With the change in seasons, some of us put away the winter vehicle and bring out the nice weather toys. Motorcycles, convertibles, and sports cars are all coming out of the garage or storage now. When it’s time to put your vehicle into storage for a long period of time, there are a few steps you need to take in order to keep it in good condition. No matter the season, these tips are great for tucking away the car for a season.
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Cover it up
This isn’t so much of an issue if you’re storing in a garage or a storage unit, but keeping a cover on your vehicle helps to keep it clean. Beyond staying clean, a cover keeps the light off of the vehicle body, preventing the paint from fading. It’ll also keep moisture from forming directly on the body, reducing the risk of rust developing.
Leave Some Fuel in the Tank
When putting your vehicle into storage you may be tempted to drain the gas tank. Instead of leaving it empty, leave the tank filled right to the top. This prevents the fuel seals from drying out, and stops the buildup of moisture inside the tank. Be sure to put fuel stabilizer in with the gas as it will protect the engine and tank from rust, and prevent the fuel from deteriorating for up to 12 months.
Get the Oil Changed
Old used oil contains contaminants that can be harmful to the engine. Before placing it into storage, get the oil changed with fresh oil and a new filter. Clean oil helps the engine and letting it sit for a while will keep it in tip-top shape.
Keep the Battery Charged
Batteries slowly lose their charges even when not in use. If you don’t want to come back to a dead brick that used to be a battery, then there are a few options for you. If possible, fire up your vehicle for 15 minutes every 2 to 4 weeks to give the battery a refresh. If that isn’t an option then one thing to do is to disconnect the cables from the battery terminals. This won’t prevent battery drain, but it will slow it down, possibly enough for your needs.
Get it Clean
Right before putting it away, be sure to give it a good clean, especially if you are storing a winter vehicle. Cleaning it off gets rid of all the dirt, salt, oil leakage, etc. This has two main benefits: it gets off any harmful substances that will rust or ruin the body/paint before the vehicle sits for months and the damage is done. Plus, it ensures your vehicle will be clean and sparkle as soon as you pull it out of storage!
When it’s time to store a car, motorcycle, or other vehicle for a season and you don’t have a good spot for it, reach out to Alliston Self Storage and we’ll help you come up with a storage unit sized to your needs.
