There are many reasons people choose to put their vehicles in storage. One of the most common reasons people store their cars is that they are leaving town for an extended period of time. But other reasons include: owning more than one vehicle (and not needing more than one at a time), not wanting to drive a convertible or sports car during the winter months, or purchasing a new vehicle but not wanting to sell the old one.
No matter why you are considering storing your car for a few months or more, it’s important that you put some thought into when, where and how you will store your vehicle. In other words, most car mechanics advise that car owners NOT simply park their car in the most convenient outdoor parking spot and leave it there for months on end.
If you do choose to park your car on the street, and leave it there for a few months, you can generally expect that the vehicle will not be in excellent working order when you eventually decide to resume driving it in the future. A car that is stored in an inappropriate manner will likely need extensive rehabilitation at an auto repair shop following its storage period.
Storing a Vehicle Inappropriately Can Lead to More than Cosmetic Damage
If you leave a vehicle parked in the blazing hot sun (or freezing cold snow and ice) or under a tree for months at a time, it’s undoubtedly going to sustain exterior cosmetic damage. However, it is also likely to suffer internal damage. It’s not uncommon for vehicles that have been stored incorrectly to require a tow to the nearest auto repair shop as soon someone attempts to drive it.
How to Correctly Store a Vehicle for an Extended Period of Time
Following are tips on how to store a vehicle to prevent the need for extensive car repairs following the period in which it sits idle:
Find an indoor location to store the vehicle. A car mechanic or auto service center may be able to provide you with guidance on how to find a car storage facility.
Make sure the vehicle receives a car tune up prior to parking it. Make an appointment with your auto service center prior to the storage period and ask a car mechanic to top off all the vehicle’s fluids.
Fill the gas tank right before the vehicle is put into storage.
Roll up the car’s windows. Open windows are like invitations to rodents, bugs and other animals to enter the vehicle and make it their home. Allowing easy access to the inside of your vehicle can result in extensive damage.
For additional recommendations on how to prepare your vehicle for long-term storage, take time to talk with your auto mechanic. The time you spend properly preparing your car for storage is worthwhile, and will ensure your car remains in good condition.
