The Pros and Cons of Parking in Your Garage Over the Winter

Possibly one of the most appealing features of owning a garage is the convenience of parking your car indoors during the winter months. Regardless of how harsh the weather gets, you can rest assured that your vehicle will always be ready to go without the hassle of chipping ice or shoveling snow off the windshield or roof. Additionally, keeping your car inside the garage helps maintain the fluid temperatures, making it easier to start the engine on cold mornings.

Your garage serves as a reliable shelter for your car throughout the year. During the summer, it protects the car's exterior from harmful UV rays, while in the winter, it shields your vehicle from the elements like snow, sleet, and freezing rain—even if your garage isn't insulated.

However, some argue that parking your car in the garage over winter may not be entirely beneficial. According to an article in the Globe & Mail, two Canadian professors suggest that this practice could potentially harm your car's body panels, seals, and undercarriage. Here's why:

• Moving your car in and out of the garage frequently can cause snow and ice to melt and refreeze, which may shorten the lifespan of your car's seals.
• The damp environment inside the garage, combined with road salt, creates ideal conditions for rust to form, particularly if your car remains wet for prolonged periods.

Let’s say you come home after a long day at work or after running errands, and your car is covered in slush and salt. If you park it in the garage, the snow will eventually melt, leading to condensation. The warmth and humidity inside, coupled with corrosive materials, can accelerate rust formation on your car's body, exhaust system, and other critical components. This could result in faster oxidation and deterioration of the rubber seals around your car doors and windows.

While there’s ongoing debate about whether parking in the garage is good or bad for your car in winter, the final decision rests with you. If you haven’t noticed any significant rust or seal wear, and you enjoy the convenience of having a clean car every morning, then parking in the garage is probably the right choice for you.