How to Prep Your Car for Long-Term Storage

When it comes to long-term car storage, proper preparation is essential to ensure your vehicle remains in top condition during its hibernation. Whether you’re storing a classic or seasonal car or just needing to park your daily driver for an extended period, taking the right steps can prevent damage and save you time and money. This guide will show you how to get your car ready for storage. You’ll learn about cleaning, battery care, oil changes, and keeping rodents away. These steps are key whether you’re storing your car for winter, a long trip, or military service.

Why Store Your Car

There are many reasons to store your car for a long time. You should store it during the winter, for a long trip, or if you move to a warmer place for the cold months. Storing a car for over a month can cause problems if not done right. These problems include a dead battery, flat tires, and pests.

Reasons to Store Your Car

• Seasonal storage (e.g., storing a car during the winter months)
• Lengthy travel or deployment (e.g., extended business trip or military service)
• Snowbird lifestyle (spending winters in a warmer climate)

When to Store Your Car

Experts recommend storing your car if you won’t drive it for a month or more. Leaving your car alone for too long can damage it, so it’s smart to store it right. For trips under a month, you might not need to store it, but driving it around before you leave is a good idea.

Storage Duration	Recommended Storage Preparation
Short-term (less than one month)	Wash the exteriorClean the interiorFill the gas tankSlightly over-inflate the tiresAvoid using the parking brake
Medium-term (1-6 months)	Perform short-term storage stepsApply wax to the exteriorChange the oilCheck the engine coolantProtect the battery on a wood surface with a trickle chargerRaise the car on jack stands
Long-term (more than six months)	Perform short and medium-term storage stepsAdd engine stabilizer to the gas tankCover gaps to prevent crittersRaise windshield wipersCondition leather and vinylAdjust insurance if needed

Choose the Right Storage Location

When storing your car for a long time, choose an indoor spot like a garage. This will protect your car from damage from rain, extreme heat, and sunlight. If you can’t use a garage, look for a self-storage facility with covered or climate-controlled parking.

If you really can’t find an indoor spot, a weatherproof car cover can help. But it could be better than keeping your car inside. Outdoor car storage makes your car more likely to get damaged or stolen, so try to avoid it.

Think about these things when picking a storage spot:

• Look for security like cameras and secure entry to stop theft or damage
• Check for climate control to keep your car safe from extreme weather
• Make sure you can easily get to your car when you need it
• See if they offer month-to-month or flexible rental plans

Choosing the best car storage locations helps keep your car in great shape while it’s stored.

Clean Your Car Inside and Out

Before storing your car for a long time, clean it well inside and out. This keeps your car in good shape and stops problems from happening while it’s stored.

Washing the Exterior

Begin by washing the outside of your car. Get rid of things like sap, mud, or bird poop that could harm the paint. Cleaning and waxing the car keeps its finish safe and stops rust while it’s stored.

Cleaning the Interior

Inside, vacuum and clean all surfaces, including seats, dashboard, and door panels. This removes crumbs, trash, or other things that might attract pests. A clean interior also makes it easier to spot any problems when you take the car out of storage.

Car Cleaning Tips for Storage	Preparing Car Interior for Storage	Washing the Car Before Storage
– Wash and wax the exterior to protect the paint	– Vacuum and wipe down all surfaces	– Remove debris like sap, mud, and bird droppings
– Thoroughly clean the interior to prevent pest attraction	– Eliminate crumbs, trash, and other items	– Protect the car’s finish and prevent corrosion
– Leave a clean, tidy car in storage	– Maintain the car’s condition while in storage	– Ensure the car is ready for long-term storage

Cleaning your car well before storage keeps it in good shape and stops problems. This easy step means you can relax knowing your car is safe and ready for its next trip.

Fill Up the Gas Tank

Make sure to fill your car’s gas tank before storing it. Leaving it half full can cause moisture to build up. This can lead to rust and fuel problems. So, fill it out to avoid these issues.

Add Fuel Stabilizer

After filling the tank, add a fuel stabilizer like Sta-Bil. This keeps the gas from breaking down and protects the engine from gum, varnish, and rust for up to 12 months. It’s key for long-term storage to keep the fuel system working right.

These steps prepare your car’s fuel system for storage. They also ensure that your car is safe and in good shape when you take it out.

Maintain the Battery

Keeping your car’s battery in good shape is key when you’re not using it for a while. A battery left alone will lose its charge, which could mean a dead battery when you go to start the car. Here are some ways to avoid this:

1. Start and Drive the Car Regularly: If you can, ask a friend or family member to start your car and drive it for about 15 minutes every two weeks. This helps keep the battery charged and the engine and parts moving smoothly.
2. Use a Battery Trickle Charger: If you can’t get someone to drive your car, consider using a battery trickle charger. This device keeps the battery charged without messing with your car’s settings.
3. Disconnect the Battery: Remove the negative battery cable if nothing else works. This stops the battery from draining, but you must reset your car’s clock and settings when you put it back in.

