--- title: Wisconsin Winter Storage Tips | Sparks Self Storage url: https://sparksselfstoragellc.com/guides/wisconsin-winter-storage/ business: Sparks Self Storage LLC phone: (608) 412-4263 address: 35068 WI-27, Prairie du Chien, WI 53821 access: 24/7 access is available on request for an additional fee (ask when you rent) --- - [Home](https://sparksselfstoragellc.com/) - [Guides](https://sparksselfstoragellc.com/guides/) - Wisconsin winter storage tips for cars, boats and lawn equipment # 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]](#src-h) . Clean grass and dirt off lawn equipment to prevent rust and corrosion [[3]](#src-h) . - ### 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]](#src-h) . - ### 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]](#src-h) [[2]](#src-h) . - ### Protect the tires Check pressure when the tires are cool [[2]](#src-h) . AAA suggests adding about 10 psi to help prevent flat spots - never go above the maximum printed on the tire [[1]](#src-h) . - ### Skip the parking brake AAA advises not using the parking brake on a stored vehicle; pads can rust to the rotors [[1]](#src-h) . - ### Use the right cover A fitted car cover protects a vehicle stored indoors. Avoid rough tarps or loose plastic that can trap moisture [[2]](#src-h) . - ### 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]](#src-h) . - ### 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]](#src-h) . - ### Keep fuel cans out Don't leave fuel containers in the vehicle or the storage space [[2]](#src-h) . ## 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](https://sparksselfstoragellc.com/vehicle-boat-storage/). ## Sources - [AAA car care tips for vehicles parked longer than expected (via AutoInc., Apr. 1, 2020)](https://www.autoinc.org/aaa-releases-car-care-tips-for-motorists-with-longer-than-expected-parked-vehicles/) - 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?](https://www.publicstorage.com/help-center/how-to-store-a-car) - 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)](https://extension.msstate.edu/newsletters/turf-tips-newsletter/2009/winter-storage-lawn-equipment-11-09-09) - 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)](https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/newsroom/release/44596) - 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](https://sparksselfstoragellc.com/storage-units/). ## More guides - [What size storage unit do I need?](https://sparksselfstoragellc.com/guides/what-size-storage-unit/) - [How to pack a storage unit](https://sparksselfstoragellc.com/guides/how-to-pack-a-storage-unit/) Rent a unit ## Ready for a unit? Tell us the size you want and when you'd like to move in. We'll call to confirm availability and today's rate. Talk to a person [(608) 412-4263](tel:+16084124263) Our team answers calls and messages 7 days a week 35068 WI-27 Prairie du Chien, WI 53821 [Get directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=35068+WI-27%2C+Prairie+du+Chien%2C+WI+53821&destination_place_id=ChIJ5bWjRimF_IcRRjE-yl6U8zA)