There are many considerations when storing a car long-term. Here are all of our expert tips on what to do (and not do) to keep your car healthy when storing it for a long time.
Leaving a car unused for an extended period of time isn’t ideal, but there are some steps you can take to prepare your car for what’s to come and minimise the risk of any problems developing.
Here are some tips to consider when storing any car properly.
How long can a car sit without being driven?
Under normal circumstances, experts recommend driving your car every two to three weeks. If you’re going to be using the car less than that, the risk of problems starts to increase.
Of course, much depends on what kind of car we’re talking about. Newer models are likely to come out of long periods of inactivity with fewer issues than older models and if you’re storing a classic car you’ll want to take extra precautions to stop it deteriorating.
It’s perfectly possible that you could leave your car in a garage or parked outside for months with no problems but the longer you leave it, the greater the chance of issues developing and the more measures you should take to mitigate the risk. Our guide is all about reducing that risk of the worst coming to the worst when the time comes to put your car back on the road again.
Where to park
Not everyone has a lot of choice when it comes to where they park their car, particularly those who use street parking. However, if you do have some options, think about where it’s best to store your car for a long period.
If you have a garage at your disposal, this is obviously the ideal location as it keeps your car protected from the elements.
If you are storing your car in a garage, ensure the space is well-ventilated and open the car windows slightly. This will prevent moisture from building up inside the vehicle. Consider investing in a dehumidifier that will keep the air in the garage dry as well.
Of course, many of us will either be parking our cars on a driveway or a street. If this is the case, try and park on level ground in the open, away from any trees. If you have no choice but to park under a tree, it’s advisable to invest in an outdoor car cover.
Keep it clean
If your car is going to be sitting in front of your house not being used much, you might as well give it a thorough clean, especially if you have the spare time.
It must be mentioned, though, that during the coronavirus crisis, keeping the interior of your car as clean and germ-free as possible is more important than ever. You should keep a pack of anti-bacterial wipes and a bottle of hand sanitiser inside the car. Wipe down the interior each time you use your car – the key areas to focus on are the steering wheel, dashboard, gear stick and door handles.
Invest in a good car cover
This will keep dust, debris and small animals away from your car. For extra safety, stuff clean rags into the exhaust pipe and any other areas creatures could nest.
If you’re storing your car outside on a driveway, make sure the cover is waterproof and tied securely so winds won’t blow it away. Don’t cover the car with a plastic tarp as this could damage the paint – opt for a soft and stretchy cover that also allows any moisture to escape easily.
General maintenance for storing a car
Fill up with fuel
If you can get to your nearest filling station, it’s good practice to fill your fuel tank with fuel before leaving your car for a long period of time. This will limit condensation in the fuel tank and help prevent rusting. For long storage, we’d recommend adding a fuel preservative to make sure the fuel lines don’t get clogged.
Add anti-freeze
Dependant on where you live, if you’re going to store your car coming into the Australian winter anti-freeze is a good idea – top up the levels and run the engine for a few minutes so the fluid gets circulated.
Check your oil
Old engine oil can contain contaminants that damage the engine if left to sit for long periods of time. Check your handbook for the manufacturer’s recommended oil. It’s also good to swap your oil and air filters at the same time.
Avoid rust
Any unpainted metal parts under your car can be painted with WD-40 to prevent rust. But avoid spraying belts, hoses and braking surfaces.
Check your tyres
Make sure your tyre pressures are correct. If you’re storing the car for several months, lift the vehicle to raise the tyres from the ground – this will prevent flat spots.
Run the engine
Every week or two you should look to start your car to prevent the battery from running flat. If possible, go for a 15-minute drive but otherwise simply running the engine while stationary for 15 minutes should suffice.
Don’t use the handbrake
Wheel chocks are a good investment, particularly if you can’t avoid parking your car on an incline. Leaving the handbrake on is not a good idea as it risks fusing the brake pads to the discs. Checking your brake fluid is another good move and you should leave your car in gear.
Make a note of what you’ve done
Write down all the steps you’ve taken on a notepad, so when the time comes to restart your car, you won’t accidentally end up damaging it by, for example, forgetting to pull out the rag you’ve left in the exhaust.
Invest in a smart charger
A smart charger will keep the battery charged. Modern on-board computers can be affected by disconnecting the battery for too long. Start your car every few weeks and run the engine for 10 minutes.
Catch up on admin
If you find yourself with some extra spare time and want to be productive, it’s worth going over your car’s paperwork and making sure everything is up to date.