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By following a few simple car storage guidelines you can ensure
that your vehicle is safeguarded whilst not in use.
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Longterm
Car Storage
And Preparation
There is an art to car storage preparation. By following a few simple car storage guidelines you can ensure that your vehicle is safeguarded whilst not in use.
Specific measures to be taken largely depend on the period of time that the car will be in storage.
Generally speaking, the longer the car will be off the road, the longer the list of car storage preparations required.
Short Term Car Storage Tips
* Chock the wheels and ensure the handbrake is not engaged.
* Check the antifreeze concentration in the cooling system and replace it if over 12 months old.
* Open the windows slightly if the vehicle is garaged.
* Spray unprotected metal parts with a water repellent to discourage corrosion.
* Make a note of the radio code before disconnecting the battery
* If covering your vehicle, avoid using materials, such as plastic, which encourage moisture and condensation to collect.
* If possible have someone run your car once or twice a month in dry conditions.
* Before re-starting your car, recharge your battery and top up all fluid levels as necessary.
Car Storage - 1 - 3 Months
As well as considering the initial checklist, the following are recommended for longer car storage time frames.
* Disconnect and remove the battery. Contact the manufacturers or refer to the owner’s handbook to check if the onboard computer might be affected after lengthy battery disconnection.
* Wash the car, taking particular care to clean under the wheel arches
* Ensure that the wiper blades do not come into contact with the windscreen(s).
* Consider altering your car insurance policy to reflect the conditions and usage over the period it will be stored. This may well result in a reduction in auto insurance premium.
* Check out any off-road registration requirements particular to your jurisdiction. e.g. For UK drivers, a SORN (Statutory Off-Road Notification.)
Longterm Car Storage Tips
There are four further precautions to take when storing a vehicle for periods of three months or longer.
* Have your vehicle serviced.
* Spray the locks with a lubricating oil.
* Relax the auxiliary drive belts, these being the alternator, power steering and air conditioning. The only exception is the camshaft drive belt.
* Ensure that the vehicle is raised clear of the ground (using blocks) to relieve pressure on the tyres. Alternatively, store the wheels horizontally in a garage or other suitably secure place.
