Prepare Your Car for Long-Term Storage

You’ve needed this vacation for years and you finally have the time to go enjoy yourself. Now, you just need to leave your vehicle for an extended period of time and want to make sure it is well taken care of until you get back. If you need to store it for longer than a few weeks there are a few things you should do. Cross Creek Insurance, Inc. serves Hope Hills, NC, they can provide a few tips on how to prepare your vehicle for long-term storage.

The elements can cause extreme damage to the exterior of your vehicle when left unattended. In the summer, the sun can cause paint to crack, chip, and fade. The seats, dash, and other interior parts can become discolored. In winter, the snow and salt can seep into your car and cause it to corrode. Place a car cover over your vehicle if you are going to leave it open to the elements.

Leave it Topped Off

Make sure that all of your fluids have been replaced and filled before your trip. The engine could be destroyed if you leave it with used fluids sitting around. A fluid stabilizer will keep your gas from breaking down while you are away and corrupting the gas line.

Batteries Don’t Last Forever

Remove the battery and clean the connections. Batteries that sit without being used can become corrosive and start to destroy the engine. If you have a trusted neighbor or friend, you should have them start the car and drive it around the block once a week to preserve the battery until you return home.

Animal Prevention

Small animals, such as squirrels and mice can find tiny holes in your cars’ exterior when no one is looking. To prevent creatures from building a nest in your vehicle plug the tailpipe and other obvious holes. You could also place mothballs or other pesticides in and around the vehicle to keep the animals away.

In Hope Hills, NC, Cross Creek Insurance, Inc. agents are available to help you with beginning and maintaining an auto policy for your new or used vehicle.