7 tips to store your car effectively
Is it true that you can store a car for six months or more? Most certainly, but you’ll need to do some planning if this is the case. In this article we provide 7 useful tips for effective long-term car storage.
1. Wash and polish
Before putting your car in storage, wash the outside and clean the inside. Food waste within might attract vermin. Dirt and grime on the exteriors of cars can gradually erode their paint jobs over time. If you’re willing to store your vehicle because you care about it, take the time and effort to give it a good cleaning!
2. Change the engine oil
Make sure the engine oil is changed. Used oil can accumulate in your engine if you don’t change it frequently. Get an oil change before storing your automobile for a lengthy period of time to keep it running smoothly.
3. Replace the air filters and coolant
It’s a good idea to change all of your filters and fluids before storing your car for the long run. This way, you won’t forget to do it when you get your automobile back from storage.
4. Fill up your petrol tank
It is important not to leave your car parked for long periods of time without filling the gas tank, especially in the winter. Why? Inside an empty fuel tank, condensation may form.
Condensation is moisture that causes rust. Make sure your gas tank is completely full when you store it to prevent condensation from forming inside it. Add a fuel stabiliser to the gas. For about a year, adding this will extend the petrol in your tank’s life.
5. Protect your tires
When you put your vehicle into storage, you’ll want to try to avoid getting flat spots on your tires. The hard, concrete floor of a storage unit against the weight of the vehicle will damage tires left in one position for long enough. Here are a few strategies:
- Over inflate your tires.
- Use tire blocks.
- Remove the tires and store your vehicle on jack stands.
- Move your car once a month to rotate the tires.
7. Use a car cover
Even if you’re keeping your automobile indoors, a car cover is recommended. If you’re storing your automobile outside, you’ll want a fantastic car cover. Dust, trash, rain, UV light, and rodents are all protected by car covers.
Bonus Tip: Keep the battery charged
Your automobile battery will eventually die if you don’t use it for a long time. Your vehicle’s battery will eventually die if you don’t use it for a long period of time. You’ll want to disconnect your car battery and connect it to a trickle charger instead of trying to start your car when you’re ready to move it out of storage.
You can also remove the battery and keep it charged at home. Otherwise, if you need to store your vehicle, you’ll need another automobile and a set of jumper cables.
Car storage options
Consider how long you’ll be keeping your car and what level of protection you want while selecting a vehicle storage option. Indoor storage is always the best choice for long-term parking since exposure to the elements is the greatest danger to your automobile. Outdoor storage, whether covered or not, is less expensive but better suited for short-term vehicle storage.
