Prep Your Car for Long-Term Storage and Avoid Costly Repairs

Here are some key steps to take before you put away your car. These steps will help you in preserving the life of the engine and ensuring that your car starts when you return home.

Protect It with a Cover

The ideal place to store your car is the garage, as it helps protect it from the elements and keeps it at a relatively stable temperature. If you do not have a garage, you can consider putting your car in accommodation that is reasonably priced. If you decide to leave your car outdoors, you should consider getting a weatherproof cover for it, this will help in keeping your car dry and clean.

Clean It Up

It may not seem like a very good idea to get cleaning for the car you are going to put away for a while. However, it is an easy step that should not be overlooked. Any stains left on the car can damage the paint. Additionally, you should get the wheels cleaned to get rid of the mud.

Get an Oil Change

If you are only storing your car for one or two weeks, you can skip this step. If you are going to be storing the car for more than 30 days, you should consider getting the oil changed.

Fill Up the Tank

If you expect the car to be stored for 30 days or more, you should fill up the tank of the car. This avoids any moisture from accumulating inside the fuel tank and prevents the seal from drying out.

Maintain Insurance

You might think it is a good idea to cancel your car insurance dubai when your car is in storage. Although it may help you to save money initially, there is a chance that the insurance provider will increase the premium charges because of the gap, which would end up costing more in the long run. However, this varies from provider to provider.

Tip: It is always good to compare online car insurance Dubai before opting for any policy, as this can help in finding a provider who may help you out while you are away.

Keep It Charged

An unattended battery tends to lose its charge. It is a good idea to get someone to start the car every two weeks and drive it for a few minutes if possible. if you cannot find someone, there are other options available such as to disconnect the negative battery cable but that can cause you to lose your stereo presets.

Avoid Using the Parking Brake

Using the parking brake is generally a good idea, but not when you have to leave your car in storage. If the brake pads are in touch with the roots for too long, there is a possibility that they may fuse. You can instead opt for a tire stopper, to prevent the vehicle from moving.

Prevent Flat Spots

It is important to ensure that the tires are inflated. If the car is left still for a long period, the tires could develop flat spots because of the weight of the car that tends to press down on the tires.

The Bottom Line

It is important to leave your car in storage responsibly, especially when it is for a longer-term. This not only helps in keeping your prized possession in the best of shape but also saves you plenty of repair costs.

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