Seasonal Vehicle Storage: Tips to Maintain Your Ride

Unfortunately, a stationary vehicle can degrade in myriad ways while it’s not being used during the off-season. Preparing your car, boat, caravan, or jet ski for off-season storage is the best way to maintain its condition and ensure it performs when you are ready to hit the road or the waves again. This article will teach you some essential steps for protecting your investment while it’s locked up tight. 

Why Use Professional Vehicle Storage?

You have options for storing your vehicle while not in use. You can keep it in your garage, on the driveway, or in a secure storage facility. Storing a vehicle in your garage or driveway might seem the most convenient and affordable option, but it’s not the most secure for long-term storage. 

A vehicle stored in the driveway is vulnerable to the elements. If the weather turns foul and starts to hail while you are not there to move your vehicle into a more protected area, you may come home to severe damage. 

Additionally, thieves who notice your property is unattended may take advantage of the opportunity. A garage is more secure, but there are still risks. There’s plenty of material in the average vehicle that rats and mice can take an interest in as they search for materials to build nests in a dark and quiet home.

The average garage is also not as secure as a professional storage facility monitored around the clock and protected by sophisticated alarm systems. Most home garages are too small for RVs and caravans, which means you will have a large vehicle taking up valuable space on your property for the many months that it’s not on the road. 

A secure vehicle storage facility offers the ultimate protection for your unused vehicle. For an affordable weekly price, you can access weather and rodent-proof storage containers monitored 24/7 by CCTV and protected by the latest alarm systems. In addition, each container is fitted with a heavy-duty padlock with a welded padlock box, offering further security. 

Preparing Your Vehicle, RV or Caravan for Seasonal Storage

Storing any type of vehicle for a long period requires some preparation to ensure the vehicle remains in good condition and is good to go when you are ready to take to the road again. 

Cleaning: Give the interior and exterior a thorough clean. Make sure there are no perishable food items or crumbs that could attract rodents and other pests. Clean the exterior and apply a protective wax coating to protect the paint finish and prevent dust and grime buildup.

Unplug battery and electrical devices: All electrical devices inside the RV, including alarms, microwaves, and TV antenna boosters. This will help prevent battery drainage. You can remove the battery entirely and place it in a warm, dry location if your vehicle will be unused for some time. Attach a battery conditioner or trickle charger to keep the battery in good condition while not getting a regular workout. 

Top off fluids: Change or top off fluids, including antifreeze, oil, radiator, and windshield wiper fluids. Doing this will help maintain the engine and present corrosion and moisture buildup. Fill the petrol tank with fuel and the correct amount of fuel stabiliser to prevent it from breaking down. Be sure to run the engine for a few minutes afterwards, as this helps to spread the stabiliser. 

Clean out water tanks and dry pipes: Empty the wastewater and freshwater tanks, including the water heater and toilet. Use a solution of water, baking soda, or bleach to eliminate all residue. Draining all the pipes will prevent freezing and potential breakages. 

Shut off gas supplies: Shut off gas supplies and top off your propane tanks. Store the propane tanks separately from the RV in a cool and dry location. Shut off the ovens, heaters, and other gas appliances. 

Rotate or remove tires: Remove the tires and set the vehicle up on jacks or blocks to protect your tires from flat spots that could ruin them. Don’t apply the handbrake on a vehicle that won’t be used for a while, as the pads can fuse with the rotors. 

Take your vehicle for a spin: If removing the tires isn’t practical, take the RV for a monthly drive to prevent flat spots from developing. This tip is good for any wheeled vehicle in storage for a long time. 

Ensure Your Vehicle is Ready for Next Season with 1800 We Store It

With over 20 years of experience in storing vehicles and a strong emphasis on security, personalised service, and cost-effective solutions, 1800 We Store It stands out as the best and most affordable option for long-term seasonal storage of vehicles of all types. Whether it’s car, motorbike, jet ski, boat, caravan, or trailer storage, 1800 We Store It has a storage solution for you. Call today or visit our website for a quick quote.