There are various reasons why a South African would need to place their vehicle into storage. Maybe it’s because you’ll be travelling, going on a lengthy work trip, or have inherited a vehicle, you may need to make plans for storing it away.
And it’s in your best interest to store your car properly as vehicles can age badly in inadequate storage for several reasons.
Before reviewing the ‘don’ts’, let’s look at some of the ‘do’s’ for what you should consider when storing your vehicle.
Do’s of Car Storage for Infrequent Drivers
Before parking your car, you should always ensure that it is clean. Thoroughly clean both the interior and exterior of your car before storage.
You need to remove any dirt, debris, or food particles that could attract pests or cause damage over time. If you are able, consider applying a protective wax coating to the exterior.
When your car is clean, choose a suitable storage location that is dry, cool, and well-ventilated. This will ensure that no mould forms when the car is in storage. In the ideal world, a garage or a storage facility with climate control is best to minimise the impact of temperature fluctuations and humidity on your car.
Another part of the vehicle that will be put under pressure is your car’s tyres. Always ensure that you inflate the tyres to the recommended pressure to prevent flat spots. If you can, place the car on jack stands to relieve pressure on the tyres.
For those with some extra budget, consider using tyre covers to shield them from sunlight and maintain their condition.
And finally, check the owner’s manual and if recommended, disconnect the battery or use a smart battery maintainer. By disconnecting the battery, you will prevent it from being drained.
Now that we’ve tackled the do’s, let’s look at the don’ts.
Don’ts of Car Storage for Infrequent Drivers:
It’s easy enough to make a mistake when storing your car away. One trick many will not know about is to avoid putting on the handbrake. Instead of using the handbrake, place wheel chocks or blocks in front and behind the tyres to prevent the car from rolling.
If you leave the vehicle with the handbrake on for an extended period, the brake pads can stick to the rotors or drums.
While your vehicle doesn’t need to breathe, don’t cover the car with a non-breathable material. When storing your vehicle for extended periods, cover your car using a breathable cover or a cotton sheet that allows air circulation.
This means avoiding the use of plastic or non-breathable covers, as they can trap moisture and lead to the formation of mould or mildew.
Another simple mistake is parking your vehicle on grass or uneven surfaces. This can expose the underside of it to moisture, leading to rust and other damage.
Ideally, park on a clean, level surface to keep the car stable and protected.
And finally, even if the car is in storage, it’s important to check on it periodically. Perform these checks yourself or get someone to do them on your behalf.
Start the engine, let it run for a few minutes.
Also, always check for any signs of leaks, pests, or damage during these inspections.
By following these do’s and don’ts, you can ensure that your car remains in good condition while in storage and is ready to hit the road when you need it again.
If you need assistance maintaining your car’s battery, you can visit your local Willard Battery Xpress centre, or closest Willard Battey stockist.