There is quite a difference between not using your car for a couple of days and not using it for six months. Understand how to prepare your car for long-term storage by following basic maintenance and service. Doing so will go a long way to protecting your car and helping you use it again when you are ready to take it out of storage.
Steps
- 1Check your paperwork. Renew your registration if it will expire while you store your vehicle, or set a reminder to do so when it is due. Also, contact your insurance company to inform them that you will be storing your car and confirm your car is fully covered by your existing insurance policy.
- 2Service your car. It is important that your engine and fluids are in good shape before you store your vehicle for a long period. Otherwise, you risk having your car not start when you are ready to use it again.
- Change or top off fluids, as appropriate. This includes oil, water, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid.
- Fill your car with gasoline as it leaves less airspace for moist air to enter the engine and form condensation (or ice).
- Check belts, filters, hoses, and other components of your engine. Ensure that all are in working order and clean.
- 3Lubricate the car. Oil the hinges of the hood, doors, and trunk. Use a graphite-based lubricant for locks. Coat rubber parts of the doors with silicone. This will help prevent them from freezing shut.
- 4Clean the interior. Throw away any trash. Vacuum seats and floor mats to prevent damage. Use protectant on leather, vinyl, and other fabric. Wash the inside of your windows. Getting the interior of your car in shape before storing it will prevent smells and potential damage from the sun or heat.
- 5Care for the exterior. Wash, buff, and wax your car. Have it detailed, if possible. Make sure to clean the underside of your car as anything stuck to the bottom of the car acts like a sponge, trapping moisture that could lead to the creation of rust. Remove wiper blades or lift them up so they do not become deformed or flat.
- 6Ensure that the battery is fully charged. Electronics can quickly drain the power of your battery, so make sure it is charged before you store your vehicle. You can also consider using a trickle charger. Disconnecting your battery completely can cause damage or lose electrical memory.
- 7Fill the tires. When you store your vehicle for a long time, tires can gain flat spots. While some mechanics suggest you fill tires to the correct pressure and then put your car on blocks, others suggest that you raise the pressure of your tires and keep your car on the ground.
- 8Cover your vehicle. Vehicle covers protect your car from sun damage, dust, and minor dings. Try to find a vehicle cover designed for long-term storage. These will not trap moisture, but allow your vehicle to breathe. [2]
Tips
- Refer to your owner's manual for other specific instructions, as each vehicle has unique considerations and guidelines.
- Store your vehicle in a "dry, covered, well ventilated lockable area with adequate space around the vehicle for inspection and movement." This is the best place for your car to be to prevent damage. [1]
Warnings
- Do not use bricks to raise your car off the ground as they can rumble and break, which could damage to your vehicle and potentially injure you.
Things You'll Need
- Cleaning supplies
- Supply of car fluids (as needed)
- Graphite-based lubricant
- Silicone
- Tire pressure gauge
- Tire pump
- Vehicle cover
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