For a kids toy, Power Wheels are pretty durable, but they aren’t indestructible. A toy vehicle has parts such as the battery and wiring that do not hold up well when left to the elements.
If you want to keep your vehicle running for as long as possible, you’ll have to find a good place to store it when it isn’t in use, such as in the colder months.
Your best bet for storing your Power Wheels cars is to make use of space that you already have.
A garage or a sturdy shed are wonderful options, but you can also consider other inventive ideas, such as hanging your car from the wall or a load-bearing shelf in a unique space that’s great for storage.
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Home Storage
When it comes to Power Wheels storage, luckily, the cars usually aren’t huge. The size gives parents many options when it comes to protecting the vehicle from the elements, and one of those choices is to utilize home storage, such as a garage.
Of course, you don’t want your child’s toy to be in the way, so in-home power wheels storage may not be possible if you live in an apartment or if you lack a storage area in your living space. But, if you do have some extra room, your garage, basement, or attic are ideal places to keep your Power Wheels vehicle away from the elements.
Garages and attics are one of the most common options because they are where people usually store their tools and other stuff that they don’t need all the time. A garage or attic is also perfect for Power Wheels storage because it is inside the house without being in the way of day-to-day living.
Indoor storage also prolongs the life of the car and saves the vehicle’s power so your child can get right back on when the cold weather ends.
You can even get creative with the way you store your kids’ Power Wheels within your house. Some people hang them from the wall or place them in overhead storage like a large shelf, usually in the garage.
Just make sure that you take the weight capacity of the shelving or your attic into consideration before leaving your vehicle there.
If hanging your kids’ vehicles on your garage wall doesn’t feel like a great option for you or you don’t have shelves that can accommodate such a large item, there are other tips to make space in your garage for your Power Wheels.
For instance, instead of putting the vehicle on a shelf, pick up several smaller items in your garage to put on your shelves or overhangs. Just a few smaller objects picked up off the garage floor may give you enough room.
Yard Storage
Although storing your vehicle inside, such as a garage, basement, or attic, is the best option to prevent damage, you can also keep your Power Wheels in your yard.
If you choose this alternative, you must take the battery out of the Power Wheels first. Batteries do not do well in extreme temperatures.
Excessive heat can lead to overcharging, which causes battery death and corrosion of the lead plates inside the battery. Damage done during warm temperatures can be exacerbated in the cold.
Since the batteries are much smaller than the actual machine, they can easily fit in a closet or a garage.
If you plan on storing your Power Wheels vehicle in the yard, you will need an outdoor-resistant cover. A cover that is both wind- and water-resistant is your best option to protect your cars, so they stay in good condition for future fun.
Storage Unit
A storage unit is another excellent choice for storing your Power Wheels, especially if you already have one rented. If you don’t, you could consider buying one to store other household items, like tools, bikes, toys, or items you’d only need during a particular time of the year and that can’t fit into your garage or home.
Check the prices in your area before purchasing one to make sure you are getting the best deal.
Storage
Storage sheds are your best outdoor option to store your kid’s Power Wheels cars. Convenient and durable, a sturdy shed is a handy space for storing all of your outdoor items.
Of course, it’s best if you already have one, but you can consider purchasing one to hold all of those loose items that are cluttering up your garage or living space.
Other Things to Consider for Power Wheels Storage
Figuring out where to store your Power Wheels is not your only concern. You also want to keep the machine in good condition so it will be ready the next time you use it.
Keeping Your Battery Safe During Storage
The battery is one of the most important parts of the Power Wheels cars. Without the battery, the Power Wheels cannot operate, and if the battery is low or impaired, you won’t have as much power.
To keep the battery in its best condition during storage and to prevent you from having to spend money on a new one in the spring, charge the battery before you store your Power Wheels.
If you are storing your car outside, even if it’s in a storage shed, you’ll want to bring the battery inside, like in a garage. Indoor storage keeps the machine away from moisture and freezing temperatures.
Also, do not leave your battery hooked to the vehicle the whole time it’s in storage. Leaving your Power Wheels connected to an outlet in your garage or basement for more than 12 to 15 hours will cause it to overheat. An overheated battery will begin to swell and eventually crack.
Clean Before You Store
You may feel the urge to just stick your vehicles in a garage or storage shed and forget about them, but taking some extra time to clean your Power Wheels will keep them in their best condition.
Cleaning your vehicle or vehicles before storage will prevent adverse effects on the plastic body. Plastics can quickly become embrittled and lose their strength from reactions to certain compounds.
Water and other substances in the environment can cause swelling or dissolving of plastics if left to sit for too long. These reactions are why inside storage is the best option for these vehicles.
To clean your childrens’ vehicles before storage:
- Add a mild dish detergent and a small amount of bleach to a bucket of warm water.
- Soak a rag in the mixture and wring it before you or your kid begin to wash the Power Wheels.
- Be careful not to douse the battery, motor, or electrical components in water. You should also disconnect your battery before cleaning, so there is no chance of a shock.
When cleaning, make sure that you check all areas of your vehicles to get rid of all debris and dirt. Look inside the trunk, if your Power Wheels vehicle has one, and underneath to be sure it’s nice and clean for storage.
Caring for the Electronic and Metal Components Before Storage
Ideally, Power Wheels should be kept in storage whenever they’re not in use, whether it is summer or winter. Storage is a good idea because rain and other wet conditions can rust or corrode electronic and metal parts inside the toy.
If the battery gets wet, you should pat it dry with a clean rag or towel and charge it completely. This care will keep your vehicles at optimal power for the next ride.
It’s a good idea to use lubricating oil on the metal parts of your Power Wheels before you place it into storage, even if it is in a garage.
A coating of oil helps to block moisture from reaching the iron inside the metal and causing corrosion. Lubrication of the moving parts will also keep your toy going well when spring comes back around.
If you are storing your toy outside, like in a storage shed, consider applying rust-preventing products to the metal to create a stronger protective barrier.
Think About Disassembly
Taking your vehicle apart is not the best option for storage because you will have to assemble it again every year. But, if you just need a bit more space, you may want to consider disassembling it.
Just make sure that you have the tools to assemble the car again when your children are ready to ride it.
The Bottom Line
Ideally, it would be best if you thought of some storage ideas before purchasing your Power Wheels. If you’ve already bought your vehicle, then you can use some of these tips to look for or create some extra space to store your cars.
Indoor storage options work best, such as a garage, to store your vehicle because they help prevent rust from forming and keep the toy in top shape for its next ride. If no indoor room is available, other options include the yard with a water and windproof tarp or inside a storage shed.
Whatever idea you pick, make sure that your Power Wheels vehicles survive the winter with their power intact by keeping your cars in a dry place.