How to Prepare Your Car for Long-Term Storage: A Checklist

When it comes to storing your vehicle, “out of sight, out of mind” is a recipe for disaster.

Whether you’re headed out on a long trip, preparing a collector car for offseason storage, or simply keeping your daily driver off the road for a while, poor preparation can lead to serious problems. From dead batteries and rust to chewed wiring and rodent infestations, neglecting your car during storage can turn your investment into a costly headache.

Fortunately, by taking the right precautions, you can ensure your vehicle is road-ready whenever you need it. Follow this checklist to avoid costly repairs and ensure your vehicle comes out of storage in pristine condition.

Where Should You Store Your Car?

Where you store your car depends on a variety of factors, from the size of your budget to your climate and living situation. Here’s a breakdown of some of your top options:

• Driveway: A cheap option, yes. But a wise one? Unlikely. Outdoor storage leaves your vehicle susceptible to UV rays and unsavory weather conditions, while also making it a prime target for rodents. If you’re left with no other choice, check in with your vehicle as often as possible and take extra care prepping your vehicle.
• Indoor garage: A private garage is one of the most practical solutions. While it shields your car from the elements, you’ll still need to prepare for temperature fluctuations and pests. Take steps to seal any gaps in the garage and consider using a dehumidifier in humid climates.
• Storage facilities: If you’re storing a vintage or collector vehicle, a climate-controlled storage unit might be worth the investment. These facilities offer protection from temperature extremes, humidity, and theft, making them ideal for long-term storage. Look for secure units with 24/7 surveillance for added peace of mind.

Your Car Storage Checklist

1. Give It a Good Clean 

Think of this as your car’s spa day before hibernation. Washing the exterior removes dirt, grease, and sap that can corrode paint or cause rust. A quick wax job will add an additional layer of protection against moisture and debris.

It’s equally important that you clear the interior of any trash or food scraps. Not only can they leave a long-term odor, but they might attract unwanted pests looking for a winter home.

2. Change The Oil

Used oil contains contaminants that will corrode your engine over time, especially during long periods of inactivity. Even if your car isn’t due for an oil change, it’s a good idea to do so prior to packing your vehicle away.

3. Top Off Your Fluids

An under-filled fuel tank can allow moisture and air to build up, leading to rust and corrosion. For long-term storage, adding a fuel stabilizer will prevent the gasoline from degrading and potentially causing even greater damage.

The same can be said for all of your vehicle’s fluids: brake fluid, coolant, transmission fluid, etc.

4. Protect Your Battery

Even in an unused car, your battery will continue to drain and eventually die. This could leave you stranded when you eventually want to hit the road again. The simplest solution is to have someone (you, a friend, or a neighbor) take your car out for a spin every few weeks. Not only will it recharge the battery, but it’ll make sure the rest of your vehicle is in working order.

If that’s not an option, disconnect your battery entirely or consider using a “tickle charger” to power the unit while it sits in storage.

5. Install a Box-Kat Rodent Barrier

A stored vehicle can quickly become a hideaway for mice and other rodents who are in search of warmth and protection. And once they get in, they’re extremely difficult to get out, leading to chewed wiring, damaged air filters, and costly repairs.

Stop them from ever getting near your vehicle by installing a Box-Kat mouse barrier around the exterior of your vehicle. It’s patented flex-panel design adapts to most environments and prevents mice from climbing over or burrowing under.

6. Support Your Tire Health

Left untended, the weight of your car will eventually bear down on your tires, causing flat spots and other deformations. In some scenarios, these might force expensive tire replacements. Before storing your vehicle, fill its tires up to (and slightly past) the recommended PSI. You might also consider using jack stands to remove even more pressure from your tires if your car will be in storage for an extended period of time.  

7. Cover Your Car

If storing your vehicle outside, a car cover is a necessity to protect against UV rays, weather, and other debris. But it’s equally important that you choose the right cover. A generic tarp will trap in moisture and might get blown away, causing even more damage. Choose a breathable and custom-fit cover that will cover your vehicle snuggly.

A cover is also great added protection for indoor storage.

8. Don’t Use the Parking Brake

Leaving your parking brake engaged for an extended of period of time can actually cause the brake pads to fuse to the rotors. If you’re concerned about your vehicle moving while in storage, use a tire stopper or wheel chocks to keep it in place.

9. Maintain Your Insurance

Why pay hundreds for insurance on a car you’re not driving? It’s a fair question, but the unfortunate truth is that pausing insurance could cost you more in the long run. Many providers will raise your rates due to the lapse in coverage.

And just because your vehicle isn’t moving doesn’t mean it’s not at risk for damage. Comprehensive coverage will cover you from non-driving damage like theft, fire, or rodent damage.

10. Regular Check Ups

Even after taking all of these precautions, it’s important that you still check up on your vehicle regularly. Small changes to the environment —a cracked window, a mouse’s nest, or a leaky roof — could undo all your hard work. The earlier you catch a problem, the better.

Look for leaks, rodent droppings, and run your engine for a few minutes to keep its systems in working order.