What NOT to Do When Storing a Car
Properly storing a car is crucial to maintaining its longevity, especially as many stored vehicles are typically ones of significant value. Whether you’re putting your prized possession away for the winter or an extended period, it’s essential to follow the right steps to ensure it comes out of storage in the same condition you left it. In this blog, we’ll explore some common mistakes people make and discuss what to avoid when storing a car.
Choosing the Wrong Storage Location
One of the first and biggest mistakes car owners make is selecting an inappropriate storage location. Areas where mice and rodents frequent pose a significant threat to your vehicle’s wiring and interior. When opting for self-storage facilities, there’s no guarantee that these pests won’t make their way in. This is number one on our list of what to avoid when storing a car due to the immense amount of damage just one mouse can do.
How do I prevent mice from getting in my car?
You can combat rodents getting in your car by investing in a car jacket, providing an extra layer of protection against unwanted guests. Otherwise, invest in keeping your vehicle in a secure building that is rodent-free.
Neglecting Moisture Management
Moisture is a car’s worst enemy during storage. Opening and closing the garage may introduce humidity, leading to potential rust and corrosion. For those residing in wet or snowy climates (like us here in New England), storing a car even just within the vicinity of a wet or snowy car can accelerate the rusting process.
How can I prevent rust during vehicle storage?
Avoid opening and closing the garage door too frequently. Or, if you must, invest in a garage heater or HVAC system to help dry out any excess moisture that may have accumulated. You can also leave your windows down to help prevent moisture being trapped in the interior.
Ignoring Temperature Considerations
Fluctuating temperatures can adversely affect your car during storage. While not as critical as moisture, it’s still essential to consider. Areas where temperature fluctuations are common are recommended to avoid when storing a car. While temperature alone is unlikely to cause any damage to your car, temperature fluctuations can cause moisture build-up. If possible, choose a climate-controlled storage facility to protect your car from the harmful effects of heat or cold. Otherwise, store your vehicle in a space which maintains a consistent temperature.
Starting the Engine Occasionally
Contrary to popular belief, starting your car periodically during storage may do more harm than good. Frequent startups can lead to moisture build-up in the oil and is very harsh on the engine. The oil drains out of the machined surfaces over time so starting it occasionally is essentially like starting it without any oil pressure. Instead of starting it occasionally, invest in a quality fuel stabilizer and leave the battery on a battery tender so you only have to start it once in the spring.
Leaving the Battery Unattended
A battery left without a trickle charger can lose its charge during storage, leading to a frustrating and inconvenient situation when you’re ready to use your car again. Disconnecting the battery or using a trickle charger can help maintain its charge and prolong its lifespan. Be sure to store the disconnected battery in a cool, dry place. It may be worth checking the battery occasionally to make sure it is in good condition, as an old or damaged battery can leak acid over time.
How long can a car be stored without starting?
A battery can typically go a few weeks without a start, assuming there are no excessive draws on the battery. After that, the battery will likely become weak and have trouble starting in the cold, and eventually not start at all.
Mismanagement of Gasoline Levels
Whether to fill or empty the fuel tank depends on the humidity levels in your storage environment. In areas with high humidity, a full tank helps prevent condensation inside the fuel system. Conversely, if you leave your car in a temperature and humidity controlled climate, leaving the tank full is not required.
Is it better to store a car with a full tank of gas?
This depends on the climate you plan to store your vehicle in. With humidity control, it doesn’t make much of a difference. Without it, you should leave the tank full. Whichever way you plan to store the vehicle, it makes sense to add fuel stabilizer to prevent degradation over time.
Flat Spots on Tires
Leaving a car stationary for an extended period can result in flat spots on the tires. To prevent flat spots, inflate the tires five PSI over the recommended pressure on the door jamb and consider placing the car on jack stands. This alleviates pressure on the tires and helps maintain their shape during storage. While the flat spots should go away within the first few miles you drive (assuming you have relatively modern tires and you didn’t store your car for longer than 6 months), we figured they are easy enough to avoid when storing a car.
Avoiding Mistakes During Vehicle Storage
Proper car storage involves a combination of thoughtful preparation and preventative measures. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can ensure your vehicle remains in good condition during its time in storage. Remember, the goal is not just to protect your car physically. You’re looking to preserve its overall performance and value for years to come. Our climate-controlled facility in Candia, NH is highly regarded and one of the best (if not THE best) car storage facilities in Southern New Hampshire. Find out more information on our vehicle storage page and see why Southern New Hampshire chooses us as their preferred vehicle storage provider!