There are many specifics to keep in mind when storing different items. After all, storing antique furniture will be completely different from storing clothes. One of the most specific situations, however, is storing vehicles. The particular challenges here are closely tied to the risks of improper storing. After all, while clothes can be relatively easy to replace, the damage to a vehicle from improper storage can have serious monetary consequences. To help you avoid these and make storing vehicles easier, we’ve decided to compile this guide. By the end of it, we hope to provide you with the basics of becoming a vehicle storage pro. So, without further ado, let’s jump right into it!
Choosing a location for storing vehicles
Just like with all storage, when storing vehicles, it is vital to have the right storage Bahrain conditions. However, while certain situations, like storing furniture, might require you to have climate-controlled storage at your disposal, vehicles are not as demanding. Still, you must have adequate storage to ensure your vehicle is safe for the duration that it will be sorted for. The most important factor (and risk) here is moisture. That is why storing a vehicle in any storage space with an earth floor like a barn is not advisable. Instead, always go with concrete floor storage for storing vehicles. A home garage can do just fine here, as long as there is no excessive moisture present.
Another thing that you can do to make the storage space safer for your vehicle is to use a moisture barrier. That can be a piece of tarp or a plastic sheet placed on the storage space floor. Parking your vehicle on top of it will ensure no moisture gets to it from the ground. In the case of dry storage and undercoated vehicles, this may not be necessary, but it is still a reasonable precaution, as movers and packers in Bahrain might tell you.
What to do with the oil when storing vehicles
Depending on the state of your engine oil, you might decide to change the oil before storage or keep it and change it before taking the vehicle out. The latter will mean you can start the new season of driving your vehicle with fresh oil. In general, if you have reached your oil mileage and the dipstick comes out dirty when you pull it out, you should change the oil before storing the vehicle. Another thing to keep in mind is that engine oil remains stable in the engine for about a year. So if you have stored your vehicle for longer, you should replace the oil before taking it out.
Top up the fuel and fluids
As the professionals working with packing and crating companies in Bahrain might tell you, condensation in the fuel tank is one of the major issues with storing vehicles. To avoid this, you should top up your fuel tank with premium, non-alcohol, fuel. Filling the reservoir will eliminate empty spaces where water can condense.
Also, if you will be storing the vehicle for a prolonged period of time, add a fuel stabilizer to the fuel. Let the vehicle run for about 5 minutes to allow the stabilizer to go through the fuel system. Alternatively, you can take the vehicle for a short ride to ensure the flow of the stabilizer. Finally, you should top-up other fluids, especially anti-freeze, if the vehicle will be stored in a colder climate.
Take care of the battery before storing vehicles
Another smart thing to do when storing vehicles is to take good care of the battery. There are two approaches here. You can take the battery out and connect it to a battery maintainer or keep it in, connected to a battery maintainer. The latter will be especially important with modern cars that need the battery connected to keep the memory of the car computer. The same tips apply for storing vehicles before shipping as well, as a connected battery may run out in the course of storage or shipping. If you have to keep the battery in, you can leave the hood of the vehicle slightly open to allow for all the cabling.
Preparing the tires for storage
Another thing you should take care of before storing vehicles for some time is tires. As tires tend to deflate over time, it is advisable to inflate them to a higher air pressure before storage. Be careful not to overinflate them, though. Keep within the limits of the tire’s maximum air pressure and be sure all four tires are at their correct pressure before taking the vehicle out. If you know one of your tires leaks, make sure you replace it before storage. Otherwise, it might deflate, causing the vehicle to rest on its rim.
Parking the vehicle in storage
Also important is that you should take care of how you park your vehicle for storage. Do not use the hand brake for storage as it can stick the brake pads to the rotors. Instead, you can keep it in neutral and go with one of two solutions. For shorter storage or international shipping, you can use chocks to stop the vehicle from moving. However, if you will be storing vehicles for a more extended period of time, you should go with jack stands as these will spare the suspension and tires of the weight of the vehicle. That will keep them in better condition and help you avoid flat areas on your tires.
Cleaning the vehicle
Finally, before storing vehicles, it is advisable to clean and cover them. Before doing this, you can also take some time for pest prevention. Close off the exhaust pipe and air inlet with steel wool or cloth. Put mothballs around and inside the vehicle. Finally, use fabric sheets to protect the insides. As a final precaution, write down a note to remember that these are in place and tape it to the steering wheel.
Preparing vehicles for storage like a pro
There you have it. Having read through our guide, you should have all the basics of storing vehicles like a pro. So, keep your head clear and pay your vehicle the attention it deserves. The payoff will be clearly visible the next time you take it for a spin.