Tips for keeping a vehicle in storage

There's a saying for joints in the body: use them or lose them. The same can be said for a car that is taken out of its natural habitat - the road - and placed in storage for any length of time. Luckily there are a few precautions you can easily take to ensure you don't return to a seized up rust bucket.

Car engine fluids

Your car is full of liquids that can cause havoc in a stored vehicle, the fuel system being a particular source of problems. If it's left empty, moisture can enter the engine, resulting in rust and corrosion. If the fuel tank is full, the petrol can become gum and varnish over time. A safe way to ensure the fuel system is ready to fire upon your return is to add a fuel stabiliser to your fuel tank, and then drive for a few kilometres to ensure it's spread throughout the system.

Brake fluid, oil and transmission fluid should also be checked and changed if necessary, and any openings to the engine sealed off with absorbent cotton to reduce the chance of moisture entering the engine. Oil filters should also be changed and oil added to the spark plugs.

Upholstery in your car

Sunlight is not the only enemy of car upholstery. Moisture can create ripe conditions for mildew also. The type of protection you need depends largely on what kind of car cover you have. If it is to be sealed inside a dark, airtight garage, this will protect upholstery form the sun, but it is wise to place desiccants in the car to absorb any moisture build up.

If you don't have a protective garage or carport for the vehicle, then the interior will first need to be cleaned thoroughly (and if the carpets cleaned then aired properly to dry) and then apply a product such as Armour All to the seats and dashboard.

Car paint job

Damage to the duco is easily achieved if proper precautions aren't taken to protect the car's paint job. Washing and waxing the car is strongly advised before placing it in any kind of storage. If you don't have a garage, then a multi-layered cover is important. You may also want to consider this if you have a carport.

If you do have a garage, you still ma want to consider a lighter style of car cover to keep off dust and other potentially acidic particles that can eat into your car's enamel.

Keeping your car in storage

If you are going to store the car for a year or longer, you might want to consider placing it on bricks to reduce the likelihood of damage to the bearings and suspension. Also, make sure you clean the battery terminals of all acid residue and plug up any holes that rodents can get into, especially the rear muffler. If possible, it's a good idea to ask someone to come by and start the engine once a month or so, but if this is not possible, then the tips mentioned above should protect your car from any serious problems.