DIY Tips to Store Your Car Long-Term Without Damage
Sometimes a long stay cannot be avoided. For example, a trial is going on – and the car cannot be used or has a serious breakdown. Perhaps the owner went to the UAE and decided to buy buggy tours dubai to try out a completely different type of car.
Of course, car hire is a good option if your car is currently broken down, but it still needs to be stored properly to avoid even bigger troubles. Today, we’ll show you how to extend the life of your car with your own hands.
Where is the greatest spot to keep a car throughout the winter?
The vehicle can be kept in a heated garage, on the street, or in a secure parking lot. A simple and affordable option is to leave the car in the yard under the windows. The car will always be under supervision; it can be periodically cleared of snow and ice, reparked and the engine started.
But it is also worth considering the fact that if you are absent for an indefinite amount of time and no one will perform the actions described above during this time, then by the end of winter the car will turn into an icy piece of ice-covered with snow. Then, since you will not be able to dig your car out of the snow, you will have to rent a car, which is also a good alternative.
How to extend the life of a garaged car
The first thing you should remember before leaving your car for a long time is that when left idle for a long time, condensation will form in an empty or half-empty tank. This will speed up corrosion if the tank is metal rather than plastic. We advise you to go to a gas station and fill up a full tank of gasoline or diesel. If you don’t have time to replace your fuel, after a long period of inactivity of the car, you can rent a car; this way, you’ll get a good car with a full tank of gas and be able to deal with your difficulties promptly.
Motor oil manufacturers indicate the expiration date on the packaging. If you open the original packaging, the shelf life will decrease. Therefore, dealers advise changing the oil not only by mileage but also by time: at least once a year. It is worth keeping an eye on your engine oil even when using your car. And rental companies will confirm that you need to do this as soon as the time comes, then the car will last longer.
If you leave regular water in the windshield washer reservoir, it will freeze in an unheated garage in winter. Ice is about 10% larger in volume than water, so the tank may burst as soon as the water turns into ice. Before long-term storage, it is better to drain the washer fluid reservoir completely.
Some rental cars are also left unattended for a lengthy amount of time; the owners and employees of the rental company ensure that when the long-awaited client arrives, the car is safe and sound, and, most importantly, that it starts.
Due to temperature changes, tire pressure decreases. At the same time, due to long periods of inactivity, the car’s tires become deformed and cracks may appear.
Brake fluid can absorb moisture, which will reduce the effectiveness of your brakes. Manufacturers recommend changing brake fluid every two years. If the car has been sitting for this amount of time or longer, then it is better to change all the working fluids in accordance with the regulations. But car rental companies still recommend checking the brake fluid and changing or topping it up if necessary.
Short term storage
Let’s imagine a situation where a family arrives by car at the airport in winter to fly on vacation.
For example, the battery may be discharged due to severe frosts and the engine will not start. Even when the car is turned off, the alarm system, onboard computer, and keyless entry consume energy directly from the battery. Usually paid parking lots are guarded, so you can ignore the alarm and remove the negative terminal from the battery.
If snow falls and melts while the car is idle, the rubber elements will freeze the car. Therefore, before short-term storage of the car, it is important to treat the rubber door seals with silicone lubricant.
Conclusion
When reserving a vehicle, it is necessary to solve two main problems. To begin, protect the metal elements of the car from corrosion, and then prevent springs from drooping and moisture from entering the engine. You must perform the following to accomplish this. But also follow all the above instructions and then your car will last longer.