The Art of Properly Storing a Car

Not planning to drive your vehicle for an extended period? If so, you should think about storing your vehicle. But storing your vehicle isn't as simple as just parking it - it's important to follow certain steps to store it properly and avoid issues.

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When to Put a Car into Storage

Cars should be stored if you don't plan to be driving them for a month or more. For instance, many people who own classic cars or sports cars will store their vehicles during the winter months. People with multiple residences may put a vehicle into storage if they're leaving one of their properties for an extended period. Military members may store a vehicle if they're being deployed or stationed.

Proper storage is important because an unattended vehicle may otherwise experience damage by neglect.

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Where to Store a Car Safely

It's always best to store your vehicle within an indoor space to safeguard it from the elements. Ideally, this is a garage. By storing a vehicle indoors, you can ensure weather won't impact it and direct sunlight won't lead to paint or interior fabric fading. Indoor storage also helps minimize other damage to your vehicle, like scratches and dents. If you don't have a garage or adequate garage space to store your vehicle in, consider a storage facility.

If you're unable to store a car indoors, make sure you cover it with a weatherproof car cover. This can help prevent exposure to the elements.

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How to Prepare Your Car for Storage

Properly preparing your vehicle for storage is arguably just as important as finding the right place to store it. Read on for more information about how to store a car long-term:

Fill the Gas Tank

Contrary to what you may think, filling the gas tank with fuel (assuming you're storing a vehicle with an internal combustion engine) is a best practice. If you keep the fuel tank low, it invites moisture to build up within it, which can lead to rust. In addition to topping off your tank, we also suggest adding a fuel stabilizer to absorb moisture and prevent buildup.

Change Your Oil

Even if you're not due for one, it's always best practice to change the oil on any vehicle you're storing long-term. That's because old engine oil can cause corrosion.

Wash the Car

Give your vehicle a thorough wash before putting it in storage to remove any dirt, mud, grime, bird droppings, and other buildup on the vehicle's body. Doing so just won't help protect the finish, but also ensure you're coming back to a clean car that's ready to drive when you take it out of storage.

Clean the Interior

In addition to washing your car, clean out the interior. Give it a good vacuum, wipe down the dashboard and instrument panel, and clean out any garbage that's left festering. Similar to washing your vehicle, cleaning out the interior ensures you're returning to a clean car. It can also help keep any unwanted pests out for the time it's in storage.

Keep the Battery Alive

A car battery needs use. Hence, if you're putting it in storage for more than a month, consider removing the battery from your vehicle to prevent charge loss while you're not driving it. If you don't want to remove it, consider connecting it to a battery maintainer, which works to periodically charge it over time.

Cover Your Wiper Blades

While it may seem like a minor item on the "to-do" list, covering your wiper blades can help preserve them so you're not running to your local auto store to purchase a new pair when it's time to drive your vehicle again. The rubber wiper blade strip can stick to your windshield if it's not used. Prevent this by placing plastic wrap under each blade or removing the blades completely while the vehicle is in storage.

Do Not Use the Parking Brake

Rather than use a parking brake, chock the wheels while your vehicle is in storage. This will help ensure your vehicle doesn't roll. The parking brake should only ever be engaged for brief periods or else the braking surface may fuse with the wheel.

Keep Pests Out

Cleaning your vehicle is one way to keep pests out. However, if bugs really want to get into your vehicle - they'll find a way. To prevent this further, close off other common areas for entry. Consider stuffing a rag into the tailpipe and covering the air intake opening. Just be sure to remove these coverings before driving the vehicle.

Use a Car Cover

Whether you're storing the vehicle indoors or outdoors, be sure to use a car cover. A car cover should fit your vehicle snugly and serve as a barrier to protect the vehicle.

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Benefits of Storing Your Car

Why should you store a car? Aside from keeping it safe and as protected as you possibly can while the vehicle is not in use, there are several other benefits. This includes:

• Saving money on maintenance
• If you store your vehicle in a facility, you can free up space in your garage
• You can save money on car insurance (more on that in the next section)

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Insurance Considerations While Storing Your Vehicle

If you're not driving your vehicle for a month or more, you may be able to save money by reducing your insurance policy. For example, you'll still want to keep comprehensive insurance in case something non-collision-related causes damage to your vehicle. However, you may be able to work with your insurance agent to drop collision coverage.

Albeit a bit riskier, you may even consider suspending car insurance. Keep in mind that if something were to happen to your vehicle while your insurance was suspended, you'd be on the hook for all costs.

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Contact Your Local Shop in the GreatWater Network Today

For more information on how to store a car long term and for help doing it, contact your local GreatWater-affiliated shop today. As a network full-service auto centers, we're happy to help you with oil changes, battery care, and more to ensure your car is safely and properly stored. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.