Guide To Long Term Car Storage

As seasons change or life demands that your car take a hiatus, the importance of proper long-term storage cannot be overstated. Whether you’re stowing away a classic car, a seasonal vehicle, or simply parking your daily driver for an extended period, the way you store your car significantly influences its condition upon unveiling ready for driving again. 

Motorscan is here to make it super easy with our comprehensive guide on the art of long-term car storage. We’re delving into the subject of preservation to offer practical tips and valuable insights to ensure your four-wheeled companion emerges from its sleep in optimal condition. From safeguarding the exterior against the elements to preserving the engine, join us as we unravel the key strategies to master the art of long-term car storage!

Preparation Before Storage

Preparing your car for long-term storage is crucial to ensure its condition remains optimal. Here are the essential steps to take:

1. Clean the Car: Ensure you thoroughly wash and wax your car to remove contaminants to protect the paint and prevent corrosion. Thoroughly cleaning the interior is also crucial to avoid attracting pests.
2. Fluid Levels: Check all the fluids, including oil, brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid and top up if necessary. Keeping fluids topped up during storage can help prevent corrosion of metal components, continue lubricating internal parts and preserve seals. 
3. Fuel Tank: Filling the fuel tank is essential to prevent condensation. Adding a fuel stabiliser is also recommended to avoid fuel deterioration, eliminating the need to drain fuel before storing your car.
4. Battery: It’s crucial to care for your car’s battery to ensure optimal performance. Disconnecting it completely or using a trickle charger to prevent discharging during storage is recommended. Before storage, ensure the battery is fully charged, and periodically check and recharge it if needed. Then, when it’s ready to reconnect, inspect and ensure terminals are clean.
5. Tyre Care: Before storing your vehicle, check that the tyres are at the correct tyre pressures, and if storing for an extended period, consider using tyre cradles or axle stands to prevent dreaded flat spots.
6. Protect the Engine: The importance of engine oil in preventing corrosion cannot be overstated. Changing the oil before storing a vehicle long-term is advisable as it contains additives that neutralise acids and contaminants, which become less effective over time, making a pre-storage oil change essential. 

Car Storage Locations

Choosing between indoor and outdoor storage for long-term car storage involves weighing the benefits and drawbacks. Indoor storage, such as a climate-controlled garage or storage facility, provides superior protection against the elements, reducing the risk of rust and paint damage. It also offers enhanced security. However, not everyone has access to a garage or expensive indoor storage, making outdoors the only option. A covered carport is certainly more budget-friendly and will protect your vehicle to some extent, but ultimately, it will still be exposed to the elements of the weather. While a high-quality car cover can mitigate some risks, there’s a higher likelihood of paint damage and tyre deterioration over time than storing indoors.

Regardless of the chosen storage type, it’s vital to address temperature and humidity considerations to protect the vehicle effectively. Temperature-controlled environments with stable humidity levels are optimal. Extreme temperature fluctuations can lead to issues like fluid degradation, battery problems, and interior damage. Similarly, excessive humidity may contribute to mould growth, so striking a balance and ensuring proper ventilation is essential for maintaining a car’s condition during long-term storage. 

Covering the Car: Breathable v Waterproof

Covering your vehicle during long term storage is beneficial, and the choice between breathable and waterproof covers depends on the storage conditions. Both indoor and outdoor storage present unique challenges that can be effectively addressed with the right cover.

• Breathable Covers: Breathable covers are ideal for indoor storage and facilitate air circulation while effectively preventing dust accumulation. They are specifically designed to let moisture evaporate, minimising the risk of mould or mildew. These covers excel at protecting against scratches and preserving the car’s finish. Additionally, the breathable design minimises condensation, making them suitable for comprehensive moisture protection during indoor storage.
• Waterproof Covers: Designed for outdoor storage, especially in regions with frequent rain or snow, waterproof covers form defensive barriers against moisture, preventing water from reaching the car’s exterior. However, choosing a cover with breathability features is vital to avoid trapping condensation and potential issues like rust or mould growth, even in wet conditions. This precaution ensures full protection for your vehicle against moisture and external elements.

Pest Control when Storing a Car

Long-term car storage poses the risk of unwelcome visitors in the form of rodents and pests, necessitating a dual-pronged approach in the form of prevention and regular inspections. It’s best to employ preventive measures such as thorough cleaning, sealing potential entry points, and utilising natural repellents or rodent-proof covers to create an inhospitable environment for pests. Simultaneously, conduct routine inspections to check for signs of infestation, including droppings, nests, or damage to wiring. Early detection and intervention minimise the risk of damage, ensuring a pest-free vehicle throughout its storage period.

Periodically Running the Engine

The frequency of starting a stored vehicle depends on factors like its age and condition. Indeed, there is no hard and fast rule, but generally, running the car at least once a month for fifteen minutes is recommended to keep everything in check and fluids circulating.

Returning the Car to Use

Preparing to bring your car out of long-term storage requires a comprehensive checklist to ensure the vehicle’s optimal performance and safety. Take your time with these safety checks to guarantee a safe and smooth return to the road:-

• Start by checking the tyre pressures and inspecting the tyres for any signs of damage. 
• Examine the fluid levels, including oil, coolant, and brake fluid, and top up as needed. 
• Check the battery’s charge and, if necessary, recharge or replace it. 
• Before driving, conduct safety checks on critical systems such as brakes, lights, and steering by testing the brakes for responsiveness, ensuring all lights function properly and the steering is smooth. 

Legal and Insurance Considerations

If you’re about to store your vehicle off-road, then knowing who to notify and what to do is essential:

• Notify your insurance company about the storage. Adjusting your policy for stored vehicles may prevent unnecessary costs or gaps in coverage. 
• Explore cost-effective alternatives like temporary car insurance or pay-per-mile insurance to help keep costs down while retaining coverage for theft and damage during storage.
• Consider declaring your car off the road by applying for a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) to save on road tax. You can SORN your vehicle online with no time limit. 
• Don’t forget to keep your MOT up to date. You can drive your vehicle to a pre-booked MOT if registered as SORN. If the police stop you on the way, you’ll need to prove that you’re going to the MOT.
• Finally, when it comes to returning the vehicle to the road, remember to apply for road tax to remove any SORN and update your insurance provider to notify you’re back on the road!