Storage Checklist

To minimize deterioration during storage we recommend:

• Raise tire pressure to 38-40 psi – helps prevent flat spots.
• Wash you car before storage to remove road grit, acid rain residues and, in winter and road salt.
• Clean out interior making sure to remove crumbs, food wrappers, etc. (You may be amazed by what you find under the seats.)
• Just before storing, run your engine fully warm to evaporate moisture from oil pan and exhaust system.
• Make sure you have copies of radio and other codes for use when your vehicle is reactivated.
• Disconnect battery — modern cars are prone to parasitic draw. Older cars with electric clocks will also draw batteries flat. Flat batteries tend to sulfite and die.

If storing a vehicle for more than a few weeks also:

• Add fuel preservative to prevent gum and varnish formation. Modern fuel formulas break down quickly.
• Fill your gas tank to minimize in-tank condensation.
• Then run engine 5-10 minutes to insure treated fuel is distributed throughout the fuel delivery system.

For longer-term storage consider the following:

• Change engine oil and filter as combustion by-products trapped in your “used” oil contain moisture and are measurably acidic.
• Flush and replace coolant to renew the antioxidants used in modern anti-freeze.
• Flush and replace brake fluid as it is highly hydroscopic and contaminated fluid can cause costly corrosive damage in precision brake systems.