10th March, 2020

Putting your vehicle into Long Term Car Storage? Then take note!

 

guide to car storage

 

At some stage or another, we find ourselves in need of a safe car storage solution. Whether this be storing with a friend, professional facility or simply storing it at home, there are 4 important steps to take before putting your car into hibernation. If you are ever asking yourself what to do before putting your car into storage, this guide is for you:

 
 

1. Notify your Insurer

If you are intending to store your car somewhere thats not your listed garaging address, its vital you inform your insurance company of this. The location of storage may bear an impact on your policy, and may adjust your premium for better or for worse. Its highly recommend to notify them before you commence your vehicle storage period.

 

 

2. Inflate the Tyres

tyre pressures in storage

Rule of thumb: Inflate to 5PSI above normal operating pressure

 

Flat tyres and long term car storage are an iconic duo. Over long periods of being stationary, air will escape tyres, causing it to go flat. If left stationary for a long period, this can compromise the structure and life of the tyre, as they are prone ‘flat-spotting’. A way to mitigate this is to maintain tyre pressure circa-5 PSI above normal operating pressures, and rotating the wheels every few months.

 

 

3. Top Up the Tank + Add a Stabiliser

fuel stabilisers car storage

A fuel stabiliser will generally add another 6 months of life to a tank of petrol

 

Whilst filling up the fuel tank may seem counter-intuitive if you aren’t using the vehicle for some time, it will actually assist greatly in maintaining a healthy fuel system. A full tank will mean little to no space for oxygen, which will mitigate the risk of rust within the fuel tank. Adding a good quality stabiliser will help prevent the build up of gum-like material within the fuel, which is a key culprit of fuel system blockages. Typically speaking, a stabiliser will add another 6 months onto the useable life of a tank of fuel. These products are available at all good Automotive Retailers, with a typical cost of $20-30 for enough to cover a full tank of fuel.

 

4. Wash it

Giving it a good bath will help remove potentially damaging dust, organic and iron particles from the paint. Be sure to check door, bonnet and boot jambs for leaf litter. Furthermore, its counter intuitive putting a cover on a dirty car, as it will result in rubbing damaging dirt particles into paint, as well as contaminating the inside of the cover with dust. In a rush? Then have a read of our 30 minute wash article we wrote a little while back.

 

Bonus Tip: this includes the removal of any rubbish or organic matter from the car! Leaving these in the car will attract vermin infestation and may lead to damage.

 

Psst: While you’re at it, make sure you are carrying the essentials in your car at all times.

 
 

 
 

Bonus Section: What do to during car storage

 
  • Preserve battery life (and avoid a non-starting car) by using an automatic battery conditioner

  • Cover it up with a soft, breathable dust cover

  • Check tyre pressures once a month and rotate the tyre so its not always sitting on the same patch of rubber

  • Leave the handbrake off (otherwise it may fuse on)

  • Engage someone to start the car up on monthly intervals (and drive it for a short period if possible)