Not all vehicles are suited for all seasons. Your car also might not be necessary when going on long trips or extended stays abroad. In those instances, it’s a good idea to use vehicle storage.
Xtra Storage in Plantation can assist with storing cars, vans, and small trailers. Check out some of these helpful tips to prep your car for storage.
Remove the Battery from the Vehicle
If you store your vehicle for an extended period of time, parts of it are subject to potential corrosion. This includes the battery of the vehicle. You can help mitigate this process by removing the battery before it heads into storage. This will also prevent the battery from draining when not in use.
Get the Vehicle Cleaned and Detailed
It’s important to give your car a proper cleaning before storing it for a long period. Any dirt or grime that is left to sit will accelerate corrosion processes on the car. By having it thoroughly cleaned, you’ll remove any dirt or dust that’s settled into the body or moving parts.
You can then dress the wheels, wax the paint, and lubricate hinges and moving parts to prevent them from jamming. All of this will help seal the vehicle and protect it from potential agents that can harm it over time.
Elevate the Car with Jacks
A car that sits for extended periods can develop uneven tire wear. If you plan to store your car, be sure to inflate your tires to their proper PSI and elevate the vehicle with jacks. This alleviates some of the stress on the tires and suspension and prevents tires from developing flat spots. You don’t want to pull your vehicle from storage only to find all of the tires damaged.
Top Off Fluids and Fill Your Gas Tank
Keeping everything topped off with respective fluids is a great way to prevent rust and corrosion. Areas like your gas tank are susceptible to moisture damage if left empty. Additionally, replacing the engine oil before you store it will prevent old oil from thickening and creating engine issues down the line.
Before storing your vehicle, be sure to top off your fuel tank and replace your engine oil.
Prep Other Odds and Ends
Your vehicle can develop other issues when sitting in long-term storage. One of these issues is having pests or rodents take shelter in the vehicle. To help avoid this, you can deny their entryways into the vehicle by blocking the exhaust with steel wool.
It’s also possible for your vehicle to develop unpleasant smells while sitting in the same air. An old trick for soaking up unwanted smells is to leave an open box of baking soda in the area. It contains properties that help break down factors that cause odors.
Use a Breathable Car Cover
A car cover is an effective way to help protect your car from external elements. However, using a plastic cover with no breathability can create condensation spots which will rust the body. Use a breathable car cover to keep your car clean.
Choose the Right Storage Company – Xtra Storage in Plantation
To protect your vehicle, you need a storage company that’s reliable. At Xtra Storage, our facilities are temperature-controlled and monitored 24/7. Your vehicle needs a clean, dry space that’s undisturbed.
Xtra Storage offers vehicle storage at our Plantation location. We’re located at 8489 NW 17th Court, just off W Sunrise Blvd. For more information, give us a call today at (954)-452-9600.