# How To Prepare Your Car Before Storage *By James Hills, menwhoblog.com — Updated June 2024* Written by: [Michael Satterfield from TheGentlemanRacer.com](https://menwhoblog.com/james-hills.html) Last Updated: 22 June 2024 Top BlogHits: 3747Reading time: 03:22 Taking the best care of your car, truck, or SUV is easy when you are driving it regularly, but what do you do when you need to store your car for extended periods of time? Preparing your car for long term storage, because it is a seasonal vehicle or even in the event of an emergency like the current mandatory quarantine, is something car owners should be prepared for.  The following steps will help you protect your vehicle and make sure it is ready to drive when you need it. ## Fill the Tank: Filling up the tank is especially important on older vehicles with tanks that are prone to developing rust on the inside. If you plan on storing your car for more than two months adding a fuel stabilizer helps prevent the breakdown of modern gasoline. This can be avoided if you fill up with ethanol-free gasoline. For regular gasoline or diesel, you will usually need 1 ounce of stabilizer for every 3-5 gallons of gas, but check the label as some brands have a different ratio.  ## Change the Fluids:  If you are getting close to your service interval anyway, take the time to change your oil, coolant, and other fluids. Do a visual inspection of your belts and hoses.  ## Full Detail: Wash, Wax, and Vaccum your car. Not only should you be doing this often, but a good wash and wax will protect the paint and give you peace of mind that no tree sap, [bird droppings](https://menwhoblog.com/blog/how-to-protect-your-car-from-bird-poop.html), or other organic material are going to be eating away at your car's paint while it is put away. ## Park it Inside: If possible put your car in a garage or at least under some kind of carport to protect it from the elements. If you must park it outside buy a high-quality outdoor-rated car cover. As well as a lock and some additional clips and bungees to secure it in place. However, not everyone has space around the home to build a secure carport to keep their unused vehicles for extended periods. That is why you may want to consider a storage unit that provides additional services for cars. It does come at an extra cost, but it is nothing compared to how much you will pay for repairs if you leave your unused vehicle in the open and at the mercy of the weather. ## Never Use the Parking Brake During a driving test, the instructor will tell you that a parking brake, also known as a hand brake, is vital to keep a vehicle motionless. It can prevent your car from rolling down a hill or moving. Whether your car is manual or automatic, you should always use your parking brake to park it. It can reduce the chances of an accident occurring, keeping you and those around you safe. However, if you plan to store your car for a more extended period, it is advisable not to use the parking brake. If you do so, the brake pads will make contact with rotors for too long, which might lead to a fuse. This can make your vehicle’s stopping distance longer. To avoid this, it would be best to buy a tire stopper to prevent your car from moving for a more extended period. ## Jack it Up: Jack the car up to take the load off the tires to prevent flat spots. Once the car is secure on the jack stands, release the parking brake so it doesn't fuse in place. Obviously, consult your owner's manual on where the jacking points are for your vehicle.  ## Power Issues: If you are going to leave the battery in your car, consider using a battery mat which will help prevent damage to your car's battery tray from any battery acid leak. On older cars, it's recommended that you disconnect the battery, but on modern cars, a battery tender or trickle charger is the better choice to make sure that the car is ready to drive when you need it.   **Hey James Hills wants you to share this!