There are many reasons someone might want to store a vehicle for another time. This could be a few days, weeks, or maybe even longer. For whatever reason, ensuring the vehicle is ready for long-term storage is as important as finding a safe place for long-term auto storage. According to the DMV’s website, there are a few essential steps in preparing your vehicle for long-term storage.
Clean the Car
Before storing your car, ensure that the entire vehicle is thoroughly clean. Even the smallest speckle on the outside of your car can cause damage to the paint. Washing, drying, and waxing the outside is your safest bet on ensuring the quality of the exterior of your vehicle stays intact. Anything accidentally left inside could bring insects into the car or even possibly rodents who would make a nest.
Check Vital Areas
Tires, fluids, gas, and power should be checked on the vehicle. Air will gradually release from the tires as the weight of the car presses down on them. Inflating the tires to their maximum pressure should make up for the loss of air later down the line. Also, as soon as you take the car from storage, make sure to recheck the tires.
Having clean oil is vital for storing your car as used oil could damage the vehicle’s engine. Adding a fuel stabilizer would help during storage as well since keeping a full tank of gas could cause corrosion in the fuel line and prevent the fuel from separating. Removing the battery is vital if the car will be stored for longer than a few months because they lose their charge and corrode over time. Keeping the battery in your home would be a better option.
Cover Properly
If the car is being stored outside, a waterproof cover is essential. Not only for rainy days but also in case of humidity for long periods of time. Before you cover, check that everything listed before is in excellent condition. Make sure the vehicle is sealed closed and empty from valuables. Make sure the parking brake is not set and that the windshield wipers are removed (prevents sticking).
For more information on storing your vehicle covered, uncovered, or enclosed, contact us to see what spaces we have available to meet your needs.