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Are you considering putting your car into storage? If so, it is important to make sure your car is properly prepared for car storage. The reality is that when a vehicle is not being used on a regular basis that is can start to have problems resulting from non-use. We have created a car storage check list to help you make sure your car is ready for you when you come back to use it. Listed below are some steps to take before you put your care into storage. A Check List for Storing Your Vehicle 1. Make sure the unit is dry and enclosed: Many factors will cause your car to deteriorate while in storage, including changes in the temperature, dust, weather, moisture and dirt. You can protect the vehicle by finding something completely enclosed and dry. 2. Cover your car while in storage: add an extra layer of protection from the dirt and dust with a vehicle cover. Ensure the car can still breathe under the material. 3. Remove the battery: Most problems with car storage involve the electronics. Batteries can lose charge, no matter how old or young they are. Remove the battery and use a Battery Trickle Changer or something that stops the battery charging once full. 4. Clean the wiring and terminals in the battery: Prevent corrosion through using felt washers to cover the posts of the terminals. Use protectant on the connections to protect them from the elements. 5. Have a full tank of gas: Rust can occur in the gas tank if moisture gets into it. A full gas tank will prevent this happening. 6. Use a fuel additive in the tank of gas: Make sure the gas stays ready for use afterwards with a fuel additive. This stops the gas from becoming like goo and clogging up the carburetor and injectors. 7. Have your car checked: Before you use vehicle storage, make sure your car is in the best shape. This includes the fluid levels, like the oil, the wiring, hoses and plugs. Have the fluids changed before storing your car to prevent clogs. 8. Detail the car: Clean the car thoroughly before storing it, including a wax and the inside. This protects the material inside, the tires and the paint work from damage during its non-use. 9. Make Sure Your Tires Have Ample Air Pressure: The tires will go flat over time, especially if stored on the ground. Keep your car on jacks or make sure the tires are inflated as much as possible to slow down the rate of deflation. 10. Add lubricant to the door locks and hood latches: A graphite based, dry lubricant is the best option. 11. Keep away from direct sunlight: The rubber with split and crack because of the direct sunlight. It is sensitive to the UV rays in the sun. 12. Make the there is a drip tray underneath: This helps you monitor any loss of fluid from the car over the storage time. 13. Parking brake - Do not apply it: These can rust and make it harder to take them off. If you have a manual vehicle, place it in neutral. Place blocks around the wheels to prevent movement. 14. Restarting the car: After long-term car storage, it can take time to start the car. The oil will likely have dripped down to the oil pan. While the car will start, your vehicle will become damaged quickly. The oil needs to go back into the valve train of the engine and become lubricated. Pull the leads of your spark plug or disconnect the positive distributor lead or coil and then crank the motor to pull the oil back up. It can take a few times to do this. Don't start the car, just do enough to get the oil back up and flowing around. Once this happens, you can start your car and drive off.
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