What to do before auto storage begins?
It is a mistake to assume that long term indoor auto storage simply means driving your car to a storage facility and nothing more. In order to assure that your vehicle will “survive” the long term car storage, and bee in prestige condition when you pick it back up, there are certain steps you need to take. Read this article and then call (817) 999-0980 for more information.
Pre-storage steps to take for long term car storage . . .
Long-term car storage means your car will be inactive for weeks or months, and that kind of inactivity is not good for a vehicle. Engines are designed to be started and run for awhile, preferably each day but most certainly at least once per week. When they are not started, sludge can form within the engine, and that sludge can cause long-term damage.
Our first suggestion is to change the oil in your vehicle before placing it in vehicle storage. New, clean oil is much-less likely to turn to sludge over time.
Our second suggestion, closely related to the first, is to arrange for your car to be started a couple times per week. If you are leaving your car with a friend or relative, ask them to start it up and run it for a few minutes twice-weekly. Storage for cars can be harmful for engines if proper steps are not taken.
What other steps to consider for car storage?
If your car is going to be stored outside, definitely, and this is not up for debate or questioning, definitely cover your vehicle with a weather-proof covering. Extensive sunshine, snow, or rain can damage the finish of your paint. Now obviously the best solution to this problem is to store your vehicle indoors. Indoor vehicle storage will protect the finish of the paint, but there is another danger you must also protect against, and that is oxidation.
In a perfect world, you will store your car, truck, or SUV in a climate controlled car storage unit. This will protect it against oxidation, which means your wood, leather, and cloth surfaces will not be damaged by that natural chemical process. It will also mean that the electronic components in your vehicle will be safe.
What else?
We suggest filling your tires to full capacity before you leave. This will prevent flat spots on the tires as they naturally lose air during the storage. We would also suggest you have a trusted friend or relative to actually drive your vehicle around the block a couple times per week. Remember, an active car is a happy car.
Take those pre-storage precautions and you will be taking steps towards prolonging the life of your vehicle, and protecting it during storage.
Fort Worth Car Storage is a trusted name in short-and-long-term car storage in the Fort Worth area. Owned and operated by a car collector and lover, and staffed by car owners and junkies, it is the perfect place to store your car and rest assured that it is being looked after with tender loving care. Basic storage is available as are special packages which include detailing, periodic driving, minor maintenance, and more in a climate controlled environment. Give us a call and we will answer any question you might have a about long term auto storage.