Before using storage for cars, prepare your vehicle by performing maintenance like cleaning and oil changes to protect its mechanical components and interior. Extreme temperatures, moisture, and UV exposure can damage paint, rubber seals, and engine performance, so selecting the right storage facility will provide the proper protection. Here are a few tips for protecting your vehicle during seasonal car storage:
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1. Clean the Vehicle
Clean your vehicle’s interior and exterior to remove harmful contaminants. Wash the exterior and apply a layer of wax to protect the paint from oxidation and fading. Vacuum your carpets and wipe down all of the parts inside the car. This step may prevent mold and mildew growth during long-term storage. Dry the mats before returning them to the car to prevent moisture buildup. Clean all of the interior surfaces to remove dust, dirt, or grime.
2. Replace the Oil
Used oil harbors contaminants that can corrode components over several months of inactivity. If you do not plan to drive your vehicle for an extended period, drain the old oil and replace it to protect these parts. Install a new oil filter to capture impurities and keep them from circulating. Verify all parts are screwed on tightly to prevent leaks when using storage for cars.
3. Fill the Tank
A full gas tank helps prevent moisture buildup inside the fuel system. Add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank to help the gasoline stay fresh and prevent clogging. The stabilizer stops gas from breaking down and jamming parts of the engine. Drive the car for a few miles after adding the stabilizer to circulate it through the fuel system.
4. Handle Battery Maintenance
Car batteries naturally discharge when inactive for extended periods. Disconnect the battery or use a trickle charger to maintain the battery’s health. This prevents it from draining completely while your vehicle sits in storage. If you are disconnecting the battery, make sure you properly store the cables to prevent accidents, and then remember the correct setup for when you reinstall the battery.
5. Check Tire Pressure
To avoid tire flat spots from the vehicle’s weight, you will need to add extra air to your tires. Cold weather can drop tire pressure below safe levels, so keep a tire pressure gauge in the garage to check the levels before starting a stored vehicle. Add air and inflate the tires slightly above the standard PSI to account for potential air loss during storage. This preserves the tire shape to maximize handling performance when driving again.
6. Perform Pest Control
Pests may cause damage to unattended vehicles. Seal off suspected entrance points such as exhaust pipes and air intakes with breathable fabric or steel wool coverings. Clear all trash, paper waste, and clutter from the interior so that pests will not be attracted to crumbs and spills. Inspect the vehicle periodically for pest tracks such as chewed wiring or nests in engine components.
Discover Reliable Storage for Cars
Following seasonal car storage protocols can protect exterior finishes, mechanical parts, tires, and interiors. Implementing the right cleaning and care techniques before seeking long-term car storage will help prevent issues later on. Consult car storage experts to find a unit that will accommodate your vehicle today.