Essential Storage Oils & Engine Defenders: The Key to Protecting Your Vehicle This Winter
As winter approaches, ensuring your race car or classic vehicle is properly prepared for storage should be a top priority. Just like elite athletes require specialized care during the off-season, your vehicle demands protection against corrosion, moisture, and degradation—especially when it comes to its engine and fuel system.
The right storage motor oil and fuel additives will make the difference between a rough start in the spring and an engine that fires up like it never sat a day. Follow this guide to ensure your vehicle is well-preserved and ready to perform once the cold months pass.
Prioritize High-Performance Storage Oils
One of the most critical steps before storage is selecting the right high-performance motor oil formulated specifically for long-term protection. Used oil contains contaminants such as:
- Diluted fuel
- Moisture
- Acidic byproducts
- Metal contaminants
These elements can corrode internal engine components if left unchecked. When preparing for storage, follow these best practices for an oil change:
- Perform a hot oil change – Run the engine before draining the oil to remove as much moisture and contaminants as possible.
- Use storage-specific oil – The Driven HR series motor oils contain enhanced rust and corrosion inhibitors, offering superior engine protection during downtime.
- Run the engine after refilling – This circulates fresh oil throughout the engine, ensuring all critical parts are coated with protective additives.
By using the right storage oil, you safeguard your engine from deterioration and guarantee a smooth cold start when spring arrives.
Defend Your Fuel System with Storage Additives
In addition to oil maintenance, protecting your fuel system is crucial. Over time, fuel can degrade, leading to varnish buildup and moisture contamination. The best way to prevent this is by:
- Filling the fuel tank completely – This reduces air space inside the tank, minimizing moisture accumulation.
- Adding the right fuel storage additive – Use Driven Injector Defender (for fuel injection systems) or Carb Defender (for carbureted engines) to prevent degradation and keep injectors and carburetors clean.
- Running the engine after treatment – This ensures the treated fuel circulates through all fuel lines and system components, offering complete protection.
To maximize effectiveness, add a Driven Defender 10 oz bottle to half a tank of fuel, then fill the tank to the highest level before running the engine.
Additional Storage Preparation Tips
Find the Ideal Storage Facility
Select a storage facility that offers:
- Climate control to prevent temperature-related damage
- Pest control measures to keep rodents away from wiring and upholstery
- Security features to safeguard against theft or vandalism
If storing your vehicle at home, ensure your garage has similar protections.
Protect Against Pests
Even with facility safeguards, take extra measures to deter rodents:
- Use mothballs around the vehicle to repel pests
- Deploy ultrasonic repellents to keep rodents away
- Cover openings (exhaust pipes, air intakes) with steel wool to block entry points
Clean and Cover Your Vehicle
Before storing, ensure your vehicle is:
- Thoroughly cleaned and dried to prevent mold and mildew
- Covered with a breathable, high-quality indoor storage cover to protect against dust and minor impacts
Preserve Your Battery
To prevent battery drain:
- Use a battery tender to maintain charge levels
- If removing the battery, store it in a cool, dry place and check charge periodically
Prevent Tire Damage
Long-term storage can cause flat spots on tires. Prevent this by:
- Slightly overinflating the tires to maintain shape
- Using tire cradles or jacks to take weight off the tires
- Removing and storing quality tires in a climate-controlled space
Conduct Monthly Inspections
Throughout the storage period:
- Check for pest activity, moisture, or leaks
- Start the engine periodically to circulate fluids and keep seals from drying out
If the vehicle remains stationary, ensure proper ventilation when running the engine indoors.
Review Your Insurance Coverage
Confirm your insurance policy covers risks during storage, including:
- Theft
- Fire
- Natural disasters
Providing proof of secure, climate-controlled storage may even lower your insurance premiums.
Final Thoughts
The most important thing you can do for your stored vehicle is select the right engine storage oil and fuel defender additives. By using Driven HR motor oils and Storage Defender Additives, you ensure your engine remains corrosion-free and starts effortlessly after months of inactivity.
Taking the time to properly prepare your vehicle now means you’ll be able to hit the road or track with confidence when spring arrives.
