There are a number of reasons to put your car in storage-- maybe you will be traveling for an extended period of time or you have a convertible that you only drive during the summer. While utilizing a car storage facility will help protect your vehicle from the elements, there are several things that you should do prior to putting your car in storage. Do the following things before you put your vehicle in storage for an extended period of time:

Get Your Car Washed

It may seem odd to have your car washed when you won't be using it for months, but doing so can help ensure that the exterior of your car is in great condition when you take your car out of storage. Things like bird droppings or water stains can hurt the paint job if they sit on the surface of the paint for a long time, and mud, oil, and grease on the tires and wheels can also cause damage. If you want to add an extra level of protection, have a coat of wax applied to your car after it is washed.

Schedule an Oil Change

A simple way to protect your vehicle while it is in storage is scheduling an oil change beforehand. Old, dirty oil can have contaminants in it that can damage the engine over a long period of time. Getting an oil change can give you the peace of mind of knowing that your engine is not at risk for any type of damage while it is in storage.

Fill Up the Tank

On your way to the car storage facility, stop by a gas station an fill up your tank. A full tank of gas prevents a build up of moisture in the gas tank and also keeps seals from becoming dry and brittle. Don't forget to add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank to prevent the gas from deteriorating while it is in storage for several months. 

Attend to the Battery

When a car sits for an extended period of time without being driven, the battery can lose its charge. You have a couple of options to protect the battery while it is in storage. First, you can disconnect the negative battery cable after you have parked the car at the storage facility. If the car storage facility has electrical outlets available for customers, you may want to invest in a trickle charger that plugs into the wall; this device provides very low amounts of power to a car battery to prevent it from losing its charge when it is not being driven. 

For more information and tips, contact a local car storage company like Park It With Bill*.