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Best Practices for Car Storage

If you own a vehicle that you don’t plan to use for an extended period, it’s crucial to store it properly to maintain its condition and prevent potential damage. In this guide, we will cover the basics of car storage, including when and where to store your vehicle, preparation steps to protect it, and special considerations for electric cars. You’ll also learn about the benefits of storing your car, and what to keep in mind regarding car insurance. Whether you’re a casual driver looking to store your car for the winter months, or a car enthusiast with a vintage collection, these best practices can make a significant difference in preserving your car’s value and functionality.

What Is Car Storage?

Car storage refers to the process of keeping a vehicle in a controlled environment when it is not being used for a prolonged period. This can range from a few months to even years. The goal is to protect the car from environmental factors, such as temperature changes, moisture, and dust, that can degrade its condition over time.

The concept of car storage isn’t limited to simply parking it in a garage. Often, it involves preparing the vehicle in ways that ensure its components remain in good working order. This prevents costly repairs or depreciation caused by neglect or exposure to harsh conditions.

When To Store Your Car

Understanding when to store your car is essential to implementing proper storage practices. Common reasons for car storage include long trips, seasonal downtime (such as winter storage in cold climates), or military deployment. These situations make your car vulnerable to damage if not properly stored.

Furthermore, rare or collectible cars often require storage when not on display or being driven frequently. Ensuring that these valuable vehicles are stored correctly preserves their value and performance for future use or sale.

Where To Store Your Car

Types of Storage for Your Vehicle

There are several types of storage options for vehicles, each offering different levels of protection. Garage storage is the most basic form, providing shelter from the elements. Indoor storage facilities offer climate-controlled environments, crucial for preventing moisture and temperature-related damage.

For vehicles that require higher security, car storage units at self-storage facilities provide both shelter and security features like surveillance cameras and controlled access. Outdoor storage, like carports or driveway parking, may suffice for short durations but lacks comprehensive protection from weather conditions.

Quick Facts About Car Storage

Knowing a few quick facts can significantly improve your storage strategy. Always place your car on some form of moisture barrier if stored on a bare concrete floor, as concrete can attract moisture. Invest in a good-quality car cover for extra protection, even inside a garage.

Consider the climate of your storage location; extreme temperature fluctuations can affect certain vehicle components such as rubber seals or paint. Additionally, maintaining comprehensive insurance coverage during storage will protect not just the vehicle itself but also against potential liability claims.

How To Prepare Your Car for Storage

1. Clean Your Car

Before placing your car in storage, make sure it’s thoroughly cleaned both inside and out. A clean car prevents long-term damage caused by dirt and chemicals, which can lead to paint and upholstery deterioration.

Use a high-quality wax to add an extra layer of protection to the exterior. Additionally, remove any food or perishables from the interior to prevent odors and pest infestations.

2. Fill the Gas Tank

Filling your gas tank before storage helps to prevent moisture from accumulating inside the tank, which can lead to rust. Adding a fuel stabilizer is also recommended as it prevents the fuel from breaking down over time.

This is particularly important for vehicles stored longer than three months. Following these steps ensures that your car starts easily when it’s time to bring it back on the road.

3. Protect the Battery

Batteries can lose their charge if a vehicle is left unused for too long. To protect your car’s battery, either remove it entirely and store it in a cool, dry place or connect it to a battery maintainer, also known as a trickle charger.

This will keep the battery charged and ready, preventing sulfation which can lead to reduced battery life or the need for a replacement.

4. Change the Oil

Before storing your car, it’s advisable to change the oil and oil filter. Used engine oil contains contaminants that can damage your engine’s internals if left unchecked over long periods.

Changing the oil prior to storage means your car is set to hit the ground running when you next take it out. Doing so prevents the build-up of sludge and preserves engine health.

5. Keep Bugs Out

Preventing pests from making your car their home is crucial during storage. Seal off any entry points using steel wool or aluminum foil, such as exhaust pipes and air intakes, to make your vehicle less inviting to rodents and insects.

Using silica gel packets or moisture absorbers inside the car can further deter insects and protect the interior from humidity-related damage.

6. Overfill Tires

Overinflating your tires by about 5 PSI is recommended before long-term storage. This compensates for the natural pressure loss that occurs over time and helps prevent “flat-spotting,” a condition where tires develop flat areas.

Consider placing your car on jack stands if the car will be in storage for over a year, as this relieves pressure on the tires and suspension system.

7. Do Not Use a Parking Brake

Avoid engaging the parking brake while the car is in storage. Doing so could cause the brake pads to fuse with the rotors if left for an extended period, damaging the braking system.

Instead, use wheel chocks or blocks to prevent the car from moving and provide peace of mind that your vehicle is securely positioned.

8. Lubricate

Lubrication is key in preserving the car’s moving parts during storage. Consider lubricating door hinges, hood hinges, and any other moving parts to prevent them from seizing up.

Also, spraying a silicone-based lubricant on the weather stripping can help prevent it from cracking during extended disuse.

9. Cover Up

Finally, a quality car cover is essential for protecting your vehicle’s exterior. Even if stored indoors, a cover adds an extra layer of protection against dust, debris, and scratches.

Opt for a cover that is breathable, allowing moisture to escape, while still offering protection against the elements.

How To Store an Electric Car

Storing an electric car requires a few different steps compared to traditional vehicles. Most importantly, maintain the battery charge between 50% and 70%, as fully charged or discharged states can deteriorate battery health over time.

Disconnect the 12-volt battery to preserve energy, and if possible, keep the vehicle plugged into a low voltage charger or follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for long-term storage. Monitor software updates and apply them as necessary during the storage period.

Benefits of Storing a Car

Proper car storage offers numerous benefits. It helps in retaining the vehicle’s resale value by preventing environmental wear and tear, fading, or rust. Additionally, a stored vehicle is less susceptible to vandalism or theft.

Preserving car health through appropriate storage practices also saves money in the long run by minimizing the need for repairs due to neglect. The peace of mind knowing your car is safely stored and well-maintained makes the effort worthwhile.

What To Consider with Car Insurance

Deciding on car insurance when storing your vehicle involves reviewing your current policy and understanding your coverage. Some owners opt to maintain comprehensive insurance to protect against non-accident-related damage like fire or theft.

Discussing your plans with your insurance agent is crucial. They may offer solutions like a storage or “lay-up” policy, which reduces coverage to essentials, potentially lowering costs while the vehicle is not in use.

Summary of Main Points

Topic	Details
What Is Car Storage?	Process of protecting a vehicle when it is unused for extended periods.
When To Store Your Car	Perfect for long trips, seasonal storage, or preserving rare vehicles.
Where To Store Your Car	Options include garages, indoor facilities, or self-storage units.
Preparing Your Car	Clean car, fill the tank, protect battery, avoid parking brake, etc.
Storing Electric Cars	Maintain battery charge, monitor software updates, disconnect 12-volt battery.
Benefits of Storing a Car	Retains value, prevents theft/vandalism, saves on repairs.
Car Insurance Considerations	Review coverage, consider comprehensive or lay-up policies.

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