Keeping your car’s battery in check is key to a smooth return to driving. By acting early, you can dodge the trouble and costs of a dead battery when you get your car back.

Change the Oil

Before you store your car for a long time, make sure to change the engine oil. Used oil can have harmful stuff that hurts the engine if it sits too long. Many car makers, like Ford, say to change the oil before storing, as their manuals suggest. This easy step keeps your engine safe while your car sits idle.

When storing your car for a long time, putting in new, top-quality oil is key to prevent engine damage from old oil. Fresh oil is crucial in storage, as old oil can break down and make sludge, blocking important engine parts. By changing the oil before storage, you’re looking out for your car’s health and keeping it ready to go when you need it.

If you’re going to store your car for over 30 days, you should change the oil. This step keeps your engine well-lubed and ready to go, even after sitting still.

Prevent Pest Infestation

You must protect your car from pests when storing it for a long time. Rodents like the warm, safe space inside a parked car. They can chew on wires, seats, and other parts.

Cover Air Intakes and Exhaust

Cover any openings, such as air intakes and exhaust, to prevent pests from entering. Use steel wool or something similar to block their path. This will keep them out and prevent them from making holes in your car.

Use Repellents

Using repellents can also help keep pests away. Put mothballs or peppermint oil-soaked cotton balls around your car. These smells can keep rodents away. Set traps or use rat poison to keep your car pest-free.

By doing these things, you can protect your car from pests in storage. This helps prevent rodent infestation and saves you money on repairs. Sealing car entry points carefully and using repellents is key to keeping your car safe.

Properly Inflate Tires

When you store your car for a long time, inflate the tires correctly. If the car stays still, it can cause flat spots. These spots are a big problem when you want to drive again.

Avoid Flat Spots

Don’t let flat spots happen. Inflate the tires to the right pressure. You can find this on the driver’s side door jamb or the owner’s manual. If you’ll store the car for over 30 days, remove the wheels and use jack stands. This will stop flat spots.

The right tire pressure is key for tire maintenance for car storage. It keeps the tire pressure for stored vehicles right and prevents flat spots on tires. If you ignore this, you might have to replace tires or face safety issues later.

Tip	Description
Tire Pressure Recommendation	Check the driver’s side door jamb or owner’s manual for the recommended tire pressure.
Removing Wheels	For storage longer than 30 days, consider removing the wheels and placing the vehicle on jack stands to eliminate the risk of flat spots.
Tire Maintenance	Properly inflating tires is crucial for maintaining them, preserving their life, and ensuring safe driving when the car is taken out of storage.

Remember, taking the time to properly maintain your tires before storing your car can save you a lot of headaches and money in the long run.

Disengage the Parking Brake

When you’re getting your car ready for long storage, don’t use the parking brake. Leaving the brake pads on the rotors too long can cause them to stick together, which can cause big problems when you try to drive again.

Wheel chocks or tire stops are a better way to keep your car still. They stop the car from moving without causing brake issues. By not using the parking brake, you avoid brake problems when you store your car for a long time.

It’s important to prevent brake issues when storing a car for a long time. By doing this and using wheel chocks or tire stops, your car will be ready to drive safely when you need it again.

Lubricate Moving Parts

Before you store your car for a long time, make sure to lubricate moving parts. This keeps them from rusting and keeps them working properly. You should also oil the trunk, door handles, and hood hinges. A thin layer of oil keeps them running smoothly and protects them from rust.

When you oil these parts, clean off any extra oil. This prevents dirt from sticking to your car, keeps it looking good, and prevents more problems.

Keeping your car’s moving parts oiled is key to keeping its parts safe while stored. This prevents rust and keeps things running smoothly, meaning your car will be ready to go when needed.

Component	Lubrication Recommendation
Trunk	Apply a light-grade oil to the hinges and latching mechanism.
Door Handles	Lubricate the moving parts of the door handles to maintain smooth operation.
Hood Hinges	Coat the hood hinges with a thin layer of lubricant to prevent sticking.

Following these steps, you can lubricate your car’s moving parts well. This helps keep your car’s parts in good shape while they are stored, so your car will be ready to go when you are.

Cover Your Car

Keeping your car covered is key, whether it’s inside or outside. For indoor storage, a good cover stops dust and minor scratches. However, for outdoor storage, a weatherproof cover is a must to protect against rain, snow, and sun.

