How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Storage03.26.2020 | Okan Sengullu

As an automobile owner, there may come a time when you want to put your vehicle in storage for a while. Maybe you’re going on a long vacation, or a different area of the country for a month or more for work, or you may have a classic car that you store during the winter months. No matter the reason, you should take certain precautions to ensure your car will be ready to go when you are.

Where Will You Store Your Car?

Where you store your car really depends on how long you plan on storing it. If you leave your car outside protected with a tarp, vital components may begin to rust as moisture can still infiltrate your vehicle from its underside. Protect your vehicle by keeping it in your garage, a storage facility, or a friend’s garage – especially if you’re not going to be driving it for a month or more.

Top Off the Fluids

Corrosion is likely to be a problem when your car is garaged with low fluid levels. Take the time to top off all the fluids including anti-freeze, fuel, and even windshield washer. Check the brake fluid too, and if it’s dirty, have it flushed and changed. Also, change the oil and filter to protect the engine from contaminants so you won’t find yourself in need of car engine repair in Lincoln Park.

Battery and Tires

Remove and store your battery inside where it’s warm if your car is being stored for a month or more during the winter – or connect it to a battery tender which will keep it charged. Make sure your tires are filled to the proper PSI to avoid flat-spotting. If your car is going to be stored for several months, try to have someone drive the car occasionally or consider removing the wheels and placing the car up on blocks.

Final Details

Clean your vehicle’s exterior and interior completely to prevent mildew growth and give it a coat of top-quality wax as well. Finally, cover it with a plastic waterproof sheet as an extra moisture barrier, and make sure the parking brake is OFF. If you leave it stored with the brake on, the pads can fuse to the rotors over time.

Car Engine Repair in Lincoln Park

We can help get your engine running right if it’s having troubles before or after coming out of storage. Call the Bucaro Brothers for car engine repair in Lincoln Park!