Lockdown Car Storage Checklist: How To PROPERLY Store Your Car

India has taken the precaution and the country is under lockdown. You are in the comfort of your home and your car is in parking or in the garage. However, like how you plan to make the most out of these days by working from home or picking up a hobby, your car is going into hibernation. You are essentially putting away your car for storage. In this GoMechanic exclusive, we will show you exactly how you can store your car for the longer term. This is your checklist for Lockdown Car Storage.

But first, read this: 7 Super Easy Car DIYs that you can do while in Quarantine

1. Wash and clean your car inside out

   

   This step is probably the most important thing that you’ll have to do to your car. Take an hour or two to wash the car completely inside out. Use high-pressure water to rinse out any lodged mud, muck and debris in the angled corners of your car. Give special attention to the wheel wells and underside of the body. Use a wash and wax shampoo that will not only clean the surface but will also coat the paint with a thin layer of protective wax.

   Now get inside the car. Remove and wash those floor mats. Use a household vacuum cleaner to clear the cabin of any foreign contaminants. Clean the dashboard, the footwell, cupholder and any area you find dirty.

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2. Wax & Polish the paint

   

   Waxing your car at home is very easy and very much doable. Use a good quality wax or polish from your favourite car care brand. The goal is to apply a thin coat of wax over the paint. This will do two things; the wax layer will keep your car stay shiny and will also protect the paint surface from moisture-induced corrosion.

   You might wanna pull your sleeves for this as this is easy but a time-consuming task with great results.

3. Fill-up all the essential fluids

   

   By all the essential fluids, we mean fill-up the tank with good quality petrol, If you have a spare can of engine oil for your car, go ahead and top-up the engine oil. Also, while at it fill-up the windshield washer reservoir too.

   Note: A fuel stabilizer added to the fuel tank is a great tip for long term car storage. A fuel stabilizer basically prevents the fuel from going bad and keep it fresh for as long as 2 years.

   Must Read: Engine Oil | A Comprehensive Guide | Everything You Need To Know

4. Do not use the handbrake

   Using the handbrake while your car is in storage is a bad idea. This is applicable especially for those who live in coastal areas. Most cars in India come with a rear drum brakes setup which is operated via a cable or through hydraulics to activate the hand brake.

   Using the handbrake while in storage can cause the brake shoes to rust-weld or bind to the drums causing it to seize and get stuck. The best idea is to use a brick or a wooden bock to chock-off the wheels and prevent them from moving.

5. Use Rodent spray to keep aways the pests

   

   The last thing you want is a rodent infestation in your car. Rats, mouse and other pests can chew the wires and cause absolute havoc inside your car. A rodent infestation can also become a health hazard if you are not careful enough. Use a generic household rodent and pest repellant spray inside the cabin and under the bonnet to keep the pests away.

6. Disconnect the battery

   

   Storing your car for the long term with the battery still live will cause the battery to die in a week. Car batteries can also leak corrosive acid and cause damage if stored for too long. Disconnecting the battery is a simple process and will save you a heck of trouble later on.

   Similar Read: Top 5 reasons your car battery is draining!

7. Park your car under a shade/Inside a garage

   

   This is the final and easiest step that you should follow. Part your car under a shade (but avoid trees!) If you can, park your car in a garage to keep it isolated from the elements. If you are parking outside, use a good quality car cover (most car dealers provide car covers as complimentary) to keep your car protected against bird dropping, leaves, dirt, dust etc.

So these were 7 best practices that you should do when you are storing your car for the lockdown period. Did we miss something? Have a tip of your own? Comments down below and help the community out. Happy Quarantine days!

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