When you maintain the vehicle, it is typically to keep it up and running. It is also important to have maintenance done on the vehicle if you plan on storing it for long periods of time. If it is a vacation getaway, or just storing the vehicle for the season, there are some recommended tips you should follow. There can be several reasons but we all need to store our vehicle for long periods of time at some point or the other. These general maintenance tips are a must consider, when you decide to put your vehicle for extended time periods without ever taking it out. This can help keep the parts like the battery, in the best condition possible.
Tips to Store Your Vehicle
When you store your vehicle for prolonged periods of time, you have to ensure that it starts as soon as you attempt to use it on the road, and that the storage period does not affect the shelf life of it. The basic maintenance tips include storing the vehicle with the battery turned on so that your car is completely charged, using a weather cover if you store your automobile outdoors, wax your vehicle exteriors after washing it completely to avoid bird droppings and corrosion, changing the oil before you confine it to storage periods. Also, to prevent moisture from entering your fuel tanks, make sure you top up the fuel tanks with gas.
Keep the Tires in the Best Condition Possible When It Is Stored
If you store your vehicle for prolonged periods, your tires are bound to have a few flat spots owing to tire pressure anomalies that arise. Hence, a good idea would be to pressurize your tire properly and stick to the recommended tire pressure in the manual of the manufacturer. The reason for flat spots to develop in your tires is the entire weight of your automobiles pressing down on a certain soft spot in your tire for a continuously long time period. This can create a dent in your tire, forcing you to completely change the tire once you intend to drive your car later. An even better idea is to ask someone to keep driving your car at regular intervals while you are away. This will ensure that the temperature in your vehicle is set to a normal standard and that the tires are properly aligned and pressurized.
General Auto Repair Checklist After The Storage Period
When you are ready to get your vehicle out on the road, you will have to ensure that the following components are checked thoroughly. By bringing the vehicle in, we can inspect it for you. You must ensure that your windshield wiper replacements are intact. Also make sure you inspect the windshield wiper fluid. If you notice you have to top off the wiper fluid more often, make sure to bring the vehicle in as soon as possible so we can inspect it for a leak. Check your hood for instances of rodent infection and critters. Lastly, check the battery and the fluid levels if they are in proper limits.