Storage Tips for Storing a Vehicle, brought to you by edmunds.com:
Keep It Covered
The ideal place to store the vehicle is in an enclosed storage unit, which is very much the same as storing it in a garage. This will protect it from the elements and keep it at a temperature that’s relatively stable.
If you have to leave the car outdoors, consider getting a weatherproof car cover. This will help keep the car clean and dry.
Clean It Up
It may seem counterintuitive to get the car washed when you’re putting it away for months, but it is an easy step and one that shouldn’t be overlooked. Water stains or bird droppings left on the car can damage the paint. Make sure to clean the wheels and undersides of the fenders to get rid of mud, grease or tar. For added protection, give the car a coat of wax.
Change the Oil
Skip this step if you’re only storing the car for a week or two. But if you will be storing the vehicle for longer than 30 days, consider getting the oil changed. Ford recommends this in its owner’s manuals, saying that used engine oil has contaminants that could damage the engine.
Top off the Tank
This is another long-term car storage tip. If you expect the car to be in storage for more than 30 days, fill the tank with gas. This will prevent moisture from accumulating inside the fuel tank and keep the seals from drying out. You should also purchase a fuel stabilizer such as Sta-bil, to prevent ethanol buildup and protect the engine from gum, varnish and rust. The fuel stabilizer will prevent the gas from deteriorating for up to 12 months.
Keep It Charged
An unattended battery will eventually lose its charge. If possible, get someone to start the car every two weeks and drive it for about 15 minutes. Driving the car periodically has two benefits. It will maintain the battery’s charge, help the car “stretch its legs” and keep the engine and other components properly lubricated. It is also a good idea to run the air-conditioner to keep the parts in working order and the air quality fresh.
If you cannot arrange for someone to start the car, there are two other options. The low-tech solution is to disconnect the negative battery cable. You’ll likely lose the stereo presets, time and other settings.
Don’t Use the Parking Brake
It’s usually a good idea to use the parking brake, but don’t do it when you leave a car in storage. If the brake pads make contact with the rotors for too long, there is a chance that they might fuse. Instead of engaging the brake, you can purchase a tire stopper, also called a chock, to prevent the car from moving.
Prevent Flat Spots
Make sure your tires are inflated to the recommended tire pressure. If a vehicle is left stationary for too long, the tires could develop flat spots as the weight of the vehicle presses down on the tires’ footprints. This process occurs at a faster rate in colder temperatures and with vehicles equipped with performance tires or low-profile tires.
In some cases, simply having someone drive the car for awhile will bring the tires up to their normal operating temperature and get rid of any flat spots. In more severe cases, a flat spot becomes a permanent part of the tire and you will need to replace the tire.
If your car will be in storage for more than 30 days, consider taking the wheels off and placing the car on jack stands at all four corners. This step requires more work, but it can save you from needing a new set of tires. Without the weight of a vehicle resting upon them, your tires will be in much better shape when you return.
Keep Critters Out
A garage will keep your car dry and relatively warm. Unfortunately, those are also two things that make a garaged car attractive to mice or rats. There are plenty of places in your car for critters to hide and plenty of things for them to chew on. Try to cover any gaps where a mouse could enter, such as the exhaust pipe or an air intake. Steel wool works well for this. We here at StoreRight, take preventive measures to avoid critter infestations, however, there is a measure you can take in addition to ours to help prevent critters from making your car their home –simply, spread cotton swabs dipped in peppermint oil along the perimeter of the vehicle. The smell is said to help keep critters away.
Maintain Insurance
You might be tempted to cancel your auto insurance when your vehicle is in storage. Although that might initially save money, there is a chance that the insurance company will raise your rates due to the gap in coverage, which could cost you more in the long run. This can vary based on where you live and who your provider is, so contact your insurance company to see what options are available to you.
