Calgary’s winters can be harsh, with freezing temperatures, heavy snow, and frequent freeze-thaw cycles from Chinook winds. While it may seem convenient to store your car in your own garage or under a simple cover outside, these options often fall short in providing the protection your vehicle truly needs.
Unheated garages can expose your car to fluctuating temperatures, leading to moisture buildup, corrosion, and damage to sensitive components. On the other hand, outdoor storage – even with a cover – leaves your vehicle vulnerable to snow, ice, and winds. For protection against the elements and for your peace of mind, secure, climate-controlled storage is the smarter choice. And if you’re planning EV Car Storage, this becomes even more important, since electric vehicles are far more sensitive to extreme temperatures and humidity.
In this blog, we walk you through important maintenance and cleaning tips to not only prep your car for winter storage but to ensure it’s ready to hit the road when the warmer weather returns.
1. Start With a Thorough Cleaning
Dirt, salt, and grime can wreak havoc on your car’s exterior and interior during extended periods of vehicle storage in Calgary, especially because the city uses a mix of sand and salt on icy roads. Here’s how to prep your vehicle to avoid damage:
- Wash and wax – Start with a deep wash to remove contaminants, then apply a wax coat to protect the paint.
- Clean the interior – Vacuum carpets, wipe down surfaces, and remove all trash to prevent mould and odours.
- Address the undercarriage – Don’t overlook the undercarriage – this area is vulnerable to rust from residual road salt.
2. Complete Routine Maintenance
Before storing your car, make sure it’s in good condition with routine maintenance recommended by the manufacturer. This step not only prevents any potential issues but makes it easier to get your vehicle back on the road when the season changes.
- Change the oil – Old oil can become acidic and harm your engine over time.
- Top off fluids – Fill up coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid to avoid condensation and freezing.
- Check tire pressure – Properly inflated tires prevent flat spots from forming during storage.
- Protect the battery – Disconnect the battery or use a trickle charger to maintain its charge.
3. Choose the Right Storage Environment
Unlike standard garages or outdoor parking, climate-controlled storage maintains a consistent temperature and humidity level, protecting your vehicle from extreme cold and preventing moisture buildup that can lead to rust, corrosion, and damage to sensitive components. Shield Storage’s clean facilities also eliminate the risk of dirt, debris, or pests damaging your car during extended periods of inactivity.
Here are some final touches before storing your vehicle:
- Cover your car with a high-quality, breathable cover to keep dust off while allowing airflow.
- Release the parking brake and use wheel locks to prevent tire strain.
- Ensure your car insurance is up to date.
EV Car Storage
Storing an electric vehicle (EV) comes with a few extra steps to keep the battery, electronics, and mechanical components in good shape. These tips build on your regular storage prep and help ensure your EV stays protected until you’re ready to hit the road again.
Battery & Electrical Prep
Before parking your EV long-term, charge the high-voltage battery to around 50% — this maintains essential systems without putting unnecessary stress on the battery. Once charged, disconnect the 12-volt battery to prevent slow drain from background electronics. Just make sure your key fob and owner’s manual are accessible before you do this; you’ll likely need them when reconnecting. If your EV has a front trunk, consider leaving it open inside a locked garage to make re-connection easier.
Exterior Protection & Environment
Give your EV a thorough wash, including the wheel wells and underside of the fenders, to remove dirt, salt, and grime that could cause corrosion during storage. Whenever possible, store the EV indoors in a dry, ventilated, climate-controlled space, since extreme temperatures and moisture can affect both the exterior and battery components. If outdoor storage is your only option, use a breathable, high-quality car cover and plan to check the vehicle occasionally for rust or wear.
Tires, Brakes & Mechanical Care
EVs tend to be heavier than gas-powered cars, so proper tire maintenance is crucial. Inflate the tires to the recommended pressure to help prevent flat spots. Make sure the parking brake releases fully, and lightly protect exposed linkages or metal parts from rust. If possible, roll the vehicle forward or backward every couple of weeks (about 7.5 m / 25 ft) to keep parts from seizing and to reduce stress on the tires.
With secure, climate-controlled units and flexible storage options, Shield Storage makes it easy to protect your EV year-round and keep it in top condition until you’re ready to drive again.
Why Choose Shield Storage?
Shield Storage provides a climate-controlled environment that prevents moisture buildup, rust, and freezing temperatures from damaging your vehicle. With comprehensive security features—including 24/7 monitoring, gated access, secure locks, and a dedicated management team—you can trust that your car is protected from theft and vandalism.
Convenient access hours make it easy to check on or retrieve your vehicle whenever you need it, and flexible short-term and long-term lease options ensure you get a storage solution tailored to your needs.
Contact us today to reserve your spot!
