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Ten things to do yourself before storage

Storing a car: the checklist

What you do beforehand has a real say in the condition you collect the car in. This list applies wherever you store it. With us, the battery, tyre pressures and the documentation are covered, the rest is best prepared by you.

Checklist as a PDF

Made to print, with boxes to tick. PDF, 2 pages, 215 kB.

  1. Clean it thoroughly, underneath too

    Wash the car 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. 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 it is not necessary.

  4. Tyre pressure to 3 bar

    Higher pressure reduces deformation at the contact patch. 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. Those attack 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 a climate-controlled 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. Leaving a window slightly open allows air to move, so no musty smell develops.

  8. Do not engage the handbrake

    Over a long stay the pads can seize to the disc or drum. Secure the car with a gear 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

    A cover keeps dust off. It has to let air through, otherwise moisture collects underneath and causes exactly the damage it was meant to prevent.

What we take care of

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

See the pricing