If you’re going away for a week or so, your car will probably be safe parked in the driveway. However, if you’re heading off to college or putting your vehicle away for the winter, you might find a colony of critters living in the wheel wells when you get back. Below are a few car storage tips for protecting your vehicle from the elements, animals, and thieves.

5 Long-Term Car Storage Tips

1. Fill the Tank

Any empty space in the fuel tank invites rust and corrosion, so be sure to fill it up before taking it to storage. Adding a fuel stabilizer will also minimize the risk of damage to the tank and increase the chances the gas will still be good in a few months. However, bear in mind that gas left longer than a year will be useless, so plan on emptying the tank if you’re storing your vehicle for an extended period.

2. Get a Car Cover

An outdoor car storage facility can keep your precious vehicle secure, but it’s still vulnerable to the elements. A high-quality car cover designed for your make and model will keep rain and snow off the finish and prevent corrosion. It also blocks UV rays, which can ruin your paint and cause the topcoat to blister and peel.

3. Change the Oil

The particulates in old, dirty oil can damage your engine when it’s running, but it’s not great when the vehicle is resting, either. Changing the oil gets rid of these contaminants and takes one item off your to-do list when you take your car out of storage.

4. Take Care of the Battery

Sitting idle will eventually drain even a brand-new battery, so disconnect the negative terminal before storing the vehicle. If you’re putting your car in storage over the winter, you might want to take the battery with you and keep it somewhere warm. Extremely cold temperatures sap the life out of the battery, potentially taking years off its life.

5. Don’t Use the Parking Brake

Under normal circumstances, you should always use the emergency brake when parking your car. However, the pads and rotor could actually fuse if they’re clamped together for too long, so don’t use it if you’re putting the vehicle into long-term storage. Instead, pick up some chocks or tire stoppers to keep the car from rolling away.

Since 1977, U-Do Mini Storage has provided secure, affordable car storage solutions to customers throughout Anchorage, Big Lake, Chugiak, Fort Richardson, and Wasilla, AK. Whether you’re going to college or being stationed overseas, you can rely on them to keep your beloved vehicle safe. To discuss your storage options and request an estimate, give them a call at (907) 696-3343 or visit their website today.