Unlike other items, there are certain steps you should take when storing a vehicle. These steps can ensure that your vehicle is safe and sound until you return. Not every vehicle is made the same, so we’ve compiled a list of helpful tips for various types of vehicles.
While these steps aren’t necessary for storing your vehicle with us, we highly encourage them for the benefit of you and your vehicle. If you have questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to our staff for help!
Tips for small and standard-sized cars
Whether you’re storing your work vehicle, collectible, or everyday car, we highly recommend you take these steps to ensure the safety and preservation of your vehicle, especially if stored for a long period of time.
Lay plastic sheeting or tarps on a concrete floor to create a vapor barrier.
Remove the spark plugs and spray oil into the cylinders to prevent corrosion. Turn the crankshaft about 4 to 6 times to circulate the oil. Reinstall the spark plugs and reconnect the plug wires.
Disconnect the battery cables and remove the battery. Clean the top and sides and remove any moisture-retaining, conductive film. Place it on a clean, dry surface and connect a float charger to maintain a battery charge for long periods. Inspect the battery box for corrosion.
Lubricate the hood release latch and hood and door hinges to protect them from moisture.
Flush the old brake fluid and replace with new fluid. Your car may require silicone fluid to prevent moisture absorption.
Check the freeze point of the engine coolant with a hydrometer to make sure it’s low enough for the ambient temperatures.
Prevent rodent infestation by stuffing aluminum foil into the tailpipe, engine air intake, and the fresh air intake in front of the windshield.
Consider flat-spotting your tires if your vehicle is stored for a long time. Jack up each end of the vehicle so that it’s high enough to slip a jack stand under each lower arm.
Protect your windshield wipers by stuffing clean rags between the wiper arms and windshield so that the wipers don’t stick to the windshield. Apply a film of rubber lubricant to the squeegees.
Cover your vehicle with a breathable, custom fit cover that extends over the wheel wells.
Tips for small and large boats
Boats are unique vehicles to store as they’re often exposed to conditions that other vehicles aren’t. If you intend to store your boat for a whole season, we recommend taking these steps to avoid having to make repairs or replacements later down the road.
Add fuel stabilizer and fill the tank to prevent corrosion or worse if the moisture freezes. A fuel stabilizer will prevent this from happening, and your fuel will be ready to go when you are.
Change the oil to prevent engine corrosion. Change the filter and flush it out so that no water remains. Then, add new oil
Refresh the coolant system before storage. Drain the current coolant, flush with water, and fill with fresh antifreeze. Make sure you’ve diluted the antifreeze to specification. This will protect your engine from freezing and corrosion.
Disconnect the battery and top off with distilled water to prevent draining. Charge it periodically to make sure it’s ready to go when you hook it back up to your boat.
Grease the steering mechanism so that they will be moving smoothly when it’s time to take the boat out again.
Remove the drive belts to prevent them from cracking under the stress of being kept under tension for long periods of time.
Maintain the interior of your boat by removing electronics prior to storage. Leather, canvas, and other organic fabrics should be removed to prevent mold and mildew. Empty the water tanks and run antifreeze through the pipes.
Wash and wax the exterior to prevent rust from corroding your boat’s body, which is particularly important if you are storing your boat outside.
Use a cover to protect your boat from dirt, dust, grime, and moisture.
Tips for all classes of RVs
RVs are fun to have for weekend trips, but they require more maintenance than the average vehicle. We recommend following these guidelines to ensure your RV stays in tip-top shape until your next trip.
Drain all tanks including the fresh water holding tanks and the black and gray holding tanks.
Drain the water heater by removing the drain plug and opening the pressure relief valve. Caution: Do not drain when the water is hot!
Remove food and supplies to avoid bugs and rodents. In any case, food left for long periods of time will become moldy and/or inedible.
Disconnect the refrigerator and leave the door open to prevent stale air and condensation that can ultimately cause mold.
Use RV-approved, non-toxic antifreeze to keep your pipes from freezing during frigid weather while avoiding toxic water.
Pressurize your system before storing. Start with the faucet closest to the water pump and slowly open the hot and then the cold valves until the antifreeze appears.
Cover external vents to prevent pests. Don’t let your RV become a home for pests during an extended storage time.
Check roof condition and repair any holes or damage to your roof.
Coat your RV with wax to add a layer of protection from the weather and returner to a shiner RV.