Storing Like A Champ

Keeping a car in storage for a long time is safe –as long as you know what you are doing. Otherwise, you might come back and find a car with rusty parts, damaged battery, and fried electronics, among other problems. Here are some specific tips to help you store your car safely:

Battery Damage

Car batteries stored for long periods sometimes go bad due to poor storage conditions. In some cases, batteries lose their charge-storing capacity due to a chemical determination of their internal cells. Here are some of the measures people use to prevent battery damage:

• Disconnecting the battery from the car, and connecting it to a trickle charger
• Removing the battery, and placing it on a wooden block
• Cleaning the battery terminals thoroughly before storage

Ultimately, you should scrutinize the user manual for battery storage tips, since they differ by manufacturer.

Tire Damage

Tires look like tough things since they are constantly in contact with the ground, but they aren't indestructible. Improperly stored tires can deform, crack, or lose their elasticity, depending on the storage conditions. For example, your tires will deform if they have to handle the weight of the car for the duration of storage. The tires will also deteriorate or even crack when exposed to extreme temperatures or oil residues. Therefore, you need to:

• Raise the car to ensure its weight doesn't rest on the tires, or remove the tires and store them separately
• Clean and dry the tires before storage
• Choose a storage place that is neither too cold nor too hot

Rust Issues

Rust is one of the most dangerous threats your car face in storage, and the effects of rust and corrosion go beyond aesthetic concerns. For example, corrosion on the electronic parts of the car, transmission system, or the engine can lead to expensive repairs. Here are a few tips to keep rust at bay during storage:

• Ensure the car is clean and dry before storage
• Apply a coat of wax over the exterior
• Change the oil
• Seal off engine openings with absorbent cloth
• Add a fuel stabilizer to the fuel tank

Pest-Related Damage

Lastly, you should also worry about pest damage to your car before taking it to storage. Rodents can chew on your car's interior and electrical wires and necessitate their complete overhaul. One way to guard against pest infestation is to clean and dry the car before storage. Of course, you also need to pick a pest-free storage place. Make this a priority when looking at storage companies.