|
|
Time to read 6 min
When winter rolls in, your Subaru BRZ needs more than just a parked spot in the garage. Cold temps, road salt, and moisture can all leave lasting damage if you’re not careful. Even if you're not driving it, your BRZ is still exposed to problems that can slowly wear it down, especially the paint, trim, and wheels. Protecting its appearance during the off-season takes a little prep, some key accessories, and a few smart habits.
Whether you plan to cover the car up for a few weeks or the whole season, taking the time to store it correctly now can save you a lot of effort repairing things later. Subaru BRZ accessories like custom-fit covers or interior protectors aren’t just nice to have in winter. They really help your car look better, longer. Here's how to get started on a winter storage plan that keeps your BRZ looking the way you want it to.
Getting your Subaru BRZ ready for storage begins with a deep clean. Leaving behind dirt, road grime, salt, or food crumbs might not seem like a big deal, but those things can cause stains, corrosion, or even attract rodents while your car sits. A clean car is a protected car.
Start with the outside first. Give your BRZ a hand wash using a pH-balanced soap made for cars. Rinse thoroughly, especially around the wheels, undercarriage, and along the bottom of the doors where grime builds up. Once clean, dry everything well with microfiber towels. Follow that with a coat of wax to help seal the surface against moisture while it’s parked.
On the inside:
1. Vacuum the carpets and seats
2. Use interior wipes or a damp cloth on the dashboard, center console, and doors
3. Remove any trash or snacks that might attract pests
4. Empty the glove box and trunk of any clutter
Before storing, fill your gas tank all the way. This helps prevent moisture from building up in the fuel system. If the car will be parked for more than a month, add a fuel stabilizer and let the engine idle for about five to ten minutes so the additive circulates.
Top off other fluids including coolant, wiper fluid (use winter formula), and brake fluid. Check for any warning lights or leaks. Now's the time to fix those things—before you're ready to drive again next season. Don't forget to wash the floor mats. Salt left on rubber or carpet can eat into the material over time.
It may take an afternoon, but getting these steps done means you're not just parking your BRZ, you're protecting it.
Once your BRZ is clean and topped off, it's time to protect it from dust, scratches, and temperature changes. This is where good accessories make a big difference. A fitted car cover made for the Subaru BRZ prevents dust buildup, paint oxidation, and random scrapes from things moving around in the garage. It can also block UV rays if your BRZ is parked near windows or sees occasional sunlight.
Other accessories to consider:
1. Wheel covers to block brake dust from settling on the rims
2. Interior sunshades to reduce fading on the dash and seats
3. Seat covers to help with moisture and temperature swings
4. Door handle and mirror covers to reduce scuffs on painted parts
When picking a car cover, go with one that is breathable but still blocks water and dirt. Covers that trap moisture can cause more harm than good. If your BRZ is stored outdoors, look for an all-weather model with reinforced seams and a soft interior lining.
Storing your BRZ safely all winter goes beyond just putting it in park. Adding the right Subaru BRZ accessories gives you peace of mind that when spring hits, your car will look just as good as it did going in. A little extra protection now will save you from spending hours fixing small issues later
While your BRZ is in storage, the battery still drains over time. Finding a dead battery when you’re ready to drive again is frustrating, but easy to avoid.
One option is to disconnect the negative battery terminal. This slows the battery drain from systems like alarms or the radio clock. If you'd rather keep those systems powered, use a battery maintainer or trickle charger. These tools keep the battery topped off without overcharging and are ideal for long-term storage.
Tires can also develop flat spots if your BRZ sits too long without moving. Inflate the tires to the higher end of the recommended PSI range before parking. This gives extra cushion against air loss caused by cold weather.
If storage of your BRZ lasts more than a month and driving isn’t an option, rotate the tires or move the BRZ slightly every few weeks. That keeps the same patch of rubber from being under pressure the whole time. If your space doesn't allow movement, consider putting the BRZ on jack stands to take pressure off the tires entirely.
Here’s a quick checklist to stay on top of battery and tire care:
1. Inflate all tires to the upper end of the recommended PSI
2. Check for visible cracks, bulges, or worn tread before storing
3. Keep a tire pressure gauge handy if you want to monitor levels
4. Use jack stands for long-term, stationary storage
5. Hook up a trickle charger or battery maintainer to keep the battery healthy
Taking these steps before winter hits means your BRZ is much more likely to fire up and roll out without a hitch when spring arrives.
Even if your Subaru BRZ is stored inside, the garage environment still matters. Poor airflow and high humidity can lead to rust and mildew. Staying ahead of that is easier than fixing those problems after they’ve started.
Look over your garage first. Does it stay dry after snow or rain? If you catch a musty smell or spot condensation on windows, moisture is getting trapped. Using moisture-absorbing packs or installing a small dehumidifier goes a long way in keeping that under control.
Ventilation helps a lot too. Cracking a garage window gives stale air somewhere to escape. If your garage doesn't have windows or vents, adding a fan on a low timer setting can help keep air moving. Just don't aim it directly at the car.
In colder areas, avoid using space heaters—these aren't always safe or efficient for garages. Instead, focus on insulation. Well-insulated doors and walls help maintain a stable temperature. You can also seal gaps with foam weather-stripping to reduce cold air drafts.
Stable climate conditions prevent your car from dealing with constant temperature changes, which can cause condensation and damage over time. It helps preserve your BRZ’s paint, interior, and even battery performance while the car is resting.
Winter storage isn’t just about finding an open space. If you're aiming to keep your Subaru BRZ in top shape, it's about stacking up the small wins. Cleaning it right, topping off fluids, covering surfaces, managing tire pressure, and setting up the right storage space all play a part.
A clean body blocks long-term corrosion. A full gas tank helps stop water buildup in the fuel system. A properly charged battery saves you from needing a jump later. Accessories like fitted covers, sunshades, and wheel protection work quietly to keep everything in place.
We’ve seen it before. A BRZ stored with care under a snug, lined cover comes out in spring looking freshly detailed. Another one under a loose, generic sheet shows scratches along the doors and dust all over the wheels. Which one would you rather drive?
When cold weather moves in, take a little extra time now to protect your BRZ before winter really settles. A few hours upfront can keep your ride looking fresh and ready to roll when the roads clear. Your future self will thank you.
If you want your Subaru BRZ to make it through winter in top form, it starts with the right protection. Getting ahead now means your car will be ready to hit the road without skipping a beat when spring arrives.
Subimods creates a powerful channel between the growing community of inspired enthusiasts and the productive marketplace who provides a plethora of quality solutions which assist in bringing victory to their lives through the performance of their cars.
Explore our lineup of trusted Subaru BRZ parts and accessories at Subimods in the gallery below:
Can't find what you need here?
Just visit our website and explore the section dedicated to your year, model and platform or contact one of our team members with questions.
Please leave your comments below regarding this article. We would love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks for reading and visiting Subimods.
