If you’re planning on moving out of the country or want to cut back on carbon emissions, you may need to find vehicle storage. Long-term storage requires some preparation to ensure the car is in top shape when you need it again. Here are four tasks to do before placing the vehicle in storage.

Perform These 4 Steps Before Placing a Car in Vehicle Storage

1. Fill the Tank

When the gas tank isn’t full, and a car sits still for weeks, moisture can accumulate in the tank. Consider adding a fuel stabilizer to the gas or filling up the tank to prevent this issue from happening. Topping it off will reduce the likelihood of the seals drying up and will protect the engine from experiencing ethanol accretion.

2. Drain the Fluids 

When used motor oil sits in the engine while the car is idle for a long time, it can congeal. Dirt and contaminants in the oil can clog up the fuel lines and require a cleaning upon your return. Avoid this by draining the oil and replacing it, so it’s ready to use later. 

3. Clean the Interior and Exterior

That recently spilled coffee on the seats and bird poop on the paint isn’t just unsightly. These seemingly small, aesthetic issues can cause corrosion that will eat away at upholstery and rust through paint. Visit a car wash and a detailer or give your ride a thorough DIY cleaning before placing it in vehicle storage to protect the materials and ensure it looks and smells good when you need it again. Also, make sure all food crumbs are removed from the car to prevent critters from trying to get in.

4. Ask Someone to Drive it

Car batteries will die if they aren’t used for weeks at a time. Prevent this issue by having someone you trust stop by every two weeks to drive the car for at least fifteen minutes. This will keep the battery charged and use the oil and other fluids that are essential to keep the vehicle in excellent condition.

If you’re looking for vehicle storage in the Ashland, KY, area contact AAA Storage Center to learn about their available units. The high-tech facility provides 24/7 accessibility with all-hours security monitoring and low rates for vehicle storage and regular ground-level units. Call (606) 928-9524 for more information on their climate-controlled options.