If you’re moving or need a place to stash a car during restoration, look into vehicle storage options. It’s essential to take a few steps to ensure the car is in top shape before leaving it in the unit. Follow these four pieces of advice to prepare a vehicle for storage.

4 Tips to Prepare Your Vehicle for Long-Term Storage 

1 Use Tire Jacks

Tires that sit unused will slowly go flat. Slow this process and remove pressure from the tires by hoisting them off the ground. Some people use a jack for each tire, while others jack the car frame onto cement blocks. Always fill the tires to the recommended pounds per square inch listed on the trim of the driver's side door to protect the wheels while it sits unused.

2. Change the Oil

Always get an oil change before stashing a car in vehicle storage to remove metal shavings, dirt, and dust from the engine. Swapping out the old oil and refilling the oil container will prevent these materials from damaging the car when you start it up. The oil that sits unused can thicken, making it difficult to empty from the car in the future.

3. Fill the Gas Tank

When a vehicle sits unused, the gas will create water vapor that can fill the tank. This container may corrode with rust if there is space for air. Fill it with gas to mitigate this risk.

If the car will sit unused for over two months, add a fuel stabilizer to prevent evaporation. Follow the directions on the mix, which often recommend adding an ounce of stabilizer per three to five gallons of gasoline.

4. Clean the Interior and Exterior

Remove any debris, dirt, or dust by heading to a car wash before placing the vehicle in storage. Vacuum the interior and wipe down hard surfaces like the dashboard and center console to get rid of dust, fingerprints, and food crumbs. Pests like rodents will be less likely to take an interest in the car while in storage if it doesn’t have traces of food.

Individuals interested in vehicle storage should contact Northgate Mini Storage in Pulaski County, AR, to inquire about their units. The facility is open every day, providing secure storage with computerized entry. Visit the Jacksonville-area company at (501) 985-5054 or visit the website for information on their units.