Car storage can be a complex task for those who don’t regularly leave their vehicle unused for long stretches. While some car owners have little to worry about, leaving their vehicles unattended for extended periods can cause damage, as many learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. This period of inactivity can result in problems like condensation in the fuel tank, dead batteries, and more. Whether you’re a classic car enthusiast, someone who frequently travels, military personnel, or simply enjoying an extended vacation, there are ways to ensure your car stays in great condition when it’s not being driven.
Car storage is necessary when you won’t be using your vehicle for a significant time. It involves placing the car either indoors or outdoors and taking steps to ensure it remains in good working condition. Measures like disconnecting the battery and adding fuel stabilizer are common practices in keeping the car functional during periods of inactivity. While some vehicles may not need these measures, it’s essential for long-term storage.
Identifying the Right Time to Store Your Vehicle
The ideal time to store your car is when you know you won’t be using it for a month or longer. People often need to store their vehicles when traveling for work, relocating for a temporary assignment, or during vacations. Military personnel, government employees, or snowbirds who relocate to warmer climates for the winter should consider storing their vehicles. A car left unused for extended periods, especially during extreme temperatures, can suffer neglect-related damage, making storage the best option.
For shorter periods (up to four weeks), your car can likely stay parked without significant issues, provided it’s driven briefly before departure. However, it’s wise to check local ordinances on long-term parking to avoid potential fines.
Choosing the Best Location for Vehicle Storage
When storing your car, a garage or indoor facility is the best option. Indoor storage shields your vehicle from adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, and harsh sunlight, which can lead to paint fading and interior damage. Additionally, it minimizes the risk of scratches or dents from passing vehicles and protects the car from pests, such as rodents.
If you don’t have access to a garage, using a weather-resistant car cover can help prevent rust, UV damage, and moisture buildup. For those who opt for self-storage, ensure the facility offers the right size space and adequate security. Indoor climate-controlled parking is optimal but can be costly, especially in larger cities, while uncovered parking is typically more affordable.
Key Storage Options for Your Car
There are several types of storage available, including:
Garage storage: Ideal for protecting your car from the elements.
Carport or covered parking: Provides basic protection from weather but offers less security than a garage.
Storage facility: Self-storage spaces offer various options, including indoor or covered parking.
Car cover: An affordable alternative to garage storage, especially for outdoor environments.
Preparing Your Car for Long-Term Storage
To ensure your car remains in good condition while stored, there are several steps to follow before parking it. These include cleaning the car, preparing the engine, and protecting critical components.
1. Wash and Clean Your Car: Thoroughly clean both the exterior and interior. Washing your car removes dirt, sap, salt, and other materials that could damage the paint. Clean the interior to prevent pests like insects from being attracted to crumbs and trash. It’s essential to address any food debris and odors before storage.
2. Fill the Gas Tank: For gasoline-powered vehicles, fill the gas tank to prevent moisture from accumulating, which can lead to rust. Additionally, add a fuel stabilizer to prevent the gasoline from deteriorating over time. A stabilizer can last up to one year.
3. Protect the Battery: Batteries lose charge if not regularly used, so disconnect the battery if you won’t be driving for over a month. Alternatively, use a trickle charger to maintain the battery’s charge. Disconnect the battery by removing the negative terminal cable, followed by the positive cable, ensuring they don’t touch.
4. Change the Oil: Even if the vehicle isn’t due for an oil change, replacing the oil before storage can prevent corrosion and buildup inside the engine. This step is only necessary if the car will be stored for over a month.
5. Prevent Pest Infestation: Use a rag or aluminum foil to cover the tailpipe and air intake to keep bugs and rodents from entering the vehicle. Clean the interior thoroughly to avoid attracting pests.
6. Overinflate the Tires: Tires lose air over time, so it’s best to overinflate them slightly to prevent flat spots from forming. Alternatively, you can place the car on jack stands to reduce pressure on the tires, though this isn’t necessary for shorter storage periods.
7. Avoid Using the Parking Brake: The parking brake can become stuck if left engaged for long periods. Instead, use wheel chocks to keep the car stationary.
8. Lubricate Moving Parts: Apply light oil to all hinges, including those on the trunk, doors, and hood, to prevent rust and keep them functioning well.
9. Cover the Vehicle: A good car cover is essential, especially for long-term outdoor storage. A snug cover helps prevent sun damage and abrasions that can occur if the cover flaps in the wind.
Storing an Electric Vehicle (EV)
Electric vehicles (EVs) require similar care to gasoline-powered vehicles, though there are some additional considerations for the battery. In addition to cleaning the car, covering it, and disconnecting the parking brake, pay special attention to the EV’s battery.
Battery charge: Before storing your EV, charge the battery to about 50%, as this is generally the optimal charge for long-term storage.
Maintenance: If your EV allows remote management, use the app to monitor battery levels and even precondition the vehicle occasionally to maintain battery health.
12-volt battery: Just like a gasoline-powered car, an EV has a 12-volt battery that powers small systems like lights. Disconnect this battery or use a maintenance charger to prevent it from depleting.
Advantages of Car Storage
Storing your car comes with numerous benefits:
Space efficiency: Storing your car frees up valuable space in your driveway or garage.
Maintenance savings: Preventing wear and tear on your vehicle by not using it reduces overall maintenance costs.
Protection: Vehicle storage keeps your car safe from accidents, theft, and environmental damage.
Insurance savings: Storing your car may lead to a reduction in insurance premiums, depending on your policy and storage method.
Car Insurance Considerations While Storing Your Vehicle
You might consider canceling your car insurance when storing your vehicle, but this can be risky. If your car is damaged or stolen while uninsured, you would be responsible for repairs or replacement costs.
Some options to explore:
Reduce collision coverage: If your car is stored in a secure location, you might reduce your insurance to comprehensive coverage, which protects against theft or weather-related damage.
Temporary suspension: Some insurance companies allow you to temporarily suspend coverage, but you should be aware that you may be liable for damages or theft during this period.
Keep insurance if stored outside: If your car is stored outdoors or in a public area, it’s advisable to keep full coverage insurance to protect against potential damage.
Proper car storage is essential to maintaining your vehicle’s health and protecting it from the damage that can occur during extended periods of inactivity. Whether your car is a classic collector’s item or simply needs to be stored during travel, following these steps ensures that your vehicle remains in top condition. From choosing the right storage location to preparing the car with maintenance tasks, each step helps protect your investment and keeps your car running smoothly when you return.