Prepping your car ahead of extended periods of non-use is crucial. Leaving your vehicle unattended for months or even years without proper preparation can lead to significant damage and costly repairs. By taking the necessary precautions, you can ensure that your car remains in the condition it was left in, ready to hit the road when you pick it up after a period of long term car storage.
We’ve seen it time and time again here at VIP Car Storage: an under-prepared vehicle being stored for months and years, only for mechanical issues and exterior faults to occur. Neglecting this process can result in issues such as flat tyres, corroded battery terminals, and even rodent infestations. Proper preparation is an investment that will save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.
Whether you’re storing your car for an extended vacation, a work assignment abroad, or simply because you have a second vehicle for seasonal use, following these essential car storage tips will help you preserve your vehicle’s condition and value.
Cleaning and Detailing Before Storage
Before storing your car for an extended period, it’s crucial to give it a thorough cleaning and detailing. This process not only enhances the appearance of your vehicle but also helps protect its surfaces from potential damage during storage.
- Exterior Wash and Wax: Start by giving your car a comprehensive exterior wash, ensuring that all dirt, grime, and contaminants are removed. Pay special attention to areas prone to accumulating debris, such as wheel wells and underbody components. Once the exterior is spotless, apply a high-quality wax or sealant to protect the paint and create a barrier against environmental elements.
- Interior Cleaning: Move inside and thoroughly vacuum the interior, including the trunk or cargo area. Remove any personal belongings, trash, or loose items that could attract pests or cause odours. Clean and condition the upholstery, dashboard, and other interior surfaces to prevent cracking or fading.
- Glass and Trim Maintenance: Clean the glass surfaces, inside and out, to ensure clear visibility when you return to your car. Additionally, treat and protect any rubber seals, trim pieces, and weather stripping to prevent drying and cracking.
By taking the time to meticulously clean and detail your car, you’ll not only preserve its appearance, but also minimise the risk of potential damage during storage.
Checking and changing fluids in your car
Proper fluid maintenance is essential for the long-term health of your vehicle’s components. Before storing your car, it’s crucial to check and, if necessary, change various fluids to ensure they remain fresh and effective during the storage period.
- Engine Oil and Filter: Fresh engine oil is vital for protecting your engine’s internal components from corrosion and wear. Change the oil and filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendations or before storing your car if the oil is due for a change soon.
- Coolant: Check the coolant level and condition and conduct a coolant flush if necessary. Fresh coolant helps prevent corrosion in the cooling system and ensures proper freeze protection during storage.
- Brake Fluid: Over time, brake fluid can absorb moisture, which can lead to corrosion and decreased braking performance. Consider flushing and replacing the brake fluid before storing your car.
- Other Fluids: Check and top off other vital fluids, such as transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid, to ensure they are at the recommended levels.
By maintaining fresh fluids, you’ll help protect your car’s critical components from potential damage during the storage period, ensuring a smooth transition when you’re ready to drive it again.
Storing your car in a suitable location
Choosing the right storage location is crucial for protecting your car during an extended period of non-use. Consider the following factors when selecting a suitable storage area:
- Indoor vs. Outdoor Storage: Ideally, you should store your car indoors, such as in a garage or a climate-controlled storage facility. Indoor storage protects your vehicle from harsh weather conditions, UV rays, and potential vandalism or theft. If outdoor storage is your only option, ensure that the area is well-lit, secure, and provides adequate coverage from the elements.
- Climate and Temperature: Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can be detrimental to your car’s components and materials. If possible, choose an indoor storage location.
- Security Measures: Evaluate the security measures in place at the storage location, such as surveillance cameras, secure access, and fencing. This will help deter potential theft or vandalism during the storage period.
By selecting a suitable storage location that offers protection from the elements and adequate security measures, you can minimise the risk of damage to your car during long-term storage.
Disconnecting and maintaining the battery during storage
The battery is a critical component that requires special attention during long-term storage. Neglecting proper battery maintenance can lead to a dead battery, potentially causing electrical system issues or even damaging other components.
- Battery Maintenance: If you are planning to store your car for an extended period of time, we recommend keeping it trickle charged to keep them live.
- Alternative Option: If trickle charging doesn’t suit your car’s needs, disconnecting the battery is also an option.
