Unabridged Car Storage Tips

ENGINE
Drain and change the engine and transmission fluids just
before storage. Make sure all other fluid levels are at their
safe maximum. You should store the car with a full tank
of gas and you can purchase Sta-Bil from most auto
supply stores. The gas stabilizer will stop the additives in
the gas from precipitating and keep it from varnishing and
gumming up your carburetor.

Your cooling system should be checked and antifreeze
added to bring the freeze point to around 20-degrees below.
When you do this, don’t just top up the radiator with
antifreeze; if you don’t run the car long enough the thermostat
won’t open allowing circulation through the motor which
means that your car’s motor may not be protected from freezing.

Lubricate hood latches, hinges, and door hinges. Have a look
at the brake fluid. Brake fluid will soak up moisture from the
air, causing your brake system to rust and corrode. Get it
flushed and filled with clean, fresh fluid if it hasn’t been done
in two years or more.You should top up all other fluids such
as power steering.

Starting it up every so often is a definite no-no unless you
run it long enough to fully warm up. But think about it – what
happens every time something warms and cools?
Condensation! A car needs more than starting. A good run
up to highway speed for 30-45 minutes every 4-6 weeks
should be enough to keep most parts well-lubed (you don’t
want seals drying out) and the battery charged. Operate the
parking brake on and off a few times to keep it from seizing
and to allow the rear brakes to self-adjust. Run the A/C at
full-blast for 5-10 minutes every time.

EXTERIOR
You can never be too clean for storage, the first thing you
want to do is clean the vehicle. Wait for a dray warm day
and give your car a complete wash and wax. Be sure to get
the underbody as clean as possible too, particularly wheel
well areas. Any dirt will hold moisture and combine with air,
causing rust propagation.

Wax the paint and the bumpers along with the rims as if you
were going to a car show. With all the protective coatings on
the car, it will reduce the rust factor and will protect the
outside paint and metal from any unwanted moisture, dust, etc.

Some motorists polish chrome with Pledge® before storing
for the winter. Helps stop those nasty chrome pits from developing.

TIRES
Tires are prone to developing flat spots if the vehicle will be
sitting for longer than five or six months. To prevent this you
should inflate the tires 6-8 lbs more than the maximum tire
pressure indicated on side of tires. Don’t go through the trouble
of putting the car up on blocks or stands unless you plan on
not driving the car for a number of years.

BATTERY
The battery will not hold its charge all winter. Use a battery
tender - it is a good practice.

INTERIOR
A thorough cleaning is in order for the interior, also. Use a
shop vacuum or household vacuum cleaner, getting into all
the little nooks and crannies. All crumbs, pizza crusts, French
fries, etc., must go. Do all this early in the day to allow time
to dry before putting the car in storage. Treat your leather
seats to a conditioner.

INSURANCE

Keep your car insured and photograph it in case you need
a visual reference for insurance or other purposes.

INDOOR STORAGE
Special cars, collector cars, muscle cars, hot rods, street rods,
exotics, antiques….they all have one thing in common: We
Love Them! We live out our dreams with them. Whether
investment or hobby, whether expensive or affordable, we
have to take care of them, look after them, and the best thing we
can do for them is keep them out of harms way. Store them in an
environment that doesn’t contribute to their deterioration or
decline in value.

It is money well spent to find storage inside a building.

DRIVE THEM! ENJOY THEM! HAVE FUN!