Unsure on how to keep your car in shipshape condition while you’re not using it? It’s probably fair to say that many of us have been using our cars very much, if at all, so here are our top tips on how you should prepare to keep your car in tip-top condition.
1. Your car feels the cold
Not all of us have a lot of choice on where we can park our cars at night or when we’re not using them. However, if you’re lucky enough that you do have options and you don’t have to park on the street, the ideal location has got to be somewhere warm and cosy like your garage. This way your car will be protected from everything, including bird mess and anything else that might mess up your pride and joy, like the weather. If you don’t have access to a garage, a simple car cover will do.
2. Spruce it up
We know it sounds stupid, the thought of cleaning your car before putting it away in storage, but it’s such a quick win to help with storage. Think of it this way, imagine all the water stains and bird droppings on your car, and then you leave it there to damage the paintwork for months, it’s not worth it. Once you’ve got your rubber gloves out, don’t forget to get in all those nooks and crannies, the mud, grease, and tar, oh and let’s not forget our cars love a good wax too!
3. Keep your car hydrated
You’re sticking your car in storage, so why would you fill up your tank before you do so? You’d automatically think of doing the opposite, but that should be a no-go! This long-term storage tip is great and will knock your socks off.
If you think your car is going to be in storage for at least 30 days plus, topping it off with a bit of fuel beforehand will do it the world of good. For starters, it will prevent any moisture from getting inside your tank and keep the seals from drying out. What’s even better is that you can add a fuel stabilizer, which helps to ensure that the fuel you put in won’t deteriorate for up to 12 months, how amazing is that!
4. It’s all about the oil
Oil has to be right up there on the list of maintenance jobs that many of us avoid when it comes to our car. We’re probably all guilty of doing it and oh boy don’t we know about it when we’re having to dash into the nearest petrol station to grab a bottle of oil! In case you didn’t know this already, but old engine oil can contain contaminants that could damage your engine. You might have never had even considered that, but it’s true. Oil it, don’t spoil it.
5. Who needs a handbrake…
It’s usually a good idea to use your handbrake but that’s out the window now if you’re thinking of storing your car. Why? I hear you ask. Well, here’s a fun fact for you, but if your brake pads make contact with the rotors for too long, then you might be risking the chance that they might fuse. Let’s face it no one wants to hear that their brake pads have fused. Instead, get yourself a stopper to stop your car from moving and leave your car in gear too!
That’s all from us on all things storage-related. By following these top tips, your car should be in mint condition when you come back. If you don’t want to keep your car in long-term storage and you just want to get rid of it instead, then we’ve got just the thing.
Did you know that you can receive an instant valuation for your car with our online valuation tool? All we need is your reg number and we’ll provide you with your free quote. What are you waiting for, get the ball rolling today and sell your car today?
