Long-Term Car Storage Tips

Cars need to be driven in order to maintain their working parts. However, sometimes it is necessary to store your car for long periods of time. If you need to store your car long term, then use these tips to help the car maintain its functionality and beauty during storage.

• Always try to store your car indoors where it will be out of the elements of wind, rain and storms.


• Place a car cover over your car when stored indoors. This helps prevent dust from settling on the car and getting into sensitive areas.


• Give your car and tires a good coat of wax before storing. The wax can help maintain the sheen of the car and repel dust particles.


• Place some charcoal bricks in a pan in the floorboard of the car. This will prevent musty odors from seeping into the car. Leave a window barely cracked open to help airflow inside the car.


• Turn off the air conditioner. Leaving the air conditioner in the "on" position leaves vents open and offers a pathway for critters and bugs to enter your car.


• Turn the car on and let it warm up well before shutting it off for final storage.


• Store with a full tank of gas. This will prevent condensation and rust in the gas tank. Fuel can last up to one year. If after one year you still have not driven the car the fuel needs to be siphoned out of the car and new fuel added.


• Remove the battery and store it in a cool dry place. A trickle charger can keep a charge in the battery if used once a month.