Preparing Your Vehicle for Storage
It’s almost time to put away the winter baby, so we want to help you put it in a cozy bed where it won’t get hurt. When it’s put away, take care of it properly so that when you take it out for next winter it’s in the same shape as you left it. There are a few ways you can prepare your car for storage:
Unhook Battery
Leaving the battery plugged in when the car is not in use can make it lose its charge. To ensure you will have a working battery when the car comes out of storage, unhook it.
Take the Weight off of Wheels and Suspension
Jack the car up so that the weight isn’t pressing on the wheels and suspension for the whole time it’s in storage. Doing this reduces stress on the car and will help prevent the tires from going flat. Put the car in neutral and keep the parking break off so that it doesn’t lock up over time.
Liquids
Fill all the liquids such as fuel and coolant in the car with brand new product. These products breakdown over time and can cause damage, so it’s best to keep them as new as possible. Also make sure they are all full so that there’s not room for condensation to form and cause corrosion. Get a fuel stabilizer to prevent damage caused by gasoline.
Clean and Cover
Completely clean the inside and outside of the car to remove any dirt and chemicals that will damage the car over time, and dry it completely so that no rust forms. You may want to consider waxing the car to give the paint added protection. Cover it with a high quality cover that will keep dirt away and allow moisture to be absorbed. Keep small animals away by covering as many small holes and cracks as possible, including the exhaust.
Storage
The climate in your area will really impact the storage needs. For every car, it’s important to keep it in a cool, dry space. If you have room to keep in indoors (such as a garage), that’s the best option because the climate is very controlled. For those who can’t keep it indoors, invest in a thick car cover that will protect it from the elements. Be aware that even with the cover it is still at a higher risk of deterioration and damage.
Use these tips to keep your car in its best condition so it will be ready when you take it out for its next drive.
