Are you planning to store your car for an extended period of time? Perhaps you're going travelling for a few months or temporarily relocating to a different city. Whatever the reason may be, long-term car storage requires careful planning and preparation to ensure that your vehicle remains in top condition.
At Acorn Tyres, we understand the importance of proper car storage, especially when it comes to maintaining the good health of your vehicle and avoiding any costly repairs. Here’s our short guide to ensuring you follow best practices when storing your car long-term.
The Importance of Proper Car Storage
Storing your car properly is essential to maintaining its value and performance. If you store your car improperly, it can result in a range of issues, including flat spots on the tires, corrosion, and mechanical problems. Moreover, improperly stored cars are also at a higher risk of damage from external factors like theft, vandalism, or extreme weather conditions.
By storing your car in a secure and suitable location, preparing it for storage, and maintaining it regularly, you can ensure that your vehicle remains in good condition and retains its value. Additionally, storing your car properly can help you save money on repairs and maintenance costs in the long run.
How to Store Your Car Properly
It's crucial to take the necessary steps to store your car correctly, especially if you plan to store it for an extended period.
Choosing the Right Storage Location
Before you store your car, it's important to choose the right location. Ideally, you'll want to find a dry, cool, and dark location that's away from direct sunlight and moisture. This can be a garage, carport, or storage facility. If you're storing your car outside, consider investing in a high-quality car cover to protect it from the elements.
Preparing Your Car for Storage
Preparing your car for storage is crucial to ensure that it remains in good condition. Here are a few steps you can take:
● Wash and wax your car to protect the paintwork.
● Change the oil and filter to prevent contaminants from damaging the engine.
● Top up all fluids, including brake fluid, coolant, and windshield wiper fluid.
● Inflate the tires to the recommended pressure to prevent flat spots.
● Disconnect the battery or use a battery tender to maintain the charge.
Maintaining Your Brakes During Storage
Your
brakes are one of the most critical components of your car, and it's essential to maintain them during storage. Here are a few steps you can take:
● Pump the brakes a few times to ensure that the brake pads are in contact with the rotors.
● Use a wheel chock or wedge to prevent the car from rolling.
● Avoid using the parking brake, as this can cause the brake pads to stick to the rotors.
Scheduling Your Car MOT and Servicing
If your car is due for an MOT or routine
vehicle servicing, it's best to schedule these before storing your car. This will ensure that your car is in good condition before storage and can also identify any issues that need to be addressed before they become more significant problems.
At Acorn Tyres, we can help you keep your car in great condition before, during and after an extended period of storage. Whether you need a brake service, a car
MOT test and or repairs, we are well-equipped to ensure that everything is as it should be.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you keep your car in top condition.
