Industry Tips - Long term Car Storage

• Find a storage location. Think about your needs for access when you do this. If you are simply looking for an extra garage and plan to use your car often, be sure the storage unit is easily accessible and close to your home. Be sure the air is dry so the car won't rust. A climate-controlled storage facility is your best choice.
• Be sure the car has gas and add a stabilizer if you plan to store your car for at least two months. Filling the tank with gas prevents the tank from rusting inside. Adding the stabilizer preserves the gasoline and also prevents damage to the fuel system. Usually you will add 1 ounce of stabilizer for every 3-5 gallons of gas, but check the label on the stabilizer to be sure.
• Change the oil. Dirty engine oil can thicken after long-term storage and make it difficult to start the car when you retrieve it.
• Put tire jacks under the tires. This prevents the tires from getting flat spots and also takes the weight off of the tires. That way, you won't show up at your storage unit ready to take your car out for a drive only to find you need new tires.
• Make sure your car is clean inside and out. Wash and wax the outside of the car and clean and vacuum the inside. A clean outside removes things that can eat away at the car's finish and prevents corrosion. A clean inside prevents things such as dirt, food, and residues from festering and causing mold or encouraging pests from entering your car.
• Disconnect the battery. Car batteries can leak acid and corrode the inside of the car if they sit unused. Disconnecting the battery is a simple process and will save you trouble later on.
• Use a car cover. Even if your car is in a climate-controlled environment, damages can still occur. A car cover will keep it clean and prevent things from falling on it.

