How to Store a Car for Long Periods of Time
July 8th, 2020 by Fix Auto USA
There may be instances when you need to store your car for an extended period of time. In these cases, you need to store your car safely — otherwise, you risk engine and tire damage and other car problems.
Where to Store a Car
A garage typically provides the best option for long-term car storage. It protects your car against rain, sleet, snow, and other harsh weather conditions that can damage your vehicle’s exterior. At the same time, a garage ensures your car is protected against theft.
If you have a garage at home, you can use it to keep your car safe for many weeks or months at a time. When using a garage, try to keep its temperature at 70°F with low humidity.
For those who want to store their vehicle in a garage but don’t have one at home, you can put your car in a public storage facility. Here, your car will remain in a safe, temperature-controlled environment until you need it.
In addition to storing your car in a garage or public storage facility, you can keep it outside. But, if you do so, you should invest in a weatherproof car cover that safeguards your vehicle against the elements.
What to Put Under the Tires When Storage a Car
A tire stopper is a must-have for storing cars for long periods. With a tire stopper placed under the tires, you can prevent your vehicle from moving.
Along with using a tire stopper, you should ensure your car’s tires are inflated to the proper pressure before storing your vehicle. If you fail to do so, your car’s weight will put pressure on your tires’ footprints, leading to flat spots.
Tips to Safely Store Your Car for a Long Period
Here’s what you can do to keep your car safe in storage for an extended period:
1. Get an Oil Change
Used engine oil has contaminants that may damage your car’s engine. So, if you intend to store your vehicle for 30 days or longer, get an oil change.
2. Fill Your Car’s Gas Tank
Top off your car’s gas tank before you put your vehicle in storage. This helps limit the risk of moisture accumulating inside the fuel tank. It may also be beneficial to use a fuel stabilizer, which can help prevent gas in your car from deteriorating for up to 12 months.
3. Disconnect the Negative Battery Cable
Unplug the negative cable from your car’s battery. Once you are ready to use your car again, you can reconnect the wire, and the battery should work right away. However, if you disconnect the negative battery cable, you may need to reset your car’s stereo presets, time, and other settings.
4. Cover Any Entry Points
Mice, rats, and other critters may try to use your car as shelter. Thus, you should seal potential entry points such as your car’s exhaust pipe and air intake. You may also benefit from placing mothballs dipped in peppermint or other smells around your car, as these smells may help keep critters away from your vehicle.
5. Contact Your Insurance Company
Let your insurance company know how long you will have your car in storage. This can help you determine if it is better to cancel your insurance coverage temporarily or keep it in place until you require your car again.
Select Fix Auto to Repair Your Car
There are many things you can do to store your car for long periods safely. Yet, you may want to complete various repairs before or after you put your vehicle into storage.
At Fix Auto, we offer a wide range of repair services, including paintless dent removal, windshield glass replacement, and tire installation. We are happy to teach you about our automotive repair services and help you find the right services for your car. To learn more or to schedule a service appointment, please contact us online or call us today at 1-800-INFO-FIX.
This blog post was contributed by Fix Auto Chicago, a leading industry expert and collision repair shop servicing customers in Chicago, Illinois and Cook County neighborhood.
