Storing your car for an extended period may seem as simple as parking it and walking away, but that’s far from the truth. There are numerous factors to consider to ensure your vehicle stays in good condition during storage.
Whether you’re tucking it away for winter, going on an extended holiday, or simply don’t have the need for it right now, proper preparation is essential. The last thing you want is to come back to a dead battery, flat tyres, or worse—engine problems.
Let’s explore the five common mistakes to avoid when storing your car, ensuring you avoid costly repairs and a frustrating start when you’re ready to hit the road again.
Skipping a Proper Clean-Up
One of the most frequent and easily avoidable mistakes when storing a car is not giving it a thorough clean beforehand. It might seem counterintuitive—why wash a car that’s just going to sit idle for months?
However, failing to clean your car before storage can lead to long-term damage. Dirt, grime, bird droppings, and tree sap can cause damage to the paint and finish of your car if left untreated. Over time, these contaminants can seep into the clear coat, leaving unsightly marks and even corroding the surface. In the worst cases, this could lead to rust.
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Before storing your car, take the time to wash and wax the exterior. A good wax job will provide a protective layer, helping to keep moisture, dirt, and other damaging elements away from the paint.
Additionally, don’t forget the inside. Even if you don’t eat in your car often, small crumbs or food particles may still be lurking in crevices. These can attract pests, which can lead to chewed wires, nesting in the upholstery, or other unexpected damage.
A clean car doesn’t just look better; it’s better protected against the elements, both inside and out, during long periods of inactivity.
Neglecting the Battery
A dead battery is one of the most common complaints people have when retrieving their stored car. Batteries naturally lose their charge over time, even if the vehicle isn’t being driven.
This is especially true if it’s left connected to the vehicle’s electrical systems. Modern cars are packed with electronics that can slowly drain the battery, even when the car is switched off.
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To prevent this, there are a couple of solutions. The easiest and most effective way is to disconnect the battery completely if you don’t plan on using the car for a while. This stops any electrical drain and ensures the battery will still have some charge when you reconnect it.
If you want to keep systems like alarms or keyless entry operational, invest in a battery maintainer (also known as a trickle charger). These devices are designed to keep the battery at optimal charge without overloading it.
Leaving your battery connected and unattended for extended periods can result in more than just inconvenience—it can cause irreversible damage to the battery, leaving you with no option but to replace it entirely.
Forgetting to Fill Up the Tank
It may seem logical to leave the fuel tank empty before storing a car, especially since you won’t be driving it. However, doing so can cause significant problems. When the fuel tank is low, moisture can accumulate inside, leading to condensation.
Over time, this moisture can cause rust inside the tank, and if left long enough, that rust could make its way through the fuel system and into the engine. This can lead to clogged fuel injectors, poor engine performance, or even engine damage.
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Before storing your car, fill up the tank to reduce the risk of condensation build-up. Additionally, consider adding a fuel stabiliser if you plan to store the car for several months. Petrol begins to degrade after about three months, and a stabiliser will help prevent it from breaking down and becoming less effective.
A full tank of fuel and a dose of stabiliser can prevent expensive damage and ensure your car starts smoothly when you need it.
Ignoring Tyre Care
Your tyres are another critical component that can suffer during storage if not properly cared for. When your car sits in one place for a long time, the weight of the vehicle pressing down on the same spot can cause the tyres to develop flat spots.
These flat spots can make the tyres unsafe to drive on and lead to vibrations or poor handling when you start driving again.
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To avoid this, ensure your tyres are properly inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure before storing the car. Tyres naturally lose air over time, so you may even want to slightly over-inflate them to account for this.
For long-term storage, consider using jack stands to lift the car off the ground entirely, relieving the pressure from the tyres. This will prevent flat spots and extend the life of your tyres.
Additionally, don’t forget to check your tyre condition before you store the car. If the tyres are worn or damaged, it’s worth addressing these issues beforehand so that your car is ready to drive safely when storage ends.
Failing to Protect Against Pests
One of the most unexpected yet damaging issues that can arise during car storage is pest infestation. Small animals, like mice or rats, can sneak into the vehicle and cause a surprising amount of damage.
Rodents love to chew on things, and that includes your car’s electrical wiring, upholstery, and insulation. They may also nest in the engine bay, air intake, or other warm areas, which can lead to blockages and safety issues.
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Preventing pests from getting into your car requires a few proactive steps. First, make sure the storage area is clean and free of food or materials that might attract animals. Next, seal up any entry points on the vehicle itself—this includes covering the exhaust pipe and air intake with steel wool or mesh, which rodents can’t chew through.
You can also use deterrents like peppermint oil, mothballs, or specially designed rodent repellents around the storage area to keep pests away. Some people place traps or ultrasonic repellents around their cars for extra peace of mind.
Taking these precautions can save you from costly repairs and the frustration of finding a pest problem when you retrieve your vehicle.
Final Notes
Storing your car properly isn’t just about parking it and forgetting about it. To avoid damage and costly repairs, you need to take a few simple steps to ensure your vehicle is protected during its time off the road.
From cleaning and protecting the exterior to maintaining the battery and preventing pests, the care you take now will ensure a smooth return to the road later.
Whether your car is stored for a season or longer, avoiding these five common mistakes will keep your vehicle in top condition and ready to go when you are.
💡 Read more: How To Prepare Your Car For Storage.
