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

One of the biggest advantages of owning a garage is the ability to park your car safely during the winter months. No more shoveling snow off your vehicle or scraping ice from the windshield. Keeping your car inside also helps maintain warmer engine fluids, making it easier to start when the temperature drops.

Your garage offers protection all year round. In the summer, it shields your car from UV damage, while in the winter, it keeps snow and slush away. Even if your garage isn’t insulated, it still provides a layer of defense against harsh weather conditions.

However, some experts argue that parking your car in the garage during winter might actually be harmful. According to an article in the *Globe & Mail*, two Canadian professors highlight potential risks:

• Moving your car in and out of the garage can cause snow and ice to melt and refreeze, potentially damaging door seals and weatherstripping.
• Damp conditions combined with road salt can increase the risk of rust, especially on body panels and undercarriage.

If you come home after a long day and your car is covered in snow and salt, leaving it in the garage could lead to condensation and moisture buildup. This environment, along with corrosive substances, may speed up the rusting process. Over time, this can affect your car’s body, exhaust system, and even the radiator.

Repeated temperature changes can also cause rubber seals to degrade faster. So while there's no definitive answer on whether it's better to park inside or outside, it's important to consider these factors.

If you don’t notice any signs of premature rust and enjoy the convenience of a clean car every morning, then parking in the garage might still be the best option for you. It’s ultimately a personal choice based on your climate, garage conditions, and how much you value convenience over potential wear and tear.