Whether you're going on an extended trip, keeping your car out of the winter weather or whatever other reason, there may come a time when you need to store a vehicle for a while. Damage and deterioration can occur even when it's not being used. The following tips can help you to adequately prepare for proper vehicle storage.
The first step is to choose the best location for keeping your vehicle. Safety, climate protection and cost will all be important factors in finding the ideal situation. Outdoor storage will be less expensive but will also afford significantly less protection as well.
After deciding on the storage location you'll want to be sure that all of the necessary documents are current, including the registration and insurance. The timing and duration of the period of storage will influence exactly what you need to do in this regard.
Once these two considerations are taken care of the vehicle itself will need to be prepared for it's time of not being used. There are several things that you can do to protect your vehicle during this time. Three aspects to be aware of are the mechanics, the exterior and the interior.
Moving parts need to be protected even when they're not actually moving. For this reason it's good to top up all of the fluids for the vehicle, including those for the brakes and transmission. Empty portions of the gas tank can easily become corroded during a time of storage so you'll want to fill it prior to storage, leaving just a little room so the gas can expand with higher temperatures.
It's also a good idea to change the oil and drive several miles to make sure that the oil has been properly circulated in the engine. You can also take out the spark plugs and put a small amount of oil in before replacing them. This will help to prevent rusting.
Even when it's not being used battery can lose it's charge over time. For this reason, you may want to consider disconnecting it to maintain it's ability to start it later as well as being sure that all electronics have been shut off.
For the interior, be sure to clean it out as completely as possible, removing any items from the inside that are not completely necessary, especially any type of food products. Be sure that the interior is completely dry prior to closing it up for the last time or there's a good chance that you'll find it full of mold or mildew when re-opening it.
For the outside, you can protect the finish with a good washing and waxing. Keep the tires properly inflated and lubricated to keep them from becoming dry and cracked and thus unusable. Remove the windshield wiper blades or prop the arm up to keep the wipers away from the windshield.
Proper preparation for vehicle storage is essential for preventing degradation during this time. To keep your car safe and sound, it's easy to get started on this with these simple tips.
The first step is to choose the best location for keeping your vehicle. Safety, climate protection and cost will all be important factors in finding the ideal situation. Outdoor storage will be less expensive but will also afford significantly less protection as well.
After deciding on the storage location you'll want to be sure that all of the necessary documents are current, including the registration and insurance. The timing and duration of the period of storage will influence exactly what you need to do in this regard.
Once these two considerations are taken care of the vehicle itself will need to be prepared for it's time of not being used. There are several things that you can do to protect your vehicle during this time. Three aspects to be aware of are the mechanics, the exterior and the interior.
Moving parts need to be protected even when they're not actually moving. For this reason it's good to top up all of the fluids for the vehicle, including those for the brakes and transmission. Empty portions of the gas tank can easily become corroded during a time of storage so you'll want to fill it prior to storage, leaving just a little room so the gas can expand with higher temperatures.
It's also a good idea to change the oil and drive several miles to make sure that the oil has been properly circulated in the engine. You can also take out the spark plugs and put a small amount of oil in before replacing them. This will help to prevent rusting.
Even when it's not being used battery can lose it's charge over time. For this reason, you may want to consider disconnecting it to maintain it's ability to start it later as well as being sure that all electronics have been shut off.
For the interior, be sure to clean it out as completely as possible, removing any items from the inside that are not completely necessary, especially any type of food products. Be sure that the interior is completely dry prior to closing it up for the last time or there's a good chance that you'll find it full of mold or mildew when re-opening it.
For the outside, you can protect the finish with a good washing and waxing. Keep the tires properly inflated and lubricated to keep them from becoming dry and cracked and thus unusable. Remove the windshield wiper blades or prop the arm up to keep the wipers away from the windshield.
Proper preparation for vehicle storage is essential for preventing degradation during this time. To keep your car safe and sound, it's easy to get started on this with these simple tips.
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