You might have a convertible you love to take for a drive in the summer season, but winter has approached your doorstep now. You may have planned to go out from your town for a job interview or holiday with family or friends, or maybe you are serving in the military and have to go overseas. Whatever could be the reason you are away from your vehicle, you will have to take good care of it and put it in the proper place before you are gone for long.
Below are some essential tips to consider before you think of storing a vehicle for any reason. Such vehicle storage services ensure to preserve the engine’s life and take care that your car starts when you return.
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Keep It Covered
The ideal place to safeguard a vehicle is in a garage. They protect your vehicle from adverse environments and elements that can damage your car, and they keep an ideal temperature to maintain the vehicle. Just in case you don’t have a garage and you can’t find a place at a decent rate, you can consider keeping your vehicle in a public storehouse facility. If no option is available for you and you have to keep the car outside, consider getting a car cover that can bear every weather situation that will support keeping your vehicle dry, safe, and clean.
Clean It Up
As you decide to put your vehicle away for months, it’s a good idea to get it nice and clean. However, it’s an easy way to take care of a vehicle that you are about to leave for a few months. You don’t have to be too worried about that later. Bird droppings and water stains on the car can harm the vehicle’s paint. Ensure to give soapy wash and clear the wheels and underparts of the car with mud, tar, or grease. You can put a coat of wax on your vehicle for extra protection.
Keep It Charged
You should start the car every two weeks and drive it for approximately ten to 15 minutes. It has many advantages. You can sustain the battery’s charge through this exercise; it will help the car maintain its machinery and keep the engine and other machine parts lubricated nicely. Not only this, it will keep the air conditioner in good condition, and you can get fresh air quality.
If you could not drive the car, find someone to support you in maintaining the vehicle. You can also try to do two other alternatives. There is a low-tech solution available in the market to disconnect the negative battery cable. You can also get a battery tender or known as a trickle charger. It will keep your car’s settings the same and make you free from the battery starting problem. This device buckles up to the car battery from one end and braces through a wall on the other end. It produces enough electrical power to secure the battery from discharging.
Don’t Use The Parking Brake
Generally, people use the parking brake, but it won’t be a good idea when you leave your car in battery storage. Due to the long connection of the brake pads with the rotors, they may fuse. Despite this, you can bring a tire stopper, also known as a chock; it will mainly restrict the car from moving.
Prevent Flat Spots
There is a possibility of developing flat spots while the vehicle is stationary for more extended periods. The weight of the car forces down on the tires, and flat spots occur due to this reason. In the cold climate, this cycle arises faster, and sometimes it may occur in vehicles fitted out with operating tires or low category tires.
In a few cases, generally, people drive the car, and to get rid of any flat spot, they keep the tires up to the average operating temperature or recommended conditions. When your vehicle is in park for more than 30 days, you should take the wheels off and keep your car on a jack stand from all four corners. This procedure will take many steps but ensure the safety of the tires in a better position.
Conclusion
Consider the recommendations given above to store your car. Ensure that you get back your car in good condition and preserve its engine life. We hope that this article may have helped you with your quest for long term storage of your vehicle.
