Common Mistakes to Avoid When Storing Your Vehicle

When it comes to car maintenance and storing your vehicle, many people make simple but costly mistakes. Whether you’re putting your car away for the winter or storing it long-term, preparation is key. Without the right precautions, you could return to a car that needs extensive repairs.

Forgetting to Find a Secure Storage Facility

If you’re looking to store your vehicle in a place like New York, you’ll want to find a secure storage facility. Many vehicle owners forget the importance of choosing a safe and reliable location, leading to damage or even theft. A secure storage facility can offer peace of mind, especially in areas with harsh weather or high crime rates.

Look for facilities that protect from the elements, have strong security measures, and offer climate-controlled options. This can make a huge difference in how well your vehicle is preserved during storage. Taking time to select the right facility is a crucial step.

Failing to Clean the Vehicle Before Storage

One of the most common mistakes is neglecting todetail the vehicle before storage. Dirt, grime, and even bird droppings can accumulate on the exterior and damage the paint over time. Inside, crumbs or food wrappers could attract pests, leading to a whole new set of problems.

To avoid this, thoroughly wash and vacuum your car before storing it. Not only does this protect the car’s paint, but it also prevents bad odors from developing inside. A clean vehicle will be much easier to maintain after storage.

Not Filling Up the Gas Tank

Another mistake many car owners make is storing their vehicle with a near-empty gas tank. Over time, an empty gas tank can develop condensation, leading to rust and corrosion. This can damage your fuel system and lead to costly repairs.

Before putting your vehicle in storage, fill the gas tank and add a fuel stabilizer. The stabilizer will prevent the fuel from breaking down and becoming thick, which can clog your fuel lines. Keeping the tank full also minimizes the chances of moisture building up inside.

Forgetting to Check Fluid Levels

Vehicle owners often forget to check other fluid levels before long-term storage. Low or old fluids can cause corrosion or other damage to your vehicle’s engine and components. This is especially true for oil, which can break down and lose its protective properties.

Before storing your vehicle, change the oil and check the coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid levels. Fresh fluids will better protect the engine and other systems. Taking this step ensures that your vehicle will be ready to run smoothly when you take it out of storage.

Ignoring the Tires

Many people overlook tire care when storing their vehicles. Over time, tires can develop flat spots from being in the same position for extended periods. This can lead to a bumpy ride and might even require you to replace the tires entirely.

To prevent this, check your tire pressure before storage and inflate the tires to the recommended level. If you’re storing the vehicle for a long time, consider using tire jacks or moving the car periodically to avoid flat spots. This small effort can save you from replacing the tires when you start using the vehicle again.

Leaving the Battery Unattended

Finding a dead battery is one of the most frustrating problems after long-term storage. Many car owners make the mistake of leaving their vehicle’s battery unattended during storage. Over time, batteries lose charge, and if left too long, they may not be able to recharge.

To prevent this, disconnect the battery or use a trickle charger. A trickle charger will keep the battery charged without overloading it. If you’re storing the vehicle for several months, this simple step can save you from having to replace the battery later on.

Neglecting to Cover the Vehicle

Another common mistake is failing to cover the vehicle during storage properly. Dust, moisture, and even sunlight can damage the car’s exterior and interior over time. A high-quality car cover is essential to protect the vehicle from these elements.

Make sure to choose a cover designed for your vehicle’s size and type. A poor-quality or ill-fitting cover can do more harm than good by trapping moisture. If you are storing your vehicle outdoors, ensure the cover is waterproof and UV-resistant to prevent further damage.

Overlooking Pest Prevention

Pests can wreak havoc on a stored vehicle. Rodents, for example, can chew through wiring, insulation, and even the upholstery. Many car owners overlook this risk and find themselves dealing with costly repairs once they retrieve their car from storage.

To avoid pest damage, seal off any openings, such as the exhaust pipe or air intakes, to prevent animals from entering the vehicle. You can also use rodent repellents or traps to keep pests away. Simple precautions can go a long way in protecting your vehicle from unwanted guests.

Storing on an Unprotected Surface

Many people store their vehicles on surfaces that can cause damage over time. Parking on dirt or grass can lead to moisture build-up underneath the car, resulting in rust. This is especially common when storing a vehicle outdoors.

To avoid this, park the vehicle on a concrete surface or use a protective ground cover. Moisture from the ground can slowly damage the underside of the car, leading to rust and corrosion. By parking on a protected surface, you extend the life of your vehicle.

Failing to Check on the Vehicle Regularly

Another mistake car owners make is forgetting to check on their vehicles during long-term storage. Leaving the car unattended for months at a time can lead to various issues, from a dead battery to pest infestations.

Regular check-ups allow you to catch potential problems before they become major issues.
Every few weeks, start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. This helps keep the battery charged and circulates fluids through the engine. Regular inspections can prevent surprises when you’re ready to take the car out of storage.

Conclusion

Storing your vehicle can seem straightforward, but avoiding common mistakes is essential for keeping your car in good condition. From cleaning the vehicle to maintaining fluid levels, each step is important.

Regular checks and choosing the right storage conditions will save you time and money in the long run.
When storing your vehicle, take care to avoid these errors.

Proper preparation ensures that your car remains in good shape, ready to hit the road again, whether short-term or long-term storage, attention to detail makes all the difference.

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