Car Storage Step-by-step

1. Gather the tools and supplies that you may need before you get started. Some supplies you will need to have handy are various quality cleaners and protectants, a tire gauge, plastic drop cloth, cotton cloth, mothballs and mouse traps. Other items you will need are plastic bags, duct tape, fuel stabilizer, WD40, desiccant sacs, jack and jack stands. You may also need a large wood block for the battery and thin wood trim pieces for under the wind shield wipers. Make sure that you have adequate amounts of each type of fluid on hand to top off all of your fluids.
2. Clean Your Car thoroughly both inside and out. Wash the exterior and use a buffer over the entire exterior of the car to buff out all imperfections and apply a good coat of wax. This will protect the exterior from corrosion. Consider having this professionally done.
3. Wipe the mirrors clean. Dirt and residue left on mirrors for long periods of time can cause rust and corrosion.
4. Remove all trash and debris from the interior of the car. Vacuum it thoroughly to remove all pet hair and food crumbs. Use a stain remover to scrub away any and all stains from the carpet and upholstery. Use an air freshener spray to remove all odors from the inside of your car. Remove all items from the trunk of your car and don't neglect to properly clean the carpet in the trunk area as well.
5. Repairs that may be needed should be done prior to placing your car in storage to prevent further deterioration.
6. Change the oil and filter one to two days before putting it into storage. Used oil contains acids, moisture and other combustion byproducts that will cause engine corrosion over time especially when the car sits for long periods.
7. Drive your car for several miles, after the oil change and before storing it to allow the oil to circulate throughout the entire engine.
8. Pull the spark plugs and add about a teaspoon of engine oil inside of each cylinder. Replace the spark plugs. Doing this will coat the inside of the cylinders to prevent rust.
9. Seal off all engine openings using absorbent cotton cloth. This will absorb any moisture to protect the engine. It will also deter bugs and mice from getting inside. Use cotton cloth to fill other openings in the exhaust pipes and other openings. Be sure to write this down on your maintenance check list to remind yourself to remove the cotton cloth when taking your car out of storage, prior to driving it again.
10. Spray the exposed metal surfaces of your engine with a good lubricant such as WD40 to prevent rust. The WD40 will quickly evaporate, causing a protectant film to cover the carb body, hose clamps, coils and other parts.
11. Fill the gas tank to prevent moisture and air from getting into your tank. However, if storing in a poorly ventilated unit where gas fumes may create a problem, keep the gas tank only half full.
12. Add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank. Be sure to drive the car around for about 10 miles after adding the fuel stabilizer to allow it to circulate throughout the system. Neglecting to add a fuel stabilizer can cause the gas to break down, causing it to form gum and varnish when it deteriorates.
13. Check the color of the brake fluid. The brake fluid should look clear. If the brake fluid is brown and looks dirty, the brake fluid needs to be flushed out and refilled with new fluid. When brake fluid gets old, it contains moisture which can rust the break system. Be sure that the brake, clutch and master cylinders are both full of brake fluid. Brake fluid absorbs water quickly. It is recommended that the brake and clutch fluid be bled out annually to purge the system of contaminated brake fluid.
14. Flush transmission fluid, steering fluid and engine coolant if it appears dirty to prevent corrosion to their systems. If these fluids are clear, top them off to prevent air and moisture from getting inside which will also cause damage.
15. Convertible Tops should be stored with the top left up. When the convertible top is left open for long periods, it can develop large, ugly looking creases. Treat the convertible top with silicone or other lubricant. Desiccant sacs can be placed inside the interior of the car on the floor. This will keep moisture that may form from humidity from damaging the top.
16. Tires can go bad when sitting in storage for long periods. They can develop dry rot and flat spots. Avoid using products to give your tires a shine as they will dry out the tires and increase dry rot. Over inflate the tires slightly to 37 or 38 psi to prevent flat spots. Have tires checked for leaks and have them repaired before storage. Tires with an “H” rating or higher will do best in storage.
17. Battery refer to your owner’s manual when caring for your battery. Some car specialists suggest removing the battery and placing it on a wooden block so the battery won't be drained. Others suggest leaving the battery in the car but disconnect the negative (-) terminal of the battery. Still other car specialists insist that the battery should be left intact in the car to prevent voltage spikes. Voltage spikes can do major damage to components.
18. Storage Switch can be found on some cars. When flipping this switch, the battery shuts off, which will keep the battery from draining and deter theft.
19. Roll up the windows and close vents to protect your car against moisture and from bugs and mice getting inside.
20. Check hoses for bulges and cracks, have them replaced if they show extensive damage.
21. Exhaust Pipes can be protected from moisture and pests from getting inside by placing a plastic bag over the exhaust pipe opening and sealing it around the exhaust pie with duct tape.
22. Windshield Wipers remove the blades and place thin wood strips, or white cotton cloth under the wipers to prevent them from scratching the windows.
23. Park the car on a plastic sheet or on jacks. Make sure the emergency break is off to prevent it from sticking.
24. Cover your car with a tarp to keep it safe from dust.
25. Set moth balls around the outside of the car and mouse traps to keep pests away.
26. Visit your car at least once a month; start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. WARNING: make sure you leave the door to your storage unit open when running the engine for proper ventilation. When possible, take your car for a quick drive to get all parts moving.
27. Revive the car after long storage. Open all windows to air out your car. Remove the cotton cloth placed in all pipe openings. Remove the plastic bag from the exhaust pipe. Check all fluids. Reinstall the battery and make sure it is fully charged. Take your car for a drive.

Auto Self Storage

"Vehicle storage" is self storage specifically designed for storing cars or any other type of vehicle. It is a great way to protect your car from the environment and also gives you a place to put your car if you aren't using it for a while. Car storage not only protects your car from the weather, but also from vandalism. It ensures that your car is safe all of the time. In some ways, it's safer than storing it in your own garage, since there are padlocks on the storage units and often security cameras that record the premises around the clock. When deciding where to store your car, take the climate in which you live into account. If you live in a warmer climate, storing your vehicle outdoors with a car cover wouldn't be as big of an issue as if you live in climate with harsh winters. If the area in which you live tends to have a lot of rain, tropical storms, or hurricanes, you probably don't want to store your car outdoors, either.

