Whether you are going on an extended vacation, heading off to college, or just having the car sit idle, preparing for long-term storage is important. Taking the right steps in the beginning prevents maintenance headaches and expensive repairs when you fire things up again.
Taking Care of The Battery
The main concern with letting a car sit idle is a dead battery. The vehicle will still have small electrical loads from things such as the clock and security system drawing on the battery even when it is not being driven.
For a few weeks of storage, a trickle charger or battery maintainer will be enough to keep the battery topped up, with no need to disconnect it. These smart chargers provide just enough juice to counteract those small electrical draws.
If storing for months at a time, it’s best to remove the battery altogether to avoid a full discharge. Or at the very least, disconnect the negative battery cable. A completely dead battery makes for a very difficult re-start. Subsequently, a weak battery might cause issues when back on the road, so you will need one of the best battery jump starter packs you can get. According to experts at Clore Automotive, these portable power packs will get your engine cranking without the need of another vehicle.
Care of Fuel System
The longer the gas sits in the tank, the more it deteriorates and messes up the fuel system. If the car has been sitting for less than three months, add some fuel stabilizer to a full gas tank. This helps prevent phase separation and damage to the fuel pump and injectors.
Longer-term storage is best when the tank has been run down to near empty before storage. The less gas in the system, the less opportunity for issues to arise.
Tire and Brake Care
If you don’t periodically move the tires, concrete or other hard surfaces can cause flat spots on the tires after a prolonged period of being stationery. To stop this happening, over-inflate the tires by 10 psi or raise the car with jack stands to take the weight off the rubber.
You will also want to pull the parking brake up and down a few times before storing so the brake pads don’t stick to the rotor when not in use.
Interior Care
Also, prepare the cabin for storage by properly vacuuming the interior and cleaning it out to eliminate any crumbs and spills that could invite pests.
For added precaution, throw in a few boxes of baking soda to absorb any musty smell that might occur. You can even crack the windows open for ventilation.
Advanced Steps
For the serious car collectors or those in a long-term storage scenario, here are some more advanced steps to take:
- Change the engine oil and add a diesel additive to avoid any possible sludge build-up.
- Apply fogging oil into the intake to prevent corrosion in cylinders.
- Apply dielectric grease inside all electrical connectors.
Take these extra steps to create an environment in which a vehicle can sit for an extended period with very little upkeep required. For longer-term storage, it would make sense to periodically check in on the vehicle. Fill the tank full of gas, charge the batteries, cycle the tires, and have a look for signs of pest intrusion or other problems.
Conclusion
Taking only a little time to prepare your vehicle for long-term storage can save many headaches and possible repair bills later on. Follow this simple storage guide to the letter to ensure that your prized vehicle doesn’t deteriorate over time.