7 Steps for Preparing Your Vehicle for Long-Term Storage

Storing a vehicle for an extended period — whether because you’re traveling abroad or safeguarding a classic or antique car — requires thoughtful preparation.

A few key steps can ensure your car remains in good condition during storage, minimizing the risk of damage and making it easier to bring back on the road when the time comes. Here’s a detailed guide on how to properly prepare and store your vehicle, along with insights into insurance considerations for “garaging” it.

Before storing your vehicle, clean both the exterior and interior thoroughly. Dirt, road salt, bird droppings and other debris can damage the paint or metal if left on for an extended period. Here’s what to do:

• Wash and wax the exterior.
• Clean the interior. Consider using a leather conditioner if your car has leather upholstery to prevent cracking.
• If possible, give the undercarriage a good rinse, especially if it has been exposed to road salt or mud.

Ensuring your vehicle’s fluids are at the proper levels helps prevent corrosion and keeps the components lubricated while in storage. Here’s what needs to be done:

• Change the oil and filter before storing the car.
• Make sure the coolant system is filled with antifreeze to prevent freezing or corrosion.
• Check and top off the brake fluid, as low levels can cause moisture to accumulate, which may lead to brake system rust.
• Fill the gas tank to prevent moisture from forming inside. Adding a fuel stabilizer helps to preserve the fuel and prevent varnish buildup.

Proper tire care is crucial for long-term vehicle storage to avoid flat spots and uneven wear. You should:

• Inflate the tires to the recommended pressure.
• If the vehicle will be stored for a very long time, consider placing it on jack stands to relieve pressure on the tires and suspension.
• For vehicles stored on the ground, rolling the car slightly every few weeks can help distribute the weight evenly across the tires.

A vehicle’s battery will slowly drain if left unused. To prevent this:

• Disconnect the battery: If you don’t plan to start the car periodically, disconnect the battery’s negative terminal to avoid draining.
• Use a battery maintainer: Alternatively, connect the car to a battery maintainer (also known as a trickle charger), which will keep the battery charged without overcharging it.

Rodents and other pests can cause damage to a stored vehicle by chewing wires, nesting in the engine bay or damaging upholstery. It’s wise to:

• Use steel wool or screens to block any openings, such as the exhaust pipe or air intake.
• Place mothballs or rodent-repellent products around and inside the vehicle to deter pests. Some owners also place dryer sheets in the cabin and trunk as an additional preventive measure.

Using a quality car cover can protect your vehicle from dust, moisture and debris during long-term storage. For indoor storage use a breathable, indoor car cover that allows moisture to escape but keeps dust off. If storing it outside, use a weatherproof cover to shield it from the elements.

Ensuring proper insurance coverage while your car is in storage can save you from potential issues. Whatever you do, don’t cancel your coverage. Instead, consider:

• Comprehensive insurance: If your vehicle will not be driven, you may want to consider reducing your coverage to comprehensive-only, which protects your car against theft, vandalism and natural disasters (fire, flooding, etc.).
  Talk to us about “storage” or “garaging” coverage. This is typically less expensive than full coverage, since liability and collision coverage aren’t necessary if the car won’t be on the road.
• Notify your insurer or us: Let your insurance company know that the vehicle will be stored. Some policies offer discounts for vehicles kept in garages, and they may provide specific advice for those that are garaged. We can also help with this.

Properly preparing your vehicle for long-term storage involves attention to detail and a little effort upfront, but it can save you from costly repairs or degradation over time.

From cleaning and fluid checks to tire care and battery maintenance, these steps help ensure your car is ready to go when you return.

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