How to Prepare Your Car for Storage

If you’re planning to leave your vehicle idle for an extended period of time—whether exiting the country or overwintering your ride in a Northern climate—the process isn’t as simple as parking it in the garage, lowering the door, and forgetting about it. Failing to complete the proper prep can introduce a laundry list of issues when you return, especially if the car won’t be driven for six months or more.​

Ideally, you’ll have the time to thoroughly prepare the vehicle before you leave, ensuring minimal labor is required to return it to road-ready condition once you’re back. From the services that should be completed before parking to the condition you should leave the vehicle in, this guide covers how to prepare your car for storage—the right way.

Yes. And you should.​

Storing your vehicle indoors is almost always the better option compared to parking outside. Doing so subjects your car to less environmental and weather-related wear and tear, as well as fewer pests and vandals. That said, not everyone has access to indoor storage, like a garage, a shop, or even a covered driveway—so what are the alternatives?​

One of the most popular options for long-term storage is a storage unit, namely one specifically designed for automobiles. This is often a worthwhile investment if you’re leaving for an extended period—ideally, for six months to a year. If you’ll leave your vehicle for a shorter or longer period, there are other options.

Storing a vehicle inside vs. outside is a common consideration. On one hand, storing a vehicle indoors offers greater elemental protection—however, if you don’t have access to free storage space, you’ll have to pay to rent a unit large enough for your vehicle.​

Alternatively, storing a vehicle outdoors is often inexpensive, if not free, so long as you have a place to park it, such as your own driveway, a friend's or relative's house, or a long-term parking lot. Both storage methods have upsides and downsides—check out the chart below for a quick comparison:

Long-term storage isn’t right for everyone. In some cases, such as leaving the state or country for an extended period, some vehicle owners may find it more convenient or cost-effective to go another route. Alternatives include:​

• Loaning the vehicle to friends or family

• Taking the vehicle with you

• Selling the vehicle

If you’re still weighing the benefits of long-term storage vs other options, consider the following factors.

There’s a sweet spot for the duration of long-term storage. Anything shorter than six months may warrant loaning the vehicle to a friend or family member, allowing them to drive it occasionally and keep the drivetrain lubricated and the tires from flat-spotting.​

Anything over 12 months may be pricey, especially if your vehicle's value is low. In these instances, selling your vehicle may outweigh the cost of long-term storage.​

Six to 12 months seems to be the sweet spot, where the cost of long-term storage isn’t outlandish, but your period of absence warrants a well-thought-out storage solution.​

Long-Term Storage Price Justification

If your absence falls within the six to 12-month period, it’s time to shop around for storage locations. Compare prices at self-storage centers near you. Qualifiers for storage units will depend on your application. However, the general requirements include:​

• Outdoor

• First floor

• Drive-up access

• Roll-up door

• Large sizing (10’ x 20–30’)

How Much Does Car Storage Cost?

Storage pricing will vary by location, but average pricing is likely to fall in the $250–$500/month range. Calculate the total cost by multiplying the monthly cost by the number of months you’ll be gone, and determine whether or not you can justify the price. If the total exceeds the value of your vehicle, selling may be the better option.

If you’ve settled on storing your vehicle, here are a few tips and tricks to keep it in tip-top shape by the time you return.

Before loading the vehicle into its storage facility, you’ll want to give it a thorough wash inside and out. Not only is this courteous to the facility, but it can also help protect the car during hibernation by removing salt, road grime, and other contaminants.​

Thoroughly cleaning the interior is also crucial, as failing to remove food items or packaging could entice insects or rodents.​

Fill the Fuel Tank​

While it may seem counterintuitive to fill the fuel tank before dropping your vehicle off at storage, it is a crucial preparatory step. The presence of fuel in the fuel tank prevents moisture from building up, which can corrode metal tanks from the inside out. Skip this step, and you can end up with nasty fuel-system-clogging varnish and rust in the fuel tank.​