Types of vehicle storage facilities

1. Enclosed storage. As long as the unit is large enough and there is no chance of damage, some self-storage facilities allow you to store your car inside a regular storage unit. If the car can enter and exit safely without damage to the vehicle or the storage unit, the manager usually will allow you to store it there. These offer the most protection possible for your vehicle. Be sure to rent a unit that is climate-controlled to avoid changes in temperature and reduce the chances of your vehicle rusting.
2. Covered storage. This shelters your vehicle from the sun, rain, and dirt. They are side-by-side spaces built to protect your car as best as possible. These are a good option for warm climates, but if you have a lot of snow or rain where you live, enclosed storage is preferred.
3. Outdoor storage. This is usually the cheapest option, although not the best choice for long-term storage. It provides little protection against the elements, but if you are only storing your car for a short time it is a good option.
4. Parking lots. Some businesses rent out spaces in their covered lots. However, they usually charge a large fee and are not as secure as the other storage options.

Vintage Car Storage

Types of vehicle storage facilities

1. Outdoor storage. This is usually the cheapest option, although not the best choice for long-term storage. It provides little protection against the elements and minimum security, but if you are only storing your car for a short time it is a good option. These are a good option for warm climates, but if you have a lot of snow or rain where you live, enclosed storage is preferred.
2. Garage storage. As long as the unit is large enough and there is no chance of damage, some self-storage facilities allow you to store your car inside a regular storage unit. If the car can enter and exit safely without damage to the vehicle or the storage unit, the manager usually will allow you to store it there.
3. Interior space. This is a space in a large building with central air conditioning and heat, offering climate-control and protection from the elements. These are usually the most secure option and the best environment for your car, but also the most expensive.

Preparing for storage

• Find a storage location. Think about your needs for access when you do this.
• Detail and wash your car. Wash and wax the outside of the car and clean and vacuum the inside. You can also have this professionally done for about $100. A clean outside removes things that can eat away at the car's finish and prevents corrosion. A clean inside prevents things such as dirt, food, and residues from festering and causing mold or encouraging pests from entering your car. Be sure not to buff the chrome surfaces until you plan to remove the car from storage.
• Change or drain the oil. Dirty engine oil can thicken after long-term storage and make it difficult to start the car when you retrieve it.
• Drain the fuel tank or add stabilizer. If you plan to store the car for more than 6 months, you’ll want to drain the tank. Let all of the gas run out, as old gas can clog the carburetors and cause problems for the valves. If you only plan to store your car for a few months, you can add a can of gasoline stabilizer to preserve the gasoline and also prevent damage to the fuel system. Usually you will add 1 ounce of stabilizer for every 3-5 gallons of gas, but check the label on the stabilizer to be sure.
• Drain the cooling system. Disconnect the heater hoses and drain the heater, too. Leave the petcock open and the radiator cap off to circulate air.
• Drain the brake fluid and refill with new fluid. This will ensure against brake deterioration.
• Disconnect or remove the battery. Car batteries can leak acid and corrode the inside of the car if they sit unused. Disconnecting the battery is a simple process and will save you trouble later on. If you choose to remove it, wash it with a solution of water and baking soda, then top it off with distilled water. Be sure to store the battery in a dry place and off of concrete.
• Put tire jacks under the tires. This prevents the tires from getting flat spots and also takes the weight off of the tires. That way, you won't show up at your storage unit ready to take your car out for a drive only to find you need new tires. You can also put jack stands under the tires; remove the tires and put them in a corner with cardboard between each one, then cover them with a cloth or sheet.
• Depress the clutch and lock it. To prevent clutch plates from sticking together during storage, place a 2 x 4 between the clutch and the front of the seat cushion or frame.
• Final steps. Roll down the windows for circulation, put in some sealed boxes of baking soda to absorb moisture and reduce the chances of mold and mildew forming, put a plastic bag over the carburetor to keep it dry, and put a rag in the tailpipe to keep out animals.
• Use a car cover. Even if your car is in a climate-controlled environment, damages can still occur. A car cover will keep it clean and prevent things from falling on it. Your best choice is a cotton flannel fabric, which allows the car to breathe and air to circulate; plus, they are soft on your car's paint and wax. Polyester/cotton blends are a poor choice, as they trap heat and moisture. Plastic should also be avoided, as it does not allow air circulation.