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Ten steps so your car comes through storage as well as it went in

Storing a car: the checklist

What you do beforehand has a real say in the condition you collect your car in. This list applies wherever you store it. At HUBRAUM we take care of the battery, tyre pressures and the documentation for you; the rest is best prepared by you.

Checklist as a PDF

Made to print, with boxes to tick. PDF, 2 pages, 221 kB.

  1. Clean it thoroughly, underneath too

    Wash your car thoroughly before storage, including the underbody and engine bay. What matters is that it is completely dry afterwards. Moisture trapped under dirt is the most common starting point for rust.

  2. Check paint and wheel arches

    Inspect paint, underbody and wheel arches for stone chips and touch up small damage, or have it done. That prevents rust and preserves the paint: an open spot keeps rusting over the winter, a sealed one does not.

  3. Fill the tank if it is metal

    A full tank leaves no room for air and therefore none for moisture, which prevents rust inside the tank. Newer cars usually have a plastic tank, where filling up is not necessary.

  4. Tyre pressure to 3 bar

    Higher pressure reduces deformation at the contact patch and prevents flat spots. Tyre cradles are better still, spreading the weight over a larger area.

  5. Change the oil if the service is a while back

    Used oil develops acids and other aggressive residues over time. They attack the material during storage, precisely because nothing moves.

  6. Top up the washer fluid

    Only relevant if the winter quarters are unheated. Antifreeze in the reservoir keeps the tank, lines and pump from freezing and splitting. In our temperature-stable hall it makes no difference.

  7. Vacuum the interior and leave it dry

    Vacuum the interior and wipe washable surfaces with a damp cloth, then let everything dry well. Leaving a window slightly open allows air to move, so unpleasant smells never get a chance.

  8. Do not engage the handbrake

    Over a long stay the pads can seize to the disc or drum. Secure your car with a gear engaged or with wheel chocks instead.

  9. Battery: charge, maintain or disconnect

    At a steady ten degrees or more it is enough to charge the battery fully. A maintenance charger is safer. The colder the room, the longer the stay and the older the car, the more reason to disconnect or remove it.

  10. Cover it with something breathable

    Finally, your car may rest under a cover. It has to let air through, otherwise moisture collects underneath and causes exactly the damage it was meant to prevent.

What we take off your hands

Battery maintenance charging, tyre pressure checks and the photographic record at check-in and check-out are included in every package. Premium detailing before storage can be added at any time.

See the pricing