Tire pressure? Check. Oil change? Check. Coolant topped off, car washed, and gas tank filled? Check, check and check. Perfect! …Now it’s just about time to park it.
As strange as it might seem, preparing your car, truck or SUV for long-term storage is a lot like preparing for a long road trip. You’ve got to take care of everything from the tire pressure to the gas tank to the paint and power. If you don’t, the car you park in a garage today will run a lot differently than the car you pick up in a year (if it even runs at all).
The Effects of Long-Term Storage on an Unprepared Vehicle
Rodents, Insects and Small Animals Will Invade
Mice and insects love to nestle into unused automobiles – especially if they can find tasty treats between the seats. Make sure you vacuum your car before you park it in the garage. It will help keep rodents and insects away.
Tires Will Go Flat
If a vehicle sits too long without being moved, its weight will eventually take a toll on the tires. Over time, the constant pressure combined with the gradual release of air can create flat spots on each of your four tires. This renders them unsafe and unusable. Make sure your tires are inflated to their maximum pressure levels before you park the car.
The Engine Could Get Contaminated
Clean oil is critical, even if you are not driving your vehicle. Make sure you get an oil change before you put your car, truck or SUV in storage. Otherwise the sediment from the dirty oil could pool in the engine and cause problems when you fire the vehicle back up.
Corrosion Could Occur
Gas gets old. When this happens, it tends to separate, which can lead to corrosion in the fuel line. To prevent this from happening, make sure you fill the gas tank and add a fuel stabilizer to the mix before parking it for long periods of time. Unused batteries can also suffer from corrosion, so remove the battery after you pull into the garage.
On Your Mark, Get Set …Park!
To find out more about preparing your car, truck or SUV for garage parking, contact us at 702-570-2257. Our vehicle experts are waiting to answer whatever questions you may have.