Tips on How to Prepare Your Car For Storage in Melbourne
It is important to plan ahead if you need to store a vehicle in Melbourne for the winter or for an extended length of time due to travel or relocation. Problems as varied as a dead battery, flat tires, and a seized engine are all possible if you don’t take preventative measures. Here’s a comprehensive guide for keeping your car in excellent condition in storage facilities.
Tips For Long-term Car Storage
Thorough Cleaning
Before storing your car, give it a complete clean-up. Clear out any trash and vacuum every corner. Remember, leftovers and debris can invite pests and mold. Wash the exterior too. This prevents the paint from deteriorating due to dirt accumulation, especially with varying storage temperatures.
DIY Car Care Before Storage
Do some basic maintenance yourself. Change the oil and other fluids to keep the engine healthy. Fill the tank with high-quality fuel and add a fuel stabilizer. Also, block any openings like the exhaust pipe with rags to deter rodents.
Sorting Out Transportation with a Storage Facility
Choose a storage service that offers vehicle transportation. This ensures safe and professional handling of your car from your doorstep to the storage facility.
Keep Your Insurance Active
It’s wise to maintain your car insurance even while it’s stored. Accidents can happen anytime, and some insurers might offer reduced rates for stored vehicles.
Final Checks at the Storage Unit
Once your car reaches the storage, disconnect the battery or use a trickle charger to maintain its charge. Consider removing the wheels to prevent tire damage or use a jack to reduce pressure on the tires.
Securing Your Car in the Unit
In the storage unit for car, release the handbrake to avoid it sticking and put chocks around the wheels for stability. Make sure your car is in the correct gear setting, whether it’s an automatic or manual transmission.
Regular Updates on Your Car’s Condition
Ask the storage provider for regular condition updates of your vehicle, or you can always visit and check on it yourself.
Battling Melbourne’s Humidity: Interior Preservation
Melbourne’s humidity can wreak havoc on your car’s interior. To combat this, place moisture absorbers inside to prevent mold growth. Also, slightly open the windows to allow air circulation, which further protects against dampness and mold.
Sealing Against Pests
Rodents and other pests can be a problem in Melbourne. They can chew through wires and insulation, causing significant damage. Use steel wool or specially designed covers to block any entry points, like the exhaust or air intake.
Consequences of Poor Preparation
Failing to prepare your car adequately for storage can lead to several problems:
- Battery Drain: Without proper care, your car’s battery could completely drain, leaving you with the need for a replacement.
- Tyre Damage: Tyres can deflate or develop flat spots, affecting the car’s drivability and potentially requiring replacement.
- Engine and Fuel System Issues: Old oil can damage the engine, and stale fuel can clog the fuel system.
- Pest Infestation: Rodents and insects can cause severe damage to the car’s electrical systems and upholstery.
- Mold and Mildew: The interior can suffer from mold and mildew due to Melbourne’s humidity, leading to unpleasant smells and health hazards.
- Brake Problems: If the handbrake is left engaged, it can seize, leading to expensive repairs.
Conclusion
You should carefully prepare your car for storage in Melbourne to maintain it in good condition. Following these measures will keep your car safe during long-term storage. Even while storing your car, annual maintenance and inspections may improve its health, value, and performance. Putting in some time and effort before putting something away for storage may save the need for expensive maintenance and headaches down the road.