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When preparing to store your car for long periods, there are crucial details to tend to. Begin by thinking about where you want your car stored and do research on how to prep the vehicle before leaving it. The following guideline will help you choose a secure storage location and prepare the vehicle for the transition.

Long-Term Car Storage Checklist

Storage Facility

How long are you storing the vehicle, what is the climate, and can someone drive it are all relevant factors to consider when storing your car. If it will be stored longer than six months avoid leaving it outside. It’s best to place the vehicle in a secure storage facility that offers heating and cooling options. Tarps alone don’t offer as much protection from moisture as storage facilities, making storage the ideal choice.

Refill Fluid

Before placing your car in a secure storagesecure storage facility, ensure your vehicle has the proper amount of gas and oil fluid. The fluid prevents the internal parts of your car from corroding after sitting for long periods. Refill the antifreeze, engine coolant, windshield washer, and brake fluid to ensure it is hydrated.

Check Tire Pressure

Re-inflate your tire pressure using the PSI (pounds per square inch) chart located on the inside of the driver’s side door jamb. This chart tells you the proper amount of air to put into the tires of your specific vehicle. An idle vehicle, unattended in secure storage, will lose tire pressure and need replacing in the future. To avoid this, drive the vehicle every so often to keep the wheels spinning and engine running. If it’s not possible to move the car, take the wheels off and mount the vehicle to prevent flat-spotting.

Battery Maintenance

Keep your battery in excellent condition by either removing or charging it. To charge your battery, connect it to a tender. A battery tender has an automatic shutoff sensor that prevents it from overcharging. If your car is sitting in a cold-weather environment, be sure to maintain the battery as it will weaken in cold climates. Doing so is a sound practice whether your vehicle is securely stored in a unit or sitting outside.

 

Arctic Storage at Midtown in Anchorage, AK, offers a variety of vehicle and RV storage solutions. Family-owned and -operated for 30 years, their storage units are affordable with flexible month to month contracts. If your vehicle is fully operational and you have a copy of your vehicle registration, it may qualify for secure storage. To learn more about vehicle storage requirements, visit them online or call at (907) 563-3342.

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