Tips for keeping your car in the garage

Updated Nov 10, 2017 | Same topic: Handy Maintenance Tips

Here are some useful tips to help you keep your car in the garage properly when you have to go away for a long time.

According to car care and maintenance professionals, the best place to store your car is a dry and well-ventilated garage. Leaving the vehicle outside is not recommended, especially if you won’t use it for long.

1. Short-term storage

Pump the tire until the pressure reaches 35-40 psi to offset the expected pressure loss when not in use

If you intend to keep your car in the garage for 1 to 2 months, you should note the following:

Wash the car and clean the interior thoroughly. Remove any compostable waste and clean the ashtray.
Drive around for a while to make sure the car is dry. While driving, use brakes regularly to dry them.
Don’t use the parking brake; lock the wheels instead.
Pump the tire until the pressure reaches 35-40 psi to offset the expected pressure loss when not in use.
Turn the gearbox to parking mode.
Put a little lubricant on the edges of cabin doors and the trunk lid to prevent sticking.
Pull up the windows but not all the way. You should leave a small space for ventilation.
Cover the car with fabric cover sheets. Do not use plastic because it can damage the paint.

>>> See more: 10 easy steps guide to wash your car at home

2. Long-term storage

How To Set Up a Parking Stop in Your Garage

If you intend to keep your car for more than a few months, in addition to the notes mentioned above, you need to keep in mind the following:

Change the oil and coolant.
Take the spark plug out and spray a small amount of engine oil into each cylinder through the spark plug hole. Rotate the engine several times before putting the spark plug back in place.
Block the air intake pipe and exhaust pipe with rags.
Remove the battery from the car and keep it in a clean, dry and cool place. If possible, charge it periodically. Be careful when you disconnect the battery, refer to instructions in the manual.
It is best to remove the tires and keep them in a cool, dry and dark place if you are not using the car for a long period.

3. Should I empty the tank?

According to automobile experts, the gasoline will last for several months without causing any harm. So do not worry if you only put the car away for a month or two.

However, if you plan to keep the car in the garage for longer than that, refill the tank. Don’t use unleaded gasoline to minimize condensation in the fuel tank, which can lead to rust formation. Add a gasoline stabilizer to the fuel in order to minimize the formation of sticky substances.