How to Maintain Your Vehicle's Value During Long-Term Storage



September 22nd, 2024


Vehicle's Value During
When storing your vehicle for an extended period, maintaining its value becomes crucial. Whether you’re storing a car, boat, or RV, taking the right steps can prevent damage and preserve its worth. Proper preparation ensures your vehicle remains in good condition and is ready for use when you take it out of storage. Let’s talk about the steps you can take to ensure your vehicle’s value in long-term storage.

Thorough Cleaning and Inspection

Before storing your vehicle, a thorough cleaning and inspection are essential. Start by washing the exterior. Removing dirt, debris, and grime prevents rust and paint damage. Pay attention to the undercarriage, where dirt often accumulates. After washing, dry the vehicle completely to avoid water spots and mold.
Cleaning the interior is just as important. Begin by removing all personal items, trash, and food wrappers. These can attract pests. Vacuum the seats, carpets, and floor mats to get rid of dust and crumbs. Use cleaning products suitable for your vehicle to wipe down surfaces and keep them fresh.
Next, inspect the vehicle for any wear or damage. Check the tires for proper inflation and any signs of wear. Look for scratches, dents, or rust on the exterior. Address these issues to prevent further deterioration. Also, check under the hood for leaks or broken parts. Fix any problems to ensure your vehicle remains in good shape during storage.
A clean and well-inspected vehicle has a better chance of maintaining its value during long-term storage. This initial effort helps protect your investment and keeps your vehicle ready for use when you need it.

Proper Fluid and Battery Maintenance

Maintaining your vehicle’s fluids and battery is crucial for long-term storage. Start with the engine oil. If it’s dirty or nearing the change interval, replace it with fresh oil. This ensures the engine remains lubricated and protected while in storage. Next, check and top off other vital fluids like coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Keeping these fluids at proper levels helps prevent internal corrosion and mechanical issues.
Don’t forget about the fuel. Fill the gas tank completely to reduce the risk of moisture buildup inside the tank, which can cause rust.

Adding a fuel stabilizer further helps by preventing the fuel from breaking down and damaging the engine over time.
Proper battery care is another key step. Disconnect the battery to prevent it from draining. Using a battery maintainer is an excellent option to keep it charged without overcharging. If you're storing your vehicle in an area with extreme temperatures, consider removing the battery and storing it in a cool, dry place to extend its life.
Following these steps ensures that the essential internal components of your vehicle remain in good condition during storage. This care helps keep your vehicle ready for use and maintains its overall value.

Protecting Your Vehicle from Environmental Damage

Environmental factors can significantly impact your vehicle’s condition during long-term storage. To shield it from the elements, use a high-quality car cover. Choose a breathable cover to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mold and mildew. Make sure the cover fits snugly to protect against dust, dirt, and harsh weather conditions.
Consider the storage location carefully. Parking your vehicle in a secure area, like Goody's U Park It in Philadelphia, ensures it stays safe from potential damage. If possible, opt for covered or indoor storage to provide an extra layer of protection against sun, rain, and snow.

These elements can cause paint and interior materials to fade and deteriorate over time. Protecting the interior is also crucial. Use sunshades for the windows and cover the seats with protective covers. This helps prevent UV damage that can crack and fade the dashboard, seats, and other interior components. Adding moisture absorbers like silica gel packs inside the vehicle can help control humidity and keep the interior dry and mold-free.
Taking these steps effectively protects your vehicle from environmental damage, preserving its appearance and condition throughout the storage period.

Regular Checkups and Starting the Engine Periodically

Even when your vehicle is in storage, regular checkups are essential to maintain its condition. Set a schedule to visit your storage site and inspect the vehicle periodically. Look for signs of damage, leaks, and tire pressure issues. Regular inspections help you spot and address problems before they become severe.
Starting the engine periodically is also important. Running the engine for a few minutes every couple of weeks keeps the battery charged and the engine components lubricated. This practice helps ensure that your vehicle remains in good working order and starts easily when you’re ready to use it again.
Make sure to move the vehicle slightly during these checkups to prevent flat spots on the tires. Rolling it forward or backward a few feet helps distribute weight evenly across the tires, reducing the risk of damage. Additionally, keeping your fluids fresh through regular checks and top-offs prevents issues caused by evaporation and condensation.
These steps, though simple, are vital in maintaining your vehicle's performance and condition during long-term storage. They help ensure your vehicle remains ready for use and retains its value.

Conclusion

Maintaining your vehicle's value during long-term storage requires detailed and consistent care. Cleaning and inspecting your vehicle thoroughly before storing it sets a solid foundation for long-term maintenance. By keeping fluids fresh and the battery in good health, you ensure that the core components of your vehicle remain functional. Protecting your vehicle from environmental damage and conducting regular checkups further safeguard its condition.
Following these guidelines helps preserve your vehicle, ensuring it's ready to hit the road whenever you need it. Proper storage and care can make a significant difference in maintaining its value over time. At Goody's U Park It, we offer secure outdoor boat, RV, and vehicle parking with 24/7 access in Philadelphia, PA. Our facility ensures your vehicle remains safe and well-protected during your storage period. Visit Goody's U Park It today to learn more and secure a long-term vehicle storage rental.


Blog
Categories