If you are planning to go away for more than two weeks, there are some precautions you should take to store properly your valuable vehicle and keep it in perfect condition and running well for when you return.
THE PLACE
By no means a car should be left outside, parked on the street or in the driveway, gathering dust, under direct sunlight, and deteriorating, not to mention the possibility of being robbed or vandalized. Ideally, a vehicle should be kept in a dry and safe place protected from the elements, like a garage, a covered parking spot, or a public storage facility. If for any reason whatsoever it is not possible and you have to leave your vehicle outdoors, then cover it with a weatherproof, well-fitting, breathable car cover to prevent moisture underneath.
THE CAR
Inside: Before you leave, deeply clean the interior by vacuuming food scraps, leftovers, and particles to avoid unwanted odors and the attraction of small animals.
Outside: Wash your car to get rid of stains and droplets that might get fixed and damage the paintwork, and wax it preferably with spray wax, especially if it is a humid area. Remove the wiper blades and pad the wiper arms or leave them extended. Or you can either place a plastic wrap under the wiper blades to prevent them from sticking to the windshield.
THE TIME: In addition, if you are planning to store your vehicle for months, then the situation changes dramatically and you have to take the following additional measures to avoid causing serious damage to your car and keep everything in perfect conditions.
THE ENGINE
Oil: Change the filter and the oil, as it loses viscosity with time, weakening its lubricant effect. Use oil without additives and no caustic detergents.
Fuel: Fill completely your tank with fresh Premium fuel along with a gasoline stabilizer, so condensation water does not accumulate in empty spaces and to prevent the seals from drying out.
Fluids: A change of brake and power steering wheel fluids is also recommended for prolonged periods of storage.
Tires: Over-inflation is recommended to prevent tires’ flat spots that make them lose their shape. Another option is using old tires for storage or taking the wheels off and placing your car on jack stands.
Battery: An unused battery will lose its charge, so you can either disconnect its negative terminal (only in safe storage areas, as the alarm system will be compromised) or use a trickle charger (battery tender); this device delivers electrical power to the battery, preventing discharge.
Spark plugs: Apply anti-seize lubricant to the threads of the spark plugs to prevent them from rusting and sticking.
Handbrake: Do not leave the handbrake engaged; in contact with the rotors for a long period of time, the brake pads might fuse, so instead of leaving the handbrake on, it is advisable to place tire stoppers or chocks to prevent the car from rolling.
THE SURROUNDINGS
Close all windows and doors and seal your vehicle as possible by covering gaps such as exhaust pipes and air intakes to keep critters, rodents, small animals, and other creatures away from your vehicle. Keep mousetraps, rat poison, and mothballs around it as well as an ultrasonic pest repeller.
