Whatever the reason for your time away from your vehicle, you will need to put it in storage for safety.
Here are just a few ideas on how to prepare your car for storage.
- Wash your car. Water stains or bird droppings left on the car can damage the paint. Make sure to clean the wheels and undersides of the fenders to get rid of mud, grease, or tar. For added protection, give the car a coat of wax.
- Consider getting the oil changed if you will store the vehicle for longer than 30 days.
- Fill the tank with gas if you expect the car to be in storage for more than 30 days. You should also purchase a fuel stabilizer to prevent ethanol buildup and protect the engine from gum, varnish, and rust.
- Don’t use the parking brake; instead, purchase a tire stopper, also called a chock, to prevent the car from moving
- If your car will be in storage for more than 30 days, over inflate your car’s tires to prevent flat spotting or consider placing the car on jack stands at all four corners or placing rubber tire pads under each tire.
- Try to cover any gaps where a mouse could enter, such as the exhaust pipe or an air intake. Steel wool works well for this. Next, spread mothballs or cotton swabs dipped in peppermint oil along the perimeter of the vehicle. The smell is said to drive mice away.
- These tips are a basic guide that is intended to assist you in preparing your car for storage. It is extremely important that you read your owner’s manuals for specific winterizing/storage guidelines.