If you’re going to be away from home for an extended period or season—either for work or for play—consider vehicle storage instead of leaving your car at home unattended or parked on the street. Storage facilities are closely monitored, proving protection against vandalism, theft, and bad weather. To safeguard it, here are some storage tips to heed and some actions to avoid. 

Do:

Use fuel stabilizer. 

If you plan to store a vehicle for more than a few months, add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank, and run the engine for a few minutes to circulate it. Fuel stabilizers extend the life of ethanol-blended fuels and will prevent the fuel in your car from thickening and clogging the gas line. You should also change the oil and filter to lower risks of fuel contamination.

Increase tire pressure. 

Temperature fluctuations cause tires to deflate. Before storing your car, add air to your tires to preserve their condition, but don’t go over the manufacturer’s recommended pressure limits. 

Don’t:

Leave the car uncovered. 

A protective, waterproof cover will prevent rain from rusting the paint and sunlight from fading the color. If stored indoors, a tarp will protect your car from damaging moisture, dirt, and scratches.

Forget to wash your ride. 

Never put a dirty vehicle into storage. Wash and wax sit to keep the finish intact. Dirt, bird droppings, chemical residues, and grime will eat away at the paint and corrode metal components. 

If you need to store a car for a season or an extended trip out of town, the trustworthy professionals at Northgate Mini Storage in Jacksonville, AR, will keep your vehicle safe while in their care. To learn more about vehicle storage options and rates, call (501) 985-5054. Visit their well-lit, fenced-in storage facility online for a rundown of unit sizes, and become a Facebook follower for more advice about preventing damage to stored belongings.