Getting Your Car Ready for Long-Term Storage

If you are considering putting your classic car or another vehicle in storage, there are some things you will need to do before you arrive at the vehicle storage facility. If you are storing it in a garage at home, you still need to prepare the car for storage, but if you are storing is at a vehicle storage facility, they will often have some steps that you need to be aware of.

Wash Your Car

This may seem a little strange, but washing the car before it goes into storage and allowing it to dry completely will remove sand, salt, and road grime from the vehicle. The contaminates left on the car while it is sitting in storage can cause damage to the vehicle, hold moisture in areas of the body, and promote rust on the sheet metal. Taking the time to wash and wax the car can protect it while sitting and ensure the vehicle comes out of storage the same way it went in. You may want to put a soft cover over the car while it is in the storage unit as well. 

Change the Oil

It is vital that you check the oil in your car before putting it in storage. Draining the oil and leaving the engine dry can cause the seals to dry out in the engine over time, but if you change the oil and put new oil and a new filter on the engine, the oil will help protect the engine while it is sitting. 

It is crucial to have the engine oil full as well so that when the time comes to start the engine, you do not forget to put oil in it and damage the bearings and other parts with a dry start. Most vehicle storage facilities will require you to place an oil absorbent pad under the engine in case you have a leak, but most allow you to store the car with oil in it. 

Disconnect the Battery

Once the car is in storage, it is a good idea to disconnect the battery and remove it from the vehicle. If you are leaving the battery in the storage unit, put it on a piece of cardboard so that if it leaks, it does not damage the floor.

Remove the Tires

If the car is going to be in a vehicle storage facility for a long time, it is a good idea to lift the vehicle and remove the tires and wheels from the vehicle. Support the car on jack stands and store the tires separately so they do not develop flat spots from the weight of the vehicle sitting on one part of the tire. 

For more information, contact various vehicle storage facilities.