During the winter months, it is important to protect your vehicle from damage. If you do not plan to drive it, storing it can be a good option. This can help protect its value and minimize auto insurance claims. Before you store it, though, there are a few key maintenance tasks to consider. Here is where to start.
Choose the Right Location
The first decision to make is about where to place your vehicle over the winter months. For very valuable vehicles, a climate-controlled rented space may be best. This is ideal for collector’s vehicles, RVs, and other valuable vehicles you do not want to suffer damage. Be sure there is ample security to minimize the risk of vandalism or theft auto insurance claims. You also want to be sure the organization offers a wide range of services to help keep moisture and pests at bay.
Tips for Protecting Your Vehicle
Once you are ready to store the vehicle, there are a few key things to do. Start with ensuring it is in good overall condition. Then, consider these tips.
- Remove the battery from the vehicle. Set it outside of the vehicle, off the floor. This helps minimize damage to the vehicle and the battery.
- Top up all the fluids. This includes all fluids except for gas.
- You generally do not want to leave the vehicle without any gas in it, but you also want to minimize how much is present. You can use a product to stabilize the fuel long term.
- If possible, get the vehicle off the ground. In garage storage locations, where there is less climate control, you need to protect vehicle wheels from potential damage.
- For RVs, empty all waste and water tanks. Remove all food and other items that could go bad. You do not want this to linger throughout the winter.
Update Your Car Insurance, Too
You typically still need car insurance when storing a vehicle. You may need less, though, because you are not driving it. Specifically, look to reduce your liability and collision insurance. Consider maintaining all comprehensive coverage, though. This helps ensure you have protection if something happens while the vehicle is in storage. It is also helpful to let your agent know about your car storage. With a bit of help, you can protect the value of your car all winter long.