Essential Tips for Long-Term Vehicle Storage

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There are numerous reasons why one would want long-term storage for their vehicles. You might go on a vacation or temporarily relocate for work. For some, vehicle owners can decide to store them during wither season until the return of better driving weather. Travel agents might need to store their caravans safely when they are not in use. Regardless of the purpose for long-term storage, you should properly prepare the storage location to ensure your vehicle is safe and protected. Keep these tricks in mind to help you when the need arises.

Choose the Right Storage Location

The storage place you choose should be properly-insulated to help keep your vehicle in good condition. Freezing temperatures can damage your vehicle and therefore the storage place should have insulated roof and walls to protect your vehicle against the cold. You can access affordable Caravan storage near Wellington to store your caravan in a place where it will be protected from all unfavorable weather and theft. Environment is a crucial element for a vehicle’s health.

Clean the Vehicle before Storage

It is vital to thoroughly clean your vehicle’s exterior and interior parts. Ensure that all interior parts, including the footrest, dashboard, and other crevices, are well-cleaned. Use a vacuum cleaner to clean the seats. Clean the trunk, lubricate the locks, and ensure the oil levels are okay. The exterior parts should be cleaned, dried, and protected using vehicle covers such as rims.

Check the Batter and Fluids

Leaving your vehicle in storage for a long period can drain its fluids and battery. It is, therefore, important to check battery levels for electric vehicles and keep them charged by using a smart charger. A trickle charger will help keep the battery running for a long period for diesel and petrol vehicles. Ensure the brake fluid levels are okay to prevent your brakes from being damaged.

Prevent Tire Damage

When a vehicle is packed for a long period, the tires get flat spots, which are usually not reparable. So you should remove all the tires, cover them with protective plastic, and store them safely on their sides in cardboard boxes. Finally, pack the vehicle in an ideal spot and use jack stands to elevate it off the ground.

Protect the Engine Cylinders

The engine cylinders can get rust if they are not used for a long time. The rust will damage them, thus the need for proper maintenance. Remove the spark plugs, spray the cylinder with oil to prevent rust in the engine block, and then replace them with new ones. You can get help from a mechanic when you take your vehicle for a pre-storage checkup.

Plug the Exhaust Outlet

It is crucial to close the tailpipe to prevent spiders, rodents, and other pests from climbing your vehicle. You can put a rag into the exhauster or seal it with aluminum foil. Check all the other openings, including all air intakes, and cover them. Remember to unplug all the materials before driving.

In conclusion, storage is critical in the maintenance of vehicles. That is why you should be very careful about the storage location, especially when storing the vehicle for a long time. Store your vehicle in the correct storage that protects it from all weather conditions and theft. Do a thorough cleaning and checkup to ensure oil levels, engines, exhauster, and tires are in good condition before storing.

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