Use a Fuel Stabilizer​

Believe it or not, fuel has a remarkably short shelf life. For pure gasoline, shelf life is approximately six months. Ethanol-based fuels, including ethanol mixtures like E10, can begin degrading in as little as one to three months. When storing your vehicle for more than three months, add fuel stabilizer to the tank to prevent the fuel from oxidizing.​

Change the Oil​

Before parking your vehicle for storage, it’s a good idea to change the oil. Used oil has a shorter lifespan than fresh oil and lubricates worse. Additionally, fresh oil will cling to mechanical parts better, helping prevent internal corrosion.​

Top Off Fluids​

As with the fuel system, topping off fluids in a vehicle’s other systems before storage will help prevent corrosion in brake lines, cooling systems, power steering components, and more.​

Tend (to) the Battery​

Keeping the battery charged isn’t just convenient for when you go to pull your car out of storage—it’s also good for electrical systems and computer modules. These systems are designed to maintain a constant flow of power—if cut off for extended periods, you may encounter electrical issues when you attempt to power the vehicle for the first time in months.​

To prevent these issues, either hook up a low-voltage battery tender, also called a trickle charger, or start the vehicle every two to four weeks to keep the battery charged.​

Pest Prevention​

Especially during the winter months, as temperatures drop, pests like mice and rats love to nest in seemingly abandoned (or long-term stored) vehicles. Before storing your vehicle, it’s best to pest-proof it using over-the-counter methods like peppermint oil (sprayed onto cotton balls and placed under seats), vacuuming any food debris, and filling voids (firewall holes, exhaust pipes) with steel wool.​

Other popular, though not scientifically backed, methods include placing bars of Irish Spring soap or mothballs throughout the vehicle.​

Moisture Prevention​

Especially if you’re planning to store the car in a damp or humid area, you’ll need to prep the car to prevent mold or mildew. Popular solutions for excessive humidity include purchasing a dehumidifier (for a storage unit or garage with power) or placing silica gel desiccants (dry packs) inside the vehicle to absorb moisture during storage.

Disengage the Parking Brake

While this point may seem counterintuitive, using a parking brake on a vehicle in storage typically isn’t advised. Engaging the parking brake, especially when parked outside, can lead the parking brake shoes or mechanism to seize. Instead, utilize wheel chocks if parked on the ground. ​

Elevate Vehicle​

Lastly, consider elevating the vehicle off the tires using jack stands. Doing so does two main things—it prevents the tires from flat-spotting and helps to prevent pests from accessing the vehicle.

Electric vehicles require some specific considerations when storing long term. While many of the same rules apply, such as washing the vehicle and preventing moisture and pests, other, more unique recommendations include: 

• Plugging in the vehicle

• Maintaining the high-voltage battery at approximately 50 percent charge

• Disconnecting the 12V battery supply  

When you return to your vehicle, don’t just hop in and go. After sitting for several months, it’s best to start slowly, thoroughly inspect the vehicle, and be mindful of any issues that may have arisen during storage. Before driving:​

• Remove any pest repellants or desiccants.

• Check tire pressure and fluid levels.

• Inspect the vehicle for any new damage or signs of pests.

• Allow the vehicle to build oil pressure.

• Warm up the vehicle to operating temperature.

Q: Is it better to store a car with a full tank of gas or empty?

A: Storing a vehicle with a full tank of gas (with fuel stabilizer) is ideal, since the high fuel level in the tank helps to prevent moisture from accumulating and causing corrosion.

Q: Should you change your oil before storing a car?

A: Yes, you should. Changing the oil before storing a car ensures the engine has maximum lubricity, prolongs its service life, and allows the oil to cling better to the internals, preventing corrosion.

Q: How often should you start a car in storage?

A: Starting a car occasionally while in storage is a good way to keep gaskets and mechanical parts lubricated. When dry for excessive periods, gaskets and rubber components can shrink and crack, and mechanical parts can develop mild corrosion and pitting.

Q: Do I need insurance if my car is in storage?

A: While you have no legal obligation to insure a vehicle that isn’t being driven, maintaining comprehensive coverage is recommended, as it protects the driver from vandalism, fire, or weather damage.