Mon, August 05 2013

Don’t just lock the door and walk away without prepping your vehicle for long term storage. Maybe you have a vehicle that you drive in the summer but not in winter. Or maybe you are going out of town for a vacation, or in the military and being deployed overseas for months. Letting your vehicle sit on the street or in a garage for a long period of time may cause the battery to die or worse. A damaged engine, ruined tires and a rat's nest under your hood is the last thing you want to come home to. Listed below are important steps you may want to take before storing your vehicle. This will ensure that your vehicle starts when you return, and that time spent in storage doesn't shorten the life of the engine.

• Make sure there are no water stains or bird droppings on the car, it can damage the paint. Clean the wheels and undersides of the fenders just in case there is mud, grease or tar. Giving the car a good coat of wax would also add protection.

• Used engine oil has toxins that could damage the engine. You should consider getting your oil changed if the vehicle will be stored for 30 days or longer.
• Filling the tank with gas will avoid moisture from gathering inside the fuel tank and keep the seals from dying out.
• A battery will eventually lose its charge if left unattended for a long period of time. Have someone start your vehicle every two weeks or even drive it for about 15 minutes. It will help maintain the battery’s charge and keep the engine and other components properly lubricated.  Running the air conditioner to keep the parts in working order and the air fresh is a good idea. If no one is available to start your vehicle, disconnect the negative batter cable or purchase a battery tender aka trickle charger.
• Make sure the tires are at recommended pressure. The tires could develop flat spots as the weight of the vehicle presses down on the tires’ footprints.
• If you are storing your vehicle in the garage, use a vehicle cover that is made for dust to keep your vehicle clean. No garage? Or do you have to park your car outdoors? Find a vehicle cover that is specifically made for outdoor protection in all environments.

Visit CoverQuest.com to find the right cover for your vehicle. There are many options available when choosing a fabric for your vehicle cover. Many fabrics are specially designed to provide optimum protection for specific conditions. We recommend selecting the fabric that best suits your needs. Contact us by phone, via live chat or email. We are happy to help!

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