Wisconsin winter storage tips for cars, boats and lawn equipment
Before a vehicle, boat or mower sits through a Wisconsin winter, clean and dry it, deal with the fuel (a stabilizer in a full tank for vehicles; drain or stabilize small engines), keep the battery charged or disconnected, and drain all water from boats and motors. Cover vehicles with a fitted cover, not a plastic tarp.
Step by step
Clean and dry it first
Wash and dry the vehicle, vacuum the inside and remove food, trash and loose belongings before it goes in [2]. Clean grass and dirt off lawn equipment to prevent rust and corrosion [3].
Treat the fuel
If gas will sit for more than a few months - especially gas with ethanol - AAA recommends a fuel stabilizer, and filling the tank to help minimize condensation [1].
Look after the battery
Keep it at full charge with a maintenance-type charger, or follow your owner's manual - some vehicles should be disconnected [1][2].
Protect the tires
Check pressure when the tires are cool [2]. AAA suggests adding about 10 psi to help prevent flat spots - never go above the maximum printed on the tire [1].
Skip the parking brake
AAA advises not using the parking brake on a stored vehicle; pads can rust to the rotors [1].
Use the right cover
A fitted car cover protects a vehicle stored indoors. Avoid rough tarps or loose plastic that can trap moisture [2].
Prep mowers and snowblowers
Change the oil, clean the air filter and consider a new spark plug. Then either drain the tank and run the engine until the carburetor is empty, or add a gasoline stabilizer to the tank [3].
Drain the boat
Drain all water from the boat, motor, livewells and other equipment, and remove plants, animals and mud from the boat and trailer before you leave the landing [4].
Keep fuel cans out
Don't leave fuel containers in the vehicle or the storage space [2].
Picking a unit for winter
Boats on trailers, snowmobiles, ATVs and riding mowers usually need a 10x30 or 10x40; one car fits most 10x20s. See vehicle, boat & trailer storage.
Sources
- AAA car care tips for vehicles parked longer than expected (via AutoInc., Apr. 1, 2020) - fuel stabilizer, fill the tank, maintenance-type battery charger, add 10 psi, don't use the parking brake
- Public Storage - How do you store a car for several months? - clean and dry, owner's manual for the battery, tire pressure when cool, fitted cover not plastic, no fuel containers
- Mississippi State University Extension - Winter storage of lawn equipment (Dr. Wayne Wells, Nov. 9, 2009) - clean equipment, oil, air filter, spark plug, drain fuel or add stabilizer
- Wisconsin DNR - Keep Wisconsin's waters healthy: drain your livewells and fish buckets (June 2, 2021) - drain all water from boats, motors and livewells; remove plants, animals and mud
Sources accessed October 19, 2026. Follow your owner's manual for your own vehicle, boat or equipment.
At Sparks Self Storage: 75 drive-up 10x20, 10x30 and 10x40 units on Highway 27 in Prairie du Chien, month-to-month, free disc lock with every new rental. See the units.
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35068 WI-27
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