion, and can stand up to snow and ice. If you’re looking for a perfect fit, which is recommended, custom Jeep and 4x4 covers can be made to your vehicle’s specifications.