Reminders for Storing Your Car Long-Term

When life takes you places where your car can’t come along — and simply leaving it unattended isn’t an option — what do you do?

Here are some important things to remember when storing your car long-term to help keep your vehicle in excellent condition while you’re away. For a comprehensive guide you can always visit How to Prepare Your Car for Long-Term Storage.

Pay Attention to Your Parking Spot

When it comes to parking your car, there’s more to it than just finding any empty spot. Strategically positioning your vehicle can help you avoid more maintenance down the road, so utilize these four quick tips:

• Park on a flat surface to prevent fuel or oil leakage.
• Use a ground sheet or plastic tarp to protect against rising moisture.
• Do not leave the parking brake on to prevent damage from brake pad fusion.
• Park in reverse to ensure your battery remains readily accessible for a quick jump-start as a failsafe measure.

Keep Those Wheels in Shape

Wondering what to nestle under your tires during storage? Tire jacks or stands are your answer. They alleviate pressure to ward off flat spots, which is especially vital if your car is off duty for six months or more.

Overinflating your tires is important as well, as they’ll gradually lose pressure as time progresses. As long as you don’t exceed the maximum tire pressure mentioned on the tire’s side, which is different from the recommended pressure, you can overinflate your tires by 10% or more without much worry.

Consider Fuel Efficiency

Your car’s fuel deserves some TLC too, and it’s worth being selective. Trust only high-quality, ethanol-free gas for your tank. It keeps moisture at bay to prevent internal rusting and damage.

Additionally, filling up the tank secures the seals from drying out. Although inexpensive fuel might seem tempting, remember your temporary bargain could lead to potential costly repairs in the future.

Introduce a Fuel Stabilizer

Over time, inactive fuel breaks down and forms a sticky residue. You can prevent this with a fuel stabilizer that safeguards the gas from degeneration. After adding it, remember to run your vehicle for a few minutes, which will allow the stabilizer to circulate in the fuel system.

Opt for a Battery Maintainer

Nobody wants a dead battery, especially when you’re itching to get back on the road. To prevent your battery from running down, consider simply unplugging it. But if your vehicle’s computerized functions require continuous power, a battery maintainer is an ideal solution. It trickles a small, regular charge to keep the battery full, without the risk of overcharging.

Stay on the Right Side of the Law

Before bidding farewell to your car, ensure you’re on the right side of the law. You’ll need to keep insurance, registration, and tags current — and while this might seem like a minor detail, it can mitigate any legal issues down the road.

Protect Against Unwanted Guests

Your stationary vehicle can become an inviting paradise for curious pests while you’re away. They can chew through wires, upholstery and more to cause costly damage, so be sure to secure all windows and vents — and consider repellents or ultrasonic deterrents to avoid any unwelcome guests.

Preserve Your Car’s Shine

Giving your car a good scrub and wax before storing it isn’t just about aesthetics. It helps protect the paint from dirt, bird droppings and water stains. Waxing also adds a defensive layer against moisture and dust. And don’t overlook cleaning the interior, as well, to prevent a nasty surprise upon your return.

Prevent Moisture & Odor

While it’s essential to cover your vehicle, you must allow some ventilation to keep off musty smells and mildew growth. A semi-fitted car cover is ideal for indoor storage, while outdoor storage demands a more resilient cover. Regardless of your choice, ensure it’s breathable enough for moisture to escape.

Choose Reliable Vehicle Storage

At the end of the day, maintaining your car’s pristine condition for the long term comes down to selecting the right storage solution. CubeSmart offers a suite of vehicle storage options tailored to your needs. Whether you’re tucking away your classic beauty or protecting your everyday vehicle from the elements, we’ve got you covered.

• Indoor Car Storage: Give your car the perfect “home-away-from-home” garage to stay safe from ice, snow, rain and sun damage. These spacious units are great for compact cars, classic cars and small trucks.
• Outdoor Car Storage: For those who need an affordable and reliable storage option, our outdoor car storage keeps your car in a secure location with 24-hour video recording.
• Covered Car Storage: Our covered car storage offers reliable protection from the weather and strikes an ideal balance between indoor and outdoor storage solutions.

You can also enjoy drive-up access to your vehicle and flexible lease terms that cater to your specific timeframe needs. Plus, our top-notch facility features, like electronic-gated access and well-lit premises, give you convenient car storage solutions that tick all the boxes.