Protecting your car from pests and rodents
Unwanted visitors such as rodents and pests, can cause significant damage to your car during long-term storage. These critters may seek shelter in the warm and cosy interior of your vehicle, potentially chewing through wires, upholstery, and other components.
- Seal Entry Points: Carefully inspect your car for any potential entry points, such as gaps or holes in the body or underbody. Seal these openings with steel wool or other rodent-proof materials to prevent pests from gaining access to your vehicle’s interior.
- Use Repellents: Consider placing rodent repellents such as ultrasonic devices or natural deterrents like peppermint oil or mothballs inside your car. These repellents can help discourage pests from nesting or seeking shelter in your vehicle.
- Regular Inspections: Even with preventive measures in place, it’s essential to conduct regular inspections of your stored car to check for any signs of pest activity or damage. Early detection can help you address the issue before it escalates.
By taking proactive measures to protect your car from pests and rodents, you can minimise the risk of costly repairs and ensure that your vehicle remains in pristine condition during long-term storage.
Covering and securing your car for long term storage
Proper covering and securing of your car are crucial to protect it from environmental factors, dust, and potential damage during long-term car storage.
- Car Cover: Invest in a high-quality, breathable car cover specifically designed for long-term storage. These covers not only protect your car’s exterior from scratches, dust, and UV rays but also allow for proper ventilation to prevent moisture buildup.
- Tyre Protection: To prevent flat spots or tyre deformation, consider placing your car on tyre cradles or jack stands. This will take the weight off the tyres and help maintain their shape during the storage period.
- Secure the Parking Brake: Engage the parking brake to prevent the car from rolling or shifting during storage. Additionally, you can place chocks or wheel blocks around the tyres for added security.
- Lock and Secure: Ensure that all doors, windows, and other entry points are securely locked to deter potential theft or unauthorised access during storage.
By properly covering and securing your car, you’ll protect it from environmental factors, potential damage, and unwanted intrusions ensuring that it remains in pristine condition during long-term storage.
Regular maintenance and checks during storage
Even with proper preparation, it’s essential to conduct regular maintenance and checks on your stored car to ensure its continued well-being.
- Battery Maintenance: If you’ve left the battery connected or on a trickle charger, periodically check its charge level and ensure that the charging system is functioning correctly.
- Tyre Pressure and Rotation: Check the tyre pressure regularly and adjust as needed to prevent flat spots or uneven wear. Additionally, consider rotating the tyres every few months to distribute the weight evenly.
- Ventilation and Moisture Control: If storing your car indoors, ensure that the storage area remains well-ventilated and free from excessive moisture buildup.
- Pest Inspection: Regularly inspect your car for any signs of pest activity such as droppings, chewed wires, or nesting materials. Address any issues promptly to prevent further damage.
By conducting regular maintenance and checks, you’ll stay on top of any potential issues and ensure that your car remains in optimal condition during its time in storage.
Preparing your car for use after long-term storage
After a period of long-term car storage, it’s essential to take the necessary steps to prepare your car for safe and reliable operation on the road.
- Battery Reconnection and Charging: If you disconnected the battery during storage, reconnect it and ensure that it is properly charged before attempting to start the engine. If the battery was left connected, check the charge level and charge or replace it if necessary.
- Fluid Checks and Replacements: Check and top off all vital fluids, such as engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and transmission fluid. Replace any fluids that may have degraded during the storage period.
- Tyre Inspection and Pressure Check: Inspect the tyres for any signs of damage, cracking, or uneven wear. Check and adjust the tyre pressure to the recommended levels for safe driving.
- Brake System Check: Before driving, pump the brake pedal several times to restore proper brake pressure and ensure that the brakes are functioning correctly.
- Start and Warm-Up: Start the engine and allow it to idle for a few minutes to circulate the fluids and ensure proper lubrication. Listen for any unusual noises or vibrations that may indicate potential issues.
- Test Drive: Once you’ve completed the initial checks, take your car for a short test drive to ensure that all systems are operating correctly and that there are no issues with handling, braking, or acceleration.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure that your car is ready to hit the road safely and reliably after its extended period of storage.
Trust VIP Car Storage for all your long-term car storage needs.
Our state-of-the-art facilities provide a secure long-term car storage option in Perth. With our expert maintenance services and regular checks, you can have peace of mind knowing that your car is in capable hands during its time in storage. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive long-term car storage solutions.
