VEHICLE STORAGE TIPS

When It comes to storing your vehicle, there are certain vehicle storage tips to follow to make sure the interior, exterior and engine stay in good condition.

1. When storing a vehicle, choose indoor storage if possible in a cool, dark, dry place out of sunlight (or under a cover if outside).
2. When storing your vehicle leave about ½ to full tank of fuel in the tank and add a fuel stabilizer so the fuel doesn’t breakdown.  Run the vehicle for about 20 minutes after you add the fuel stabilizer.
3. Change the oil and filter before storing a vehicle, try to avoid oils with additives as they may contain detergents potentially harmful to the engine.
4. Make sure the coolant level is within acceptable levels
5. When storing a vehicle, disconnect the battery,  and possibly get a battery maintainer (which only charges the battery periodically). Check with your vehicles manufacturer to familiarize yourself with the “do” and “don’ts” when using this type of battery device.
6. Check tire pressure and inflate to proper level.  If storing on bias ply tires for over a month, car should be put on jack stands so the tires don’t develop flat spots, if storing on radials , jack stands should be used after 3-4 months.
7. Don’t set the parking brake; you don’t want it to freeze up if storing your vehicle for an extended period of time.
8. Remove wipers from wiper arms and stand wiper arms up so they don’t contact the windshield.
9. Clean the inside and outside before storing a vehicle, especially around brakes, steering linkage, and axles to remove any built up dirt, salt, etc.
10. Place a sheet of plastic under the vehicle in storage as a vapor barrier (if inside in an unheated garage) to avoid condensation.  This can also expose any leaks.
11. Seal air intakes and exhaust pipes with rags, etc to prevent small animals from nesting.
12. Open the windows a crack for air circulation.

When storing a vehicle, if possible, check in on it once in a while like every month or two to make sure everything is still OK.  A quick inspection can help catch a developing problem.