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How to Prep Your Vehicle for Long-Term Storage

Do you have a convertible that you love to drive during the summer, but as the fall and winter months begin to move in and you do not want to drive the vehicle during those time? Or are you leaving town for an extended vacation? Whatever the reason your time away from the vehicle, you will need to put it in storage of some kind. If you just let your vehicle sit on the road or in a garage for an extended period, you may return to a dead battery, damaged body, ruined tires, or worse a damaged engine. Here are some tips to take before storing your vehicle.

Keep It Covered

A garage is an ideal place to store your vehicle. This will protect your vehicle from the elements and keep it at a temperature that’s relatively stable. If you do not have a garage and you can find accommodation at a reasonable price, consider putting your vehicle in a storage facility. If you have to leave the vehicle outdoors, consider getting a weatherproof car cover, which will help the car stay clean and dry.

Top Off the Gas Tank

This is a long-term storage tip. Fill the tank with gas if you expect the car to be in storage for more than 30 days. Topping it off will prevent moisture from accumulating inside the fuel tank and keep seals from drying or cracking. Purchasing fuel stabilizer will help prevent ethanol buildup and protect the engine during storage.

Change the Oil

If you are only storing your vehicle for a week or two this tip is not for you, consider getting the oil changed if you are storing your vehicle longer than 30 days. Companies such as Ford recommend this step in its owner’s manuals, stating, used engine oil has contaminants that can damage the vehicle.

Refrain from Using the Parking Brake

It is usually a great idea to use the parking brake. But during a long-term storage it could work adversely. If the brake pads make contact with the rotors for too long there is a chance that they might fuse. Purchase a tire stopped or chock to prevent the car from moving and safe your brake pads.

Maintain Insurance

You may think when storing your vehicle, you do not need insurance. This might initially save money, but there is a chance that the insurance company will raise rates due to a gap in coverage, which would cost you in the long run. Contact your insurance company and ask about storage insurance rates to keep your vehicle protected during storage.

About Spirit West Motor Carriage

Spirit West Motor Carriage Auto Body Repair is a family-owned and operated company founded and operated in April of 1977. We take great pride with teamwork and our commitment to making sure our team receives training on the latest innovative state-of-the-art equipment and collision repair techniques. We are proud to say our team is family and we treat our customers like family, too. Be assured that your car will receive this treatment, and upon completion of the repairs, you will drive away safe and satisfied! Give us a call today to see how we can get your car back into shape and back on the road.

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