How to Store a Vehicle Properly and Maintain its Long-Term Value

Proper vehicle storage, particularly if your car is going to be stored for a few months or more, is essential because improper storage can lead to various issues like battery, engine, and tire damage. It can also damage the interior and exterior parts of your car so knowing how to store a car is essential if you want to maintain its condition.

Fortunately, with some simple advice, you can look after the condition of your car and keep it functioning well if you need to store it for a long time. Keep reading to find out how to store a vehicle for a long-term period.

How Long Can a Car Sit Unused?

Knowing how long a car can sit unused before there’s a chance of issues happening when you take it back on the road is a good place to start. Most often, experts advise driving your car at least once every 2 to 3 weeks for about 30 minutes.

Although this is a general recommendation, various aspects like the condition of your car, the climate, and where you keep your car can affect this. Here, we’ll focus on what to do if you want to know how to store a vehicle for a long-term period.

Disconnect the Battery

If you’re storing your car for a long time, the battery should be disconnected as this will prevent unnecessary electrical drain so it can keep its charge. Start by using a socket or wrench to remove the negative terminal which is the black cable. In general, mechanics who know how to store a car properly will also do this. The reason is that electrical parts like the clock and alarm system draw small amounts of charge even if the vehicle is off.

Change the Oil Before Storage

Knowing how to best prevent engine damage when you store a vehicle long term also involves changing the oil before storage. This will prevent contaminants like dirt, debris, and metal particles from corroding the internal parts of the engine. In addition, old oil that has been left in an engine over time can contain moisture which increases the likelihood of rust forming inside the engine.

Inflate Your Tires

Inflating your tires to the recommended pressure or slightly more can help prevent flat spots from developing on the tires. Flat spots happen when a section of the tire stays in the same position on the ground for an extended period of time, causing the tire to become misshapen.

Most experts who know how to store a vehicle long term will recommend inflating your tires as this prevents flat spots. You can also use jack stands to keep your tires off the ground and prevent flat spots.

Clean the Interior and Exterior

Cleaning the interior of your car, particularly from things like spilled food or liquid, can help prevent unwanted pests like insects or rodents from being attracted to your vehicle. Also, people who know how to store a car will generally use a vacuum to clean the inside because this helps prevent mold or mildew from developing.

When it comes to the exterior, car owners who understand how to store a vehicle long term will usually clean the outside surface. Cleaning the outer surface of your car before storing it can help maintain its value by preserving the paint and preventing corrosion. If you can, apply a protective coating of wax. This will form a layer on top of the surface that protects it from contaminants like dirt and dust.

Use a Car Cover

It’s always best to use a car cover when storing your car for a long time, even if you’re storing it indoors. This is an important part of knowing how to store a vehicle long term as the cover can help prevent moisture from building up in your car and mold growing as a result. If you need to store your car outdoors, a waterproof cover is ideal because it can protect against environmental conditions like humidity, direct sunlight, snow, and rain.

In Conclusion

Knowing how to store a car is an effective way to maintain its value, especially if you’re storing it for a long time. The battery should be disconnected, the tires inflated, and the oil changed for best results. Using a car cover is highly recommended for both indoor and outdoor storage.

If you’re now familiar with how to store a vehicle long term and need lift supports that will also stand the test of time, Lift Supports Depot has durable gas springs. You can search by make and model, size, or part number. Otherwise, contact us and we’ll find lift supports that fit your car perfectly.