Storing your car is an excellent way to save money and keep it out of harm’s way. It also means that when you return from your last-minute travels, all you’ll have to do is jump in and go. But if you haven’t properly prepared yourself or chosen the right place to leave your car, things can go wrong very quickly, and you could find your car doesn’t start or is potentially damaged when it’s time to take it home again.
With loads of Monthly parking Seattle options I didn’t need to look far, it helped me in a time of need, when I was in between places, and needed somewhere to leave my car quickly when I had to dash and catch a flight abroad for several months of aid relief work!
That being said, there are a lot of last minute options, but In this guide, we’ll run through the five key things to know before storing your car so that it’s ready to go when you are.
1. Choose and prepare a suitable storage area
When choosing a suitable storage area, consider the following:
- Choose and prepare a garage or shed. The main factor to keep in mind is that the storage unit must be dry and well-ventilated. An open-air carport or garage can be used if it has sufficient ventilation and no leaks, but a closed garage is always better than an open one.The car shouldn’t be stored under trees or near walls as moisture may damage the paint on your car’s bodywork.
- Also avoid storing your vehicle in direct sunlight (especially if it’s black) as this will cause fading over time.
2. Prep your car for storage
When storing your car, it’s important to make sure everything is ready for the long period of time ahead. Here are some handy tips:
- Remove valuable items from your car. If you have any items in the car that can be easily taken out and stolen, take them out now. That includes things like GPS units, spare change, keys and other valuables that may not be irreplaceable but might be worth a lot to someone else.
- Check oil levels and coolant levels before storing the vehicle.
- You should also check tire pressure occasionally if possible, or certainly before you lock your car away for a while.
3. Give your car a thorough clean
Once you’ve found the perfect storage space, it’s time to start getting your car ready for the off-season. First and foremost, give your car a thorough clean. Vacuum the interior, wash the exterior and wipe down windows, dashboard and doors. Don’t forget to clean the tires and rims as well.
Failing to clean your car before storing it can cause the body to rust and the paint to chip and fade. Certain substances like bird droppings and dead bugs can be particularly harmful to your car’s bodywork since they are acidic.
Once the car is clean, it’s worth popping a cover over it to keep anything else off it while it’s in storage.
4. Fill up the gas tank
When it comes to fuel, one of the most important things for you to do is make sure that you have filled your vehicle’s gas tank before storing it. Fill the tank to full to minimize the amount of air exposure, then add a stabilizer to make sure the fuel stays in good condition while the vehicle isn’t being driven for a while.
Others advise it’s better to store your vehicle with an empty tank, but this can make it difficult when it comes to taking your car out of storage. If you go down this route, remember to take a full fuel can with you when you go to pick it up!
5. Disconnect the battery
Disconnecting your car’s battery can help prolong its life. When you disconnect it, make sure to disconnect the negative terminal first and the positive terminal last.
If you’re unsure how to do this yourself, ask a professional for help. It’s also important to note that if you’re storing your car for only a few weeks or a month at most, then disconnecting the battery isn’t necessary. However, if you’re going to be away for months, especially during the winter, then it’s always worth disconnecting your car’s battery.
Make sure you store your car the right way so it’s ready to go when you are
We hope this article has helped you to decide on the right storage option for your car, whether it’s short-term or long-term. Remember that while there are many reasons to store a car and many places where you can do so, storing your vehicle at home is always going to be the simplest and most cost-effective option if possible.
Wherever you store your vehicle and for how long, keep these top tips in mind:
- You need a proper storage area and location.
- The temperature and humidity levels are important.
- You must take time to prepare your car for not being driven for a period of time.