Wash
the car thoroughly and apply a coat of protective wax. Dust and dirt can cause
long-term damage. Lubricate door and hood hinges so that they don’t jam. If you
happen to own a convertible, store it with the top up to prevent shrinking.
Be sure there are no crumbs or food scraps left on the seats unless you want to attract rodents and insects. Vacuum your car carefully, cleaning all surface areas with a microfiber towel, and shaking out the floor mats. To preserve vinyl, plastic, and leather surfaces, wipe them with a conditioner. Finally, leave a box of baking soda inside to absorb odors.
Check the Tires
Use
warm, soapy water to clean your car’s tires, and let them dry completely. If
your tires are left dirty for a lengthy period, they can crack and rot. Check
your tire pressure and fill all the tires to the recommended pounds per square
inch (PSI).
The
contaminants and residue in oil that is left for long periods can be especially
detrimental to classic and antique cars that have their original engines.
Change the oil, and go for a short drive to allow the oil to circulate. This
helps to prevent corrosion. Additionally, this is a good time to think about
changing the oil filter.
The
ethanol in gas attracts moisture, increasing the risk of rust and corrosion.
Drive your classic car until the tank is nearly empty, then fill it completely.
Consider adding a fuel stabilizer to prevent the fuel from hardening. If
you’re storing for the winter, top off the coolant to ensure the engine doesn’t
freeze.
Small
animals enjoy making nests in tailpipes. Let them know there is no vacancy by
covering your tailpipe or stuffing it with steel wool. Remind yourself to
remove it when you take your car out of storage by leaving a post-it note on
the steering wheel.
If
you’re storing your car for the long-term, consider removing the battery.
Battery acid leaks can potentially cause massive damage to car engines. This
can be catastrophic to an older car. If the battery terminals are left
connected, the car will continue to use energy, depleting the battery. At the
very least, disconnect the battery and hook it up to a battery tender.
Regardless
of where you’re storing your vehicle, you need a quality custom cover. The lining of the cover should be soft so that your car’s surface remains
damage free. The cover should be made from a breathable fabric that won’t trap
moisture and create condensation that can damage paint.