Storing a Car Long Term – Introduction
We’ve all gotten in a car, turned the key, and been disappointed that it didn’t start. We’ve also spent hours or days trying to get it running again. If you’re like me, you’ve probably found yourself needing a good tip for keeping your car alive for more extended periods. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to prolong the life span of your automobile by taking simple actions now or as soon as possible after an accident or other mishap.
The best place to store a car is in an air-conditioned garage. However, this is only sometimes possible or practical. That’s why I like to store my vehicle at home where I can easily access it. If you’re thinking of storing your vehicle long-term, here are some things you’ll want to do: Here’s how:
Could you put it in a Car Bubble?
Car bubbles are made of PVC, and they’re designed to keep your car safe while it’s parked. They’re also great for storing other things, like motorcycles and boats.
You can buy a car bubble at most hardware stores or online. The cost varies depending on size, shape, and material used; however, expect to pay about $50 for a small one that’ll fit in the trunk of your car. If you want something more significant than that but still affordable, look into purchasing a used one from an upcycled one who might give you an even better deal on price—but make sure that whoever sells it knows what they’re talking about before handing over cash!
Buy a Car Cover.
A car cover is a great way to protect your car from the elements and can also help you keep an eye on your vehicle when it’s not in use.
If you still need to get one, consider buying one that’s made specifically for your vehicle. Some covers are waterproof, and some are not, so ensure you get one that works well with your car model! They should also be large enough so they’ll fit over all parts of the vehicle without having any gaps or gaps between parts where water could get through (like around tires).
Park it outside and Cover it with a Tarp.
Do not store your car in a garage.
Do not cover your car with tarps or other materials to keep out the elements. The heat from sunlight can damage the paint on your vehicle, and any moisture from rain or snow will cause rusting problems if left outside for long periods.
Make sure you avoid parking near any heat source like fireplaces or wood stoves that might catch fire while warming up an area before winter arrives (this is especially true if children live nearby). You could also run into problems if you have pets who get sick quickly because their immune systems weren’t strengthened during their first few years of life when they weren’t exposed as much yet could still catch illnesses just like humans do!
Check the engine bay for leaks and cracks in the plastic housing around your radiator, fan shroud, or other areas where you could see oil seeping out of your car’s engine bay (this won’t happen if you have an older model). If you find a leak, it’s best to get it fixed immediately because more damage could occur over time if left unchecked!
Change oil and filter.
The first thing to do is change the oil and filter, which you should do every 3-5 years. If you’re storing your car for an extended period, it’s best to change it more frequently. Oil is cheap enough that there’s no reason not to keep changing it as often as possible—make sure your car hasn’t been parked in an area with high humidity or hot summers for the past year before starting the process.
It’s better if you should change the oil every three months. The oil is what lubricates your engine and keeps it running smoothly. It also protects the metal parts of your car from rusting or corrosion, which can happen if you leave them in storage for too long.
If you want to be extra careful about longevity, only use high-quality oils specifically designed for long-term storage. These types of oils will last longer than regular ones because they won’t break down as quickly over time—but even so, we still recommend changing them at least once every six months! Just remember: when it comes time for an oil change (or any other maintenance check), ensure that you drain all fluid from inside before refilling with fresh fluid. Otherwise, all those tiny particles will build up over time and clog up your engine’s systems!
Check your Belts and Hoses.
Check your belts and hoses for cracks or leaks. If you notice any damage, remove the belt and check it for wear or tear. If necessary, replace the belt with a new one from your auto parts store.
Check the battery and alternator for corrosion or damage that could cause problems later in storage (e.g., corrosion on connectors). If they seem okay, then continue with this step!
Check tires for proper inflation levels (more than half full) and any signs of wear/tear on their rims. This includes treads worn down to expose the metal underneath, eventually leading to failure if left unchecked over time (e.g., flat spots when riding along uneven terrain).
Start the engine every two weeks.
Keep the engine cool.
Wait to run the engine at one time. You should be able to put your hand on the hood or trunk and feel no heat coming off it after several minutes of driving. If you feel any heat, pull over and let it cool down before continuing driving again (this is especially true if you are going through a hot climate).
Keep your car in a garage when possible—especially if you live somewhere where winter weather can cause severe damage to an otherwise perfect vehicle!
Check transmission fluid level:
This should be between full marks on both sides, so check this before driving off again! If you find it low, top up with some brand new fluid before dropping it off somewhere else where they sell spare parts like Autocar magazine, which sells them relatively cheaply online. Because they’re trendy among enthusiasts who love tinkering under their hoods while enjoying their free time away from work during lunch breaks at work!
Fill up the gas tank.
Add fuel stabilizer to the tank and start up your car if you haven’t already done so.
