Do you wonder how to store your car for a long duration? You’re relaxing at home with your car safely parked in a garage or driveway. However, your car is going into hibernation while you make the most of these days by staying in and working on your side gig or taking up a new pastime. In essence, you are preparing to store your vehicle. Learn the ins and outs of long-term car storage in this unique gomechanic feature. In this article, you will get the complete guidelines to store your car for a long term. Are you ready?
Let’s get started!
1. Clean Your Car From Front-To-Back
Perhaps the most crucial thing you’ll ever do for your automobile is this. Don’t rush this process; cleaning the automobile from top to bottom should take at least an hour and a half. High-pressure water can help remove stubborn dirt and grime from your car’s sharply pointed corners. The wheel wells and undercarriage require extra care. To clean the surface and add a thin coating of wax to preserve the paint, use a shampoo that doubles as a car wash and wax.
Please get into the vehicle. Take the rugs out of the room and clean them. To remove any dirt or dust from the interior, use a standard vacuum cleaner. You should clean the dashboard, the footwell, the cupholder, and wherever else you discover grime.
2. Polish And Wax
Car detailing at home is straightforward and achievable, especially with the right tools. Wax or polish your automobile with a high-quality product from your preferred manufacturer. The final step is to wax the surface lightly. Waxing your automobile regularly will accomplish two goals: it will keep your paint bright for longer, and it will prevent the paint from deteriorating due to dampness.
3. Fill The Tank With Quality Fluids
When storing an automobile for an extended period of time, it is recommended that a gasoline stabilizer be added to the fuel tank. A fuel stabilizer may extend the gasoline’s shelf life from a few months to years. Fill the tank with premium gas, and add some if you have an extra can of engine oil. You should also ensure that the windshield washer reservoir is full.
4. Handbrake Isn’t A Big Priority
The handbrake should not be used on a parked vehicle. Those who reside near the coast can particularly benefit from this. The hand brake on most automobiles in India is a cable or hydraulic system that engages the rear drum brakes.
To prevent the brake shoes from rust-welding or binding to the drums during storage. It is best to avoid utilizing the handbrake. Choking off the wheels with a block or a piece of wood is the best way to keep them from rolling.
5. Use A Rodent Spray
Not having to worry about rodents in your automobile is a huge relief. Rodents like rats and mice may wreak havoc on your vehicle’s wiring if they get in. If you aren’t attentive, a rodent infestation might potentially pose a health risk. To deter rodents and other pests from taking up residence in your car’s cabin or engine bay, spray some basic household pest repellent throughout the inside and under the hood.
6. Disconnect Battery
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an extended period of time with the battery still charged, the battery will expire within a week. When left unused for lengthy periods of time, car batteries can leak corrosive acid and cause damage to their surroundings. Cutting power to the battery is easy and will prevent you from having to deal with a lot of headaches in the future.
7. Park Your Car In Garage Or Covered Area
In the end, this is the simplest of all the steps you need to take. Stop your car somewhere shady but not beneath any trees! If you have access to a garage, use it to store your vehicle out of the weather. If you park your car outside, protect it from the elements by using a high-quality car cover.
