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| 10 Must-Dos Before You Store Your Car |
There are ways that you can store your car to reduce any wear and tear on it so that it comes out of storage in the same pristine condition it went in. There are ten things you should do before you store your car to keep it in great shape, no matter which type of car storage Winnipeg facility you choose in Canada.
1. Choose a climate-controlled storage space
The best way to store your car will be to store it in a climate-controlled storage facility. If you don’t, then it is going to be exposed to the same conditions as if you stored the car in your garage. Although a non climate-controlled space will work too, if climate-control is an option, you might want to spend just the little extra for the sake of your classic car.
2. Check the oil
It is best to store your car with oil that has just been changed. There is a limit on the time you can go between oil changes, but that is typically due to the contaminants in the oil. If you change your car’s engine oil before you store it, then changing it intermittently shouldn’t be as big an issue. Make sure to use synthetic oil if you plan to store the car for more than a year.
3. Wash the interior and exterior
To make sure that you don’t have any stains set in or any odors take hold, it is a good idea to have the car detailed before you store it. Don’t give anything a chance to soak in or discolor it while it is in storage
4. Top off all fluids
Make sure to top off all fluids so that there isn’t any space for debris to build or ways for contamination to get into the lines. Let the car run for five minutes once you top everything off so the fluid can run through the lines. Make sure things like anti-freeze are completely topped off.
5. Tires
Make sure to inflate your tires before you store your car, or the tires can settle and create flat spots. Go with the recommended PSI rating. It is not a good idea to remove the tires or to have the tires suspended for a long period of time by putting the car up on blocks. Leave the car in neutral when you do store it, and leave the parking brake off.
6. Ventilation
Don’t completely shut the car. You are going to want to leave the windows cracked to prevent any moisture being built up in the car and creating mold.
7. Battery
Although it’s not necessary, you can take the battery out completely to store the car. That will ensure that it isn’t being drained so that when you pick the car up, you can bring along your fully-charged battery. You can also put a trickle charger on it, but that depends on whether there is an electrical supply available in storage, and whether or not you want to invest in one when you can just remove the battery.
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8. Prevent pests
To ensure that you don’t get any pests in the wrong places, place some steel wool in the air inlet and exhaust opening. Also, use laundry fabric-softener sheets inside the truck and cabin. Be sure to also place some moth balls around the perimeter of the car. You don’t want to put them inside the car; you won\’t ever get the smell out.
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9. Cover it
Even if it is in a climate-controlled facility you will still want to use a waterproof cover, just to make sure that it doesn’t trap in moisture.
10. Take it off of your insurance
Make sure to drop the collision and liability part of your insurance coverage since you won’t be driving it. But don’t remove the comprehensive coverage — just in case the unexpected happens.
If you want to protect your car by storing it, make sure to do the prep work to truly protect it and keep it driving like new when you are ready to take it home again.