This keeps the paint, interior, and parts in good shape while storing your car.

For outdoor storage, pick a cover that can handle your area’s weather. These covers are made to last and keep your car safe. Look for UV protection, breathability, and a good fit to keep the cover in place.

Storage Location Recommended Cover Type Indoor Basic, well-fitted cover Outdoor Weatherproof, durable cover

Properly covering your car while stored keeps it in top shape. When you need it, it will be ready to go.

Prep Your Car for Long-Term Storage

Preparing your car for long-term storage is key to keeping it in good shape. A detailed checklist for long-term car storage will guide you. It ensures your car is set for extended storage and ready for storage.

Start by cleaning the inside and outside of your car. This stops dirt and pests from causing harm. Then, fill the gas tank and use a fuel stabilizer. This keeps the fuel fresh and stops the engine’s gum, varnish, and rust.

Keeping the battery in good shape is vital. An unused battery loses charge over time. So, start the car every two weeks for at least 15 minutes. Remove the battery terminals if the car is stored for a long time.

1. Change the oil – Ford suggests changing the oil for storage over 30 days to protect the engine.
2. Keep pests away – Cover air intakes and exhaust with steel wool. Use repellents to keep pests away.
3. Ensure tires are inflated – For storage over 30 days, consider removing the wheels to avoid flat spots.
4. Release the parking brake – Use a tire stopper or chock to prevent brake pad damage.
5. Apply lubricant to moving parts – This prevents rust and keeps the car in top shape.

Lastly, cover your car to shield it from the weather and reduce the risk of damage. Following these steps ensures your car is well-prepared for storage and ready to go when you are.

Conclusion

Preparing your car for long-term storage is key to keeping it in great shape. This guide has shown you how to clean the car, keep the fuel and battery safe, and protect it from pests. Doing these things can avoid problems and keep your car running well. Using fuel stabilizers and battery tenders is important to lessen the effects of not driving your car long. Checking and looking after important parts often helps your car stay in good condition while stored. Whether you’re storing your car for the winter, moving, or for a long time, preparing it for storage is smart. By focusing on proper preparation, you can be sure your car will be ready to go when needed.

Secure your vehicle with SecureSpace Self Storage! Our top-notch, climate-controlled car storage solutions protect against weather, pests, and theft. Enjoy peace of mind with our advanced security features. Visit SecureSpace.com to reserve your space today and ensure your car stays pristine while you’re away.

FAQs

What should I do to clean my car before storing it long-term?

It’s important to thoroughly clean your car inside and out before storing it. Wash and wax the exterior to protect the paint from dust and dirt. Vacuum the interior, clean the upholstery, and remove trash or food to prevent odors and pests.

How should I prepare the fuel system for long-term storage?

Fill the gas tank to prevent moisture from accumulating inside, which can lead to rust. Add a fuel stabilizer to the gasoline to prevent it from deteriorating and causing engine problems when you start the car again.

What steps should I take to protect the battery during storage?

Disconnect the car battery to prevent it from draining over time. Alternatively, you can use a battery maintainer or trickle charger to keep the battery charged without overcharging it. This will help ensure the battery remains in good condition.

How can I prevent tire damage during long-term storage?

Inflate the tires to the recommended pressure to prevent flat spots from developing. Place the car on jack stands to take the weight off the tires if possible. If jack stands are not available, consider moving the car slightly every few weeks to change the tire pressure points.

Should I change the oil before storing my car?

Yes, changing the oil and filter before storing your car is a good idea. Old oil contains contaminants that can damage the engine over time, while fresh oil will help protect the engine components during storage.

How can I protect my car from pests during storage?

To prevent pests from entering your car, close all windows and seal any openings where pests could enter—place mothballs or dryer sheets inside the car and under the hood to deter rodents. Covering the exhaust pipe with a cloth or steel wool is also a good idea to block entry points.

What other precautions should I take to ensure my car remains in good condition?

Use a car cover to protect the exterior from dust and dirt. Ensure the parking brake is not engaged to prevent it from sticking. Place desiccants or moisture absorbers inside the car to reduce humidity and prevent mold. If storing the car in a garage, keep it in a well-ventilated area to avoid moisture buildup.

Storage Unit Size Guides

5×5 Storage Unit Guide

5×10 Storage Unit Guide

10×10 Storage Unit Guide

10×15 Storage Unit Guide

10×20 Storage Unit Guide

10×25 Storage Unit Guide

10×30 Storage Unit Guide

New SecureSpace Self Storage Facilities

Checkout Some Of Our Teams Favorite Articles