Long Term Car Storage: Tips and Tricks for Keeping Your Vehicle Safe
When it comes to long term car storage, proper preparation is crucial to ensure your vehicle stays in good condition until you're ready to use it again. Whether you're storing your car for the winter months, during a deployment, or for any other extended period of time, taking the right steps can prevent costly damage and maintenance issues. In this post, we'll provide you with comprehensive tips and advice on how to properly store your car for the long term.
Clean Your Car
The first step to preparing your car for long term storage is to clean it thoroughly. Dirt, grime, and bird droppings can damage your car's paint, so make sure to wash and wax the exterior. Clean the interior as well, and remove any food, trash, or other items that may attract rodents.
Change the Oil and Top Off Fluids
Old oil can become acidic and corrode engine parts if left in the car for too long. To prevent this, change the oil and filter before storing your vehicle. It's also a good idea to top off other fluids like the coolant, transmission fluid, and brake fluid.
Inflate the Tires and Protect Them
Flat spots can develop on your car's tires if they're left in the same position for too long. To prevent this, inflate your tires to the recommended pressure and move your car every few weeks to change the pressure points. You can also protect your tires from sunlight and ozone damage by using tire covers.
Disconnect the Battery or Use a Trickle Charger
Car batteries can lose their charge over time, especially if they're not being used. To prevent this, disconnect the battery and store it separately, or use a trickle charger to keep the battery charged while the car is in storage.
Store Your Car in a Safe Location
Choosing the right location to store your car is crucial for keeping it safe and secure. Ideally, you should store your car in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated area, such as a garage or storage unit. If you're storing your car outside, use a car cover to protect it from the elements.
Prepare Your Car for Long-Term Storage
Before you park your car, take a few additional steps to prepare it for long-term storage. Fill up the gas tank to prevent moisture from building up, and add a fuel stabilizer to prevent the gasoline from breaking down over time. You can also raise your car on jack stands to take the weight off the tires and prevent them from developing flat spots.
Storing your car for the long term requires careful preparation and planning, but following the steps outlined in this post can help ensure that your vehicle stays in good condition and is ready to go when you need it. By choosing a suitable storage location, preparing your car's fluids, battery, and tires, and taking steps to prevent damage from pests, weather, and other hazards, you can rest easy knowing that your car is in good hands. Whether you're storing your car for a few months or several years, a little extra effort upfront can save you time, money, and stress down the road.
The advice on this website is provided as a courtesy for informational purposes only.