There are a number of times when people need to store a vehicle for an extended period of time. Perhaps it’s a summer cruiser, or maybe you’re leaving the country for work or that much needed holiday. Here are some important tips you should consider to ensure your vehicle remains in tiptop condition to save money and prevent hassles later on.

#1 Storage

Storing cars long term is best undercover and out of sight. Alongside protecting it from less scrupulous folk, the paintwork will also be sheltered from the elements, leaves, dust and corrosive droppings. A garage is best but other options include a storage facility, car port or cover, at the very least.

#2 Battery

When a vehicle is in storage for extended period of time the battery is still at work to help to maintain memory in all electrical components and all auxiliary. The pressure on the battery is higher in newer vehicles particularly those with a lot of bells and whistles.

To ensure that your vehicle starts on your return you can use a maintenance charger to keep the starting battery of your vehicle topped up and fully charged. Maintenance chargers are designed to be plugged in and left, they switch on and off as required to keep the battery in a good state of charge. Keeping the battery at a good state of charge is the key to longevity of battery life.

 For safety reasons the maintenance charger has to be used away from the elements of weather preferably in a garage.

#3 Cleaning

Giving your vehicle a wash and wax will do wonders for the paint surface and keep the dust off. Remember to leave a window down just enough to keep the air inside fresh but still stop any unwanted pests climbing in. Maybe spread a few mothballs or cotton wool soaked in peppermint oil around the vehicle to help ward them off.

#4 Servicing

This is more important for long-term storage, but new oil and good coolant will ensure vital components remain lubricated and reduce the likelihood of corrosion and leaks.
Now for the matter of fuel. In the past it was recommended that tanks were kept full to minimise condensation. This is still possible if the vehicle is being stored outside, as it is the temperature difference between liquid and steel that can cause condensation. We recommend keeping the fuel amount fairly low so that you can top-up with fresh fuel, or easily drain, when the time comes to get it back on the road. A small trick to keep the wiper blades usable, is to lift them off the screen or wrap them in cling film to stop them deforming or sticking to the glass.

#5 Tyres

Correct tyre pressure is important in order for them to maintain their shape and prevent flat spots. If the vehicle is being stored for long term, it is best to inflate them a bit more than you usual. This will ensure that adequate pressure remains even if a small amount leaks out over time. Back in the day, car tyres were particularly prone to flat spots and vehicles were raised on blocks to prevent this from happening.

If possible, leave the handbrake off to stop the brake material sticking to the steel drums causing binding or noises later on. The transmission can be kept in park or wheels chocked to stop the car rolling away.

Another handy tip is to leave a reminder note in the car to jog your memory about any changes you made before laying the car up. Check the tyre pressure, fluids, wipers, brakes, and of course make sure you disconnect that battery charger before driving off.