Redlands, CA storage facility shares tips for how to prepare your car for long term storage

Posted by Dr. Terry Vines

How to Prepare Your Car for Long Term Car Storage in Redlands, CA Area

Are you leaving town for a long trip somewhere? Perhaps you are putting your convertible up for the winter? Or maybe you are putting your project car on hold? There are many reasons that you might need to store your car long term. Not using a car for several days is much different than not using your car for an extended period. Before you put your car into a storage facility in Redlands, CA, follow these tips on how to prepare your car for long term car storage.

Choose a storage facility

When picking a storage facility, you’ll want to consider your specific needs. If you are storing your car because there is no room in your garage, but you plan on driving it frequently, you’ll want to make sure the facility is easily accessible. You’ll also want to make sure that the car is in a dry place, so it won’t rust. Indoors is always better, especially when it comes to an older vehicle. It’s best to choose a climate-controlled facility if possible.

Fill the tank

You’ll want to make sure your car has a full tank of gas to prevent moisture build-up, rusting, and dried out seals. You’ll also want to add a fuel stabilizer to prevent damage to the fuel system and prevent a buildup of ethanol.

Change the fluids

If you are storing your car longer than 60 days, you’ll want to change the oil. Dirty oil can thicken over time and can have contaminants that affect the engine and the ability to start the car when you retrieve it. It’s also a good idea to check the other fluid levels and top them off, including making sure the car has enough antifreeze.

Wash it

Before placing your car into storage, make sure you wash it inside and out. Cleaning the inside of the car will remove food and dirt that could buildup and cause mold. Cleaning the outside of the car removes bird droppings and anything else that could damage the finish of the car while it’s in storage. Adding a coat of wax to the outside adds another layer of protection.

Get Jacks for underneath the tires

When a car is in long term storage, the weight on the tires can cause them to get flat spots. Putting the car on jack stands will help ensure that you don’t need a brand-new set of tires when you are ready to take it out.

Disconnect the battery

An unused battery can leak acid, which can corrode the inside of the car. Simply disconnect it before you leave the storage facility to prevent this from happening.

Plug the tailpipe

This will help prevent critters from entering the car and protect it from moisture. Rags will work just fine. Just make sure to remove them before starting the car back up again.

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Remove the windshield wipers

Windshield wipers can become brittle after a prolonged period without use. Just take them off and place them inside the car.

Cover the car

Make sure you use a real car cover because it will fit tightly over the car and will be made of the right materials that are soft and breathable. Never use a plastic cover over a car as it can scratch the paint.

Choose Vines Storage in Redlands, CA for your long-term car storage needs

At Vines Storage, we have a large facility designed to keep your car protected from the elements and free up important space in our garage. Our secure storage is monitored 24 hours per day with 56 cameras and the entire facility is surrounded by a tall concrete wall to ensure your items are safe.

Preparing your car for long term storage takes a little bit of work on the front end but doing it right will ensure that when the time is right, you will find a well-preserved car. Without proper preventative maintenance, you could find yourself spending a lot of money on repairs to get the car in running condition again.

We offer comprehensive storage of all vehicles from cars to trucks, RVs and boats. To learn more about our storage solutions, please give us a call at 909-389-6209.

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