23rd FebruaryR 2022
Whatever the season, it’s crucial to plan medium or long term storage of your vehicle in order to avoid costly mistakes and to save your valuable time. We will be focusing on the dangers of moisture and ice in winter and excessive heat, UV and dust in the warmer months.
Here are our top 10 tips for all year round vehicle storage.
The Environment
When choosing a long term storage location, always try to find a secure, dry location. Your initial choice of garage or storage shelter will ultimately determine the condition of your car and spending a little more time finding the right location may save you a considerable amount of time and money long term.
Protection from large changes in temperature, humidity and condensation are key to avoiding negative effects on your vehicle like mould, rust and expensive damage to trim and interiors.
Carefully check for rodent droppings or mouse holes in the exterior walls as vermin will chew through exposed wires and upholstery. Worse still, they may decide to take up residence in your engine bay or interior.
Clean before you store
When you put your car or motorbike undercover, it is important to ensure you have given some attention to cleaning and drying thoroughly. If there are small repairs or imperfections to rectify, consider resolving these issues before you store. Check your oil and fluids. If you are storing through the colder months, it is wise to have fresh antifreeze, oil and brake fluid in your vehicle.
Wash your vehicle, remove rubbish and clean internally. Drying with a chamois is important and ensuring your underbody is dry as best as possible before you store your vehicle is preferable. In winter ensure that the underside does not have any salt from treated roads.
Fill the Tank
If you plan on leaving your vehicle for more than a few weeks it is common practice to fill your fuel tank with premium fuel and additives to help the fuel stay stable. This is particularly important during the winter months.
Trickle Charge your Battery
Intelligent trickle chargers are a useful tool that is proven to extend the life of your battery and ensures that when you do wake your vehicle from storage, it will start and the battery will be in a good condition for the season ahead.
Consider Tyre Pads
Tyres naturally lose air over time and the weight of the vehicle can compound this issue creating flat spots in the tyre tread. Even if your tyres look perfect upon your return, a short drive may prove otherwise.Tyre pads or shapers can be used to cradle the tyre and limit this effect.
If you do not have any tyre pads, always inflate the tyres to the maximum pressure allowed as shown in the handbook or on the driver’s door shut before storing your vehicle.
Leave the Handbrake off
Handbrakes have an annoying tendency to stick when vehicles are stored for long periods of time. Modern cars with electric handbrakes should ideally be disabled prior to storage as described in the handbook. You can counter any movement with blocks behind the wheels and by ensuring your vehicle in on solid, level ground.
Open the Windows
Leaving all the windows open a tiny crack when in storage ensures that air will continue to circulate around the interior of the vehicle and help prevent the growth of mould and mildew and will keep musty smells to a minimum.
Cover her up!
The right choice of car or bike cover is crucial, especially after all your hard work!
Every storage situation is different and for that reason we have tailored covers in 6 different fabrics. A member of our expert team will be happy to answer any questions that you may have about covers and storage. Please call us on 01903 764689 or Click here to contact us now.
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