Storing a Car: Tips and Tricks

There are a number of reasons you might want to store your car. Maybe you have to leave town for a couple months, or you have a number of vehicles for different seasons. Convertibles are perfect for warmer weather, after all. Whatever the case, if you plan on storing a car for the winter or for a couple months, you’ll want to make sure to do so properly. The last thing you want is to return to your stored car to find it damaged in some way.

That’s where these tips and tricks come in.

When and Where To Store Your Car

Make sure to store your car properly if you plan to leave it parked for one month or more. Any unprepped vehicle left in the open for that amount of time or more will be at risk of damage and pests. Storing your car won’t be necessary if you plan on using it again in four weeks or less though.

As for where to store your car, an indoor space will always be best. Small vehicles will need an area of 10 by 15 feet, and larger vehicles will need up to 10 by 25 feet. Storing a car in a storage unit or your garage should work.

An indoor storage area will help protect your car from weather such as rain, snow, and direct sunlight. It’ll also be safer from passing vehicles, foot traffic, and potential pests. Make sure the indoor area isn’t too humid and has no leaks in the ceiling to prevent moisture from rusting up your car. Also consider parking your car on a tarp to protect the floor from potential leaks.

If you plan on storing a car outside, you’ll need to invest in a weatherproof cover. Do also remember to check the parking ordinances in your area, or you might return to a bright orange sticker on your windshield.

Tips for Storing Your Car

Now that you know when and where to store your car, let’s look at tips for the actual storing process.

Keeping Clean

Don’t skip on cleaning your car up before storage. Both the interior and the exterior need a thorough deep clean. Focus on the steering wheel, door handles, gear stick, and dashboard. Make sure to remove water stains and bird droppings as both can damage your paint job. Clean the wheels and the area under the fenders. For extra protection, give it a coat of wax.

Pest Control

Mice and other pests such as cockroaches and other bugs will find your stored car a tempting place to nest in, especially in winter. While cleaning your car will certainly help clear out any pests already in your car, new ones can always move in. Plug up any openings where pests can crawl inside, such as the exhaust outlet and air intakes. Don’t forget to unplug them before running your vehicle again.

The engine compartment is a very common place for rodents to settle in, and they like to chew wiring under the hood. Remove engine vanity covers because they like to go under those. Using something to deter the rodents under the hood is a good idea.

The engine compartment is a very common place for rodents, and they like to chew wiring under the hood. Using something to deter the rodents under the hood is a good idea. Also, remove the engine vanity covers because they like to go under those.

–Anthony Harlin, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

Use steel wool to block the openings, and spread mothballs or cotton swabs dipped in peppermint oil around your car. You can even lay down some traps or poison, but beware the resulting casualties. Someone will need to check on the traps regularly if you want to avoid returning to the stink of rotting rats around your car.

Staying Secure

Take precautions when storing your car. If it’s equipped with a keyless system, keep your key in a Faraday pouch to prevent hackers from copying its signature. For more traditional ignition cars, try a steering wheel lock. A dash cam with a sentry mode can also dissuade potential thieves.

Battery Maintenance

Your car battery needs to be used every few weeks or it’ll lose charge and die. Entrust this task to a family member, friend, or neighbor. If no one is available, you can either disconnect the battery or invest in a smart charger.

Filling Your Fuel Tank

Fill your tank up with fuel before storing your vehicle. If your fuel tank is low, moisture can build up inside, leading to rust and various other issues. Also add fuel stabilizer to keep the fuel from breaking down and prevent gummy buildup and rust for up to a year. Be sure to take your car on a quick drive before storage to make sure the stabilized fuel is distributed through the fuel system.

The Importance of Oil

If the oil in cour car is old and dirty, it can lead to corrosion in the engine. Get an oil change before storing your car, even if it’s before your regular interval. You should also change your oil filter. For extra engine protection, you can even apply a small amount of oil into each cylinder of the engine if you’re willing to pull out the spark plugs. Also paint any unpainted metal parts under your car with WD-40 to prevent rust. Just avoid hitting any belts, braking surfaces, and hoses with the liquid.

Fluid Top-Ups

Old motor oil isn’t the only fluid in your vehicle that might cause it harm. Dirty transmission fluid, coolant, and axle fluid can corrode the inside of your car if left in there for long enough. Top off these fluids before storage, and replace them if your regular maintenance is due anyway. It’s also best to remove all existing coolant and add anti-corrosive antifreeze instead for winter car storage.

Disengage Parking Brakes

If your parking brakes are engaged for extended periods of time, the brake pads or shoes might get stuck to the rotors or drums. Chock your wheels instead to keep your vehicle in place.

Elevation and Tire Protection

To prevent your tires from damage, elevate your vehicle on jack stands. If you don’t, the constant weight on one part of the tires will lead to permanent flat spots.

Covering Up

A car cover isn’t just for vehicles stored outside. Having one on a car parked indoors can help protect the paint and metal from moisture. It’ll also keep dust off the car.

Storing an Electric Car

If you’re storing an electric vehicle (EV), most of the listed tips should work for you, but there are a few extra steps to take. For instance, you need to charge your EV battery to about 50% or whatever is listed in your vehicle’s manual. If your vehicle has a scheduled charging feature, you also need to set it up properly. Be sure to consult your vehicle’s manual for any specific battery storage tips for your car’s battery. If you’re worried about the battery dying when not in use, try using the remote warm feature several times in a month.
Storing your car can be a lot of work, but it’s worth it to keep your car safe and undamaged. Keep these tips and tricks in mind whether you’re storing a car outside for winter or simply parking it indoors for a long trip.