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Vehicle Storage Maintainence Tips |
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As most of you probably pack your favorite automobile or collection of automobiles away for the winter season, or for any duration of time, it is important to take note of the following tips. These informational tools can be used to maintain the integrity of your car and minimize any damage that might occur from improper storage. Please keep in mind that not all tips may apply to your car or your situation, and it is suggested that each individual owner devise a particular system that works best for him or her. The following are simple recommendations based on our years of experience that will help you achieve optimal success and minimal impact on your cars longevity, value and operation while not in use for a short period of time, or for long durations.
** First and foremost, you need to realize that when your vehicle is being stored it will remain in the same condition for a period of time. With that in mind, the condition under which your vehicle goes in, is that in which it will come out. Therefore, refer to these simple tips so you can keep your vehicle not only looking good, but running good when its time to hit the road!
Your Vehicle's Aesthetic Care: 1. Take Care of Your Car! - Wash and dry thoroughly just prior to storage. It is also a good idea to clean mirriors, windows and apply a coat of wax to the finish. Pay close attention to special areas such as rims, tires, wheel wells, door jambs, exhaust tips, and other chrome & stainless steel surfaces. Clean the interior carpet, dashboard, instrument cluster, seats and dress all vinyl and rubber with appropriate treatments. If you wish, this can all be done right at our showroom prior to storing your vehicle. For information on our Car Wash & Auto Detail Service, just Click Here.
3. For soft top cars, put the top up. For all cars that are being stored inside, leave a window or two down to allow air to circulate into the interior so air does not get stale.
4. If a cover is used, use only soft cotton or comparable material that breathes and allows air circulation. If you do not have the appropriate cover, we would be happy to order one specifically for your vehicle. For Information on our Covercraft Vehicle Covers, Click Here. 5. To absorb any moisture, place desiccant in the interior of the car and in the trunk. This will help minimize condensation, and limit damage to any interior materials. Your Vehicle's Mechanical Care:
1. To prolong the life of your cars battery, it is a good idea to install a plug in tender. Letting a battery sit for too long and discharge is a quick way to ruin it in a short period of time. A charger will monitor your battery level and offer good protection for the battery itself, as well as your electrical system and components. Battery Tender's Can be purchased by Clicking Here. If you do not own one, please contact us for the recommended model based on your vehicle. 2. Store your car with some fresh gas in the tank. Some owners like to fill the tank in order to minimize the condensation of water, while others prefer less fuel sitting in their tank for a long period of time. If you would like, you may want to add some gas stabilizer to the tank prior to the fill up and drive a few miles to ensure that the stabilizer is through the entire fuel system.
3. Change your engine oil and filter. This will help assure internal rust and corrosion protection and reduce sludge buildup. That way, upon removing your vehicle from storage, you are ready to go!
4. It is also a good idea to flush and refill the cooling system with new coolant if needed (typically every 2 years for green fluid and every 5 years for the newer orange fluid (Dexcool)).
5. Top off your transmission and differentials with appropriate lubricants and fill all fluid to appropriate levels.
6. Jack up the car and place jack stands so as to relieve weight from the springs
and prevent flat spots from possibly forming on the tires or, park on a protective surface. Flatstoppers can be rented or purchased from us by Clicking Here. Insurance: 1. A minimum of comprehensive (fire & theft) insurance is required on your vehicle in the event there is a mishap. Collision insurance is not required however, so plates can be turned into the DMV. If you have a collector's or antique policy, your premium may be low enough to leave full coverage on year-round. Discounts may be also available from your insurance company for storage periods.
* Depending on your situation, your experiences and your personal preferences, some other storage measures may be considered and/or may even be necessary. Remember, you want to preserve your special car as much as possible while in storage, so let us help you discover what works best for your special vehicle or collection of vehicles! |
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