Add gas stabilizer & Sea Foam to the gas tank.
The gas stabilizer is added to the gas tank to keep it from going bad. It helps prevent corrosion, which can cause your car to lose performance or even break down if left untreated. You’ll want to add this before storing your vehicle for long periods, so make sure you do so!
Sea Foam is another fuel additive that helps clean out dirt and debris in engines over time; it also prevents condensation from forming in the engine bay when you’re not using it for an extended period (which could lead to rust). If you plan on storing your vehicle for an extended period, we recommend adding both products as one package rather than buying separate ones at different times during storage.
Remove brake calipers, pads, and rotor.
Remove the brake calipers, pads, and rotors by pulling them off their mounting bolts.
Clean off rust or dirt on these parts with a wire brush or abrasive tool.
Spray each part with brake cleaning spray (or hose). If necessary, you can also use an air compressor to blow away any remaining debris between your wheels and rotors!
Put the car on jack stands then remove the tires.
Once you’ve removed the wheels and tires, put the car on jack stands. This will make it easier to work with your vehicle while it’s still on its wheels and not resting on its suspension. Make sure you have a spare tire or jack in case one of your tires needs replacement.
If possible, remove all fluids inside your car before storing them for long periods. Because this can prevent rusting and corrosion from developing on metal parts like brake lines, fuel lines, and radiators over time if they aren’t adequately flushed out after being used again after being stored at some point between scheduled maintenance appointments (usually every 7500 miles).
How To Store Your Car Long Term: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RN22T9yZK8Y
Sprinkle talcum powder or anti-seize compound on the rotor and caliper.
If you plan to keep your car for a long time, it’s essential to ensure that the rotors and calipers are lubricated. If you don’t use oil or grease in your engine, apply a thin layer of talcum powder or anti-seize compound on top of each rotor and caliper before storing the car. This will reduce friction between parts, which will help prevent corrosion over time. It also helps keep things nice and shiny!
Repack bearings with high-temperature wheel bearing grease.
If you’re going to store your car long-term, you’ll need to repack the wheel bearings with high-temperature grease. You can do this using a grease gun, but the grease must be compatible with the wheel bearings.
Mixing water into the original bearing oil will help thin out its viscosity and allow it to flow more quickly through the system when injected later on in your storage process. Use an empty syringe or medicine bottle with a needle-like tip (you may have one somewhere). Add some of this mixture into each bearing before refilling with new oil and reassembling everything together again!
Spray all external rubber parts with a penetrating oil & protectant.
If you’re storing your car for more than two years, it’s essential to protect the rubber parts from UV rays and moisture. You can use any penetrating oil or grease on these surfaces—just ensure you don’t use anything containing silicone!
Disconnect the battery terminals and spray with a corrosion inhibitor.
Disconnecting the battery terminals is the most likely part of your car to rust, so it’s essential to do this immediately. To disconnect them:
- Unscrew or remove the negative cable from its connection to the battery.
Remove any screws holding on your positive cables; they should pop out when you lift them with a pair of pliers or similar tools.
Cover the car’s interior with moisture absorbers.
You can also use moisture absorbers to keep your car dry. These absorbent materials are commonly used in cars and trucks and are available at most auto parts stores. The best way to use them is by covering your vehicle’s interior with them—you can do this yourself or ask someone else who does this for a living.
Moisture absorbers come in different sizes and shapes, so be sure that you purchase one that will fit appropriately into your ride! If possible, try to find ones explicitly designed for an automobile; otherwise, they may not work as well as others might (or worse yet—they may damage your vehicle). Once inside, each piece should be sealed tightly, so no moisture escapes while driving down highways across America!
Good car storage requires maintenance.
Good car storage requires maintenance. Your vehicle must be in good running condition, with the tires having enough tread and the brakes working correctly. If you do not have access to a mechanic, then there are some simple things you can do yourself to ensure that your car will be ready when you need it.
Disconnecting the battery is essential in keeping your car safe from theft or damage. This prevents anyone from starting the engine if they find themselves locked inside it overnight (or worse). Ensure this is done before removing any interior hardware or wiring connections; otherwise, someone may be able to turn on their lights or open their doors!
Cleaning everything inside and out will also prevent rust from forming over time—especially around metal parts such as metal panels on doors/hoods, suspension components like shock absorbers, etc.
Conclusion
Keeping your car in storage is a good idea because it will protect your vehicle from damage and help maintain its value. However, you should follow these steps carefully to ensure that your car remains safe while it’s gone.
We hope this has been helpful to you. We know that long-term car storage can be challenging, but it’s important to remember to take care of your vehicle while not in use.
Other links:
Car Care Tips – Learn 12 Tips Today: https://acarneedslove.com/car-care-tips-learn-12-tips-today/
