Putting your car in storage

If you are not planning to use a car for a while, for example, if you are going overseas, then you will need to do some preparation work on it before you put it into storage. You can get a commercial company to store and look after your vehicle for you, and this can take a lot of the hassle out of it, although it can be expensive. Here are some tips for doing it yourself.

Firstly, if you want to be able to start the car without jumper leads after it has been in storage, you will need to disconnect the battery before you store your car. Contact the manufacturer, or consult the owner's manual, to find out if the on board computer will be affected in any way by having the battery disconnected for a long period of time, and take the recommended steps. You should also take a note of the code on your in car stereo system before you disconnect the battery, as you will be required to re-enter it when you connect it up again.

If you are going to be leaving it for a few months or more, you should consider taking off the wheels, putting them in a cool dry place away from the vehicle, and putting the car up on blocks. This will prevent stress to the tyres, as well as keeping your vehicle secure from thieves.

If you are covering up the vehicle, be sure to use a cover that will not cause condensation to build up on the paintwork, as this can lead to rust. Also, avoid having any flapping edges if you are leaving it outside, as this can cause paintwork damage. Take a note of all the things that you have done to the car, and keep that note inside the car so that you or someone else can put it all back together in the correct way when it comes out of storage.

When it comes to starting your car after it has been in storage, you will need the battery to be fully charged and all the fluid levels and tyre pressures checked before you even put the key in the ignition. Check under the bonnet to see if any damage has been done to your engine by nesting animals. Once you are satisfied that the car is good to go, start slowly and carefully, and check that the brakes, handbrake, and clutch are all working as they should before you go any further. This might be a good time to take the vehicle in for a full service, as this will ensure that everything is working as it should.

An easier way to ensure that your car will not become damaged in storage is to arrange to have a friend or neighbour take it out once or twice a month for a short run. If they have fully comprehensive insurance, they should be legally allowed to drive your vehicle, but if not, you may be able to arrange temporary insurance for them. Check online for the cheapest car insurance quotes, as many insurers, such as Kwik Fit Insurance, offer a substantial discount when you buy online (visit their site for more information and car insurance quotes). It is also important to note that if you plan to have someone take your car out while you are away, it is important to keep the car taxed and MOT'd over this period or you could be returning home to face a hefty fine and penalty points on your licence.

breakdown cover options | compare breakdown prices
about Breakdown Cover | contact Breakdown Cover