| Improper car storage can cause serious damage to | | | | car up on jack stands to relieve the pressure of the |
| your vehicle. Damp air can rust fuel systems and | | | | car's weight on the tires. Consult your owner's manual |
| components, batteries may leak, tires deflate - a lot | | | | or a mechanic about where to place the jack stands. |
| can go wrong unless you take a few steps to ensure | | | | Be sure to refer to your owner's manual if you are |
| proper car storage. | | | | preparing for cold weather vehicle storage. |
| Whether you are thinking about short-term or | | | | 5. Wash and wax your car. This includes the interior - |
| long-term (more than a few weeks) car storage, there | | | | take the time to vacuum crumbs of food. Remove |
| are essential steps to take to protect your car from | | | | dirty or damp carpets. Don't forget to wash under the |
| damage and deterioration. | | | | car and clean the wheel wells. Removing dirt and |
| 1. Choose the car storage facility that's right for your | | | | moisture will prevent corrosion during auto storage. |
| car. Outdoor storage for cars provides protection from | | | | 6. Disconnect the battery. Just disconnect the negative |
| vandalism, but not much protection from the elements. | | | | terminal and that's it. You don't want the battery's |
| Indoor storage gives you extra security plus shelter | | | | alarm to go off (it continues to run things like the car's |
| from the sun and weather. Climate-controlled vehicle | | | | clock). You will most likely need to replace the battery |
| storage is often the best option for vintage cars. Be | | | | anyway, following long-term car storage. |
| sure your indoor auto storage space is dry, to prevent | | | | 7. Release the parking brake. The brake pad could |
| rust caused by damp air. Tip: only use a car cover if | | | | meld to the rotors during storage. |
| you are storing your vehicle outdoors. | | | | The main point to remember about proper car storage: |
| 2. Fill the gas tank completely. This is done to eliminate | | | | minimize moisture. Prevent rust and corrosion during |
| moisture that can accumulate in an empty or low tank | | | | storage. How to determine where to store your car? |
| and cause rusting. Include a fuel-stabilizing additive to | | | | A vehicle storage facility that is clean and |
| stop oxidation of the gasoline - the stabilizer keeps the | | | | well-managed provides a safe haven from bad |
| gasoline from becoming sticky while in storage. | | | | weather, bad guys, and bad bugs. |
| 3. Change the oil and filter. | | | | Take a few steps before you put your car into |
| 4. Take care of your tires. If you are storing your car | | | | storage so it will be in good running condition when you |
| for a short time, inflate the tires to the correct | | | | are ready to drive it again. |
| pressure. For longer periods of vehicle storage, put the | | | | |