**   ---   Written by: [Michael Satterfield from TheGentlemanRacer.com](https://menwhoblog.com/james-hills.html) #MenWhoBlog MemberBlog MasterThought Leader James' passion for exploration and sense of duty to his community extends beyond himself. This means he is dedicated to providing a positive role model for other men and especially younger guys that need support so that they can thrive and be future positive contributors to society. This includes sharing wisdom, ideas, tips, and advice on subjects that all men should be familiar with, including: family travel, men's health, relationships, DIY advice for home and yard, car care, food, drinks, and technology. Additionally, he's a travel advisor and a leading men's travel influencer who has been featured in media ranging from New York Times to the Chicago Tribune, and LA Times. He's also been cited by LA Weekly "Top Travel Bloggers To Watch 2023" and featured by Muck Rack: "Top 10 Outdoor Journalists for 2022". He and his wife Heather live in St Joseph, Michigan - across the lake from Chicago. --- {"html":""} --- ### Cruises and Resorts Thinking about a cruise or all-inclusive resort vacation? We can help you plan your dream getaway ... [Click Here](https://menwhoblog.com) ### Testing Out Cellular At Sea On Our Recent Canadian Cruise A few months back, I set sail on a 7-day cruise aboard the Norwegian Getaway with my buddy James from ManTripping.com, and unlike most of my normal tropical getaways, this time we decided to head north, visiting some of the most scenic ports along the Eastern… [Read More ...](https://menwhoblog.com/blog/testing-out-cellular-at-sea-on-our-recent-canadian-cruise.html) ### Products & Gear For Men ### UGREEN Finder Pro Review: The Tracker Tags Android Users Have Been Waiting For The UGREEN Finder Pro 4-pack solves a problem Android users have dealt with for years - finding a reliable Bluetooth tracker that works natively with Google Find Hub, pairs in seconds, and doesn't charge you a monthly subscription to track your own stuff. [Read More ...](https://menwhoblog.com/blog/ugreen-finder-pro-tracker-tags-review.html) ### Related Articles #### There's Lots to Love with the 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab 4x4 Truck [There's Lots to Love with the 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab 4x4 Truck](https://menwhoblog.com/blog/theres-lots-to-love-with-the-2026-ram-1500-big-horn-crew-cab-4x4-truck.html) #### The 2026 GMC Hummer EV Pickup is One Enormous Vehicle [The 2026 GMC Hummer EV Pickup is One Enormous Vehicle](https://menwhoblog.com/blog/the-2026-gmc-hummer-ev-pickup-is-one-enormous-vehicle.html) #### The Big, Beautiful 2025 Ford Expedition Tremor 4x4 [The Big, Beautiful 2025 Ford Expedition Tremor 4x4](https://menwhoblog.com/blog/the-big-beautiful-2025-ford-expedition-tremor-4x4.html) #### 2026 Genesis GV70 Sport Prestige is All Luxury, But No Legroom [2026 Genesis GV70 Sport Prestige is All Luxury, But No Legroom](https://menwhoblog.com/blog/2026-genesis-gv70-sport-prestige-is-all-luxury-but-no-legroom.html) #### The 2025 Toyota Tundra SR5 TRD Rally Truck is Surprisingly Spacious [The 2025 Toyota Tundra SR5 TRD Rally Truck is Surprisingly Spacious](https://menwhoblog.com/blog/the-2025-toyota-tundra-sr5-trd-rally-truck-is-surprisingly-spacious.html) - [User Login](https://menwhoblog.com/log-in.html) - [Working With Brands Men Love](https://menwhoblog.com/capabilities.html) - [Content Marketing](https://menwhoblog.com/content-marketing.html) - [** Privacy Policy](https://menwhoblog.com/privacy-policy.html) - [**](https://menwhoblog.com/contact-us.html) - [**](https://menwhoblog.com/upcoming-events.html) - [**](https://menwhoblog.com/index.php?option=com_joomrss&view=feeds&Itemid=1640) - [**](https://menwhoblog.com/ask-the-men/ask-the-men.html) - [**](https://menwhoblog.com/smart-search.html) - [**](https://menwhoblog.com/site-map.html) - [Interviews](https://menwhoblog.com/interviews.html) ### Connect With Us: - [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC73Mim8Djl8v43OweTNaing?sub_confirmation=1) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/menwhoblog/) - [Twitter](http://twitter.com/menwhoblog) - [Facebook Page](http://facebook.com/menwhoblog) - [Facebook Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/221775444677338/) Make sure to tag us and use #MenWhoBlog on Instagram or Twitter for a chance to be featured on our handles. ### Media, Guest Posts and Speaking: #MenWhoBlog leaders are available for guest posts, podcasts, or to speak with media or at conferences. {"html":""} --- **About menwhoblog.com:** Community and resources for men who blog, create content, and build online businesses. *Source: [How To Prepare Your Car Before Storage](https://menwhoblog.com/blog/how-to-prepare-your-car-before-storage.html) — menwhoblog.com*