Long Term Storage Vehicle Tips

If you have a vehicle that is intended to be placed on the long-term storage, a number of measures that it is worth ensuring that your vehicle will be manageable once you decide it's time to remove it. While these tips are for vehicles that are inactive for more than one year may also apply for shorter periods.

Step 1 - The first thing to ask is whether the vehicle must be stored. Ideally, you want to find an area that is inside a garage or warehouse. This will ensure that the vehicle is protected from weather and theft. If you must place the vehicle in a covered, you need to buy a big car cover or tarp.

Step 2 - Secondly, you need to raise the wheels off the ground. The longer it is a vehicle, the air pressure of tires will be lost and eventually become flat. In addition, tires that are allowed to sit flat in a period of time ultimately damaged. Raising them to prevent the complete loss of pressure and allow you to move the vehicle when ready to remove from storage.

Raising the tires can be easily accomplished with the help of a car jack and 4 jack stands. Start by lifting a tire on his vehicle at a time, place a jack stand at each corner of the vehicle once it has been lifted. After the support has been in place, you lower the jack up slowly until it rests comfortably in the top of the stand base. Avoid placing the stands at the center of the vehicle, and instead opt for the front and rear frames.

Step 3 - Make sure your car brake is disengaged hand. Due to the fact that the wheels have been high, a parking brake can be frozen in place over time. If this happens, you will have an added problem, once you are ready to take your car from storage.

Step 4 - Remove the battery from the engine compartment, making sure the water level at the appropriate level. This can work to save you the hassle of being forced to buy a new battery in the future.

Step 5 - Remove all fuel from the tank. This is a safety precaution, which can help prevent the oxidation of gasoline sitting for long periods of time. If you are sure that the vehicle will be sitting for a year or more, it is a necessity.

Step 6 - Whether the vehicle is in an indoor environment or outdoors, you should invest a dime in a car cover or tarp. Indoor storage will not protect against dirt and dust. A tarp or car cover is a worthwhile investment if you're looking to protect the paint job.

Step 7 - Be sure to remove personal information from the vehicle. This includes copies of keys, insurance information and anything else anyone can find and be able to exploit.