If you’re planning to put your Jeep Patriot or other vehicle model into storage for several months or years, it’s important that you prepare it properly – otherwise, your vehicle may suffer unnecessary harm or early deterioration. To ensure that your vehicle stays in tip-top shape during its months of storage, follow this step-by-step process:
1. Replace Vehicle Fluids
The DMV states that one of the best ways to ensure that your vehicle’s interior engine isn’t destroyed during its long-term storage term is to replace all the fluids prior to storage. This simple car maintenance task includes changing the oil and the oil filter, and making sure the vehicle has a full tank of fuel with a fuel stabilizer added in – to help keep moisture from building up.
2. Charge the Battery
Storing a vehicle with an uncharged battery is never wise. Instead, make sure the battery is fully charged up. If you can, having the vehicle started once a week is ideal; if not, consider disconnecting the negative battery cable so that the battery doesn’t lose its charge during storage.
3. Inflate Your Tires
If your tires aren’t inflated to their full PSI amount, they may develop flat spots over time, which can be dangerous when the car is driven. If the car will be stored for months at a time, consider jacking the vehicle up so that the tires are off the ground. Doing so can help maintain air pressure in all of the tires and prevent against uneven deflation and wear.
4. Clean and Wax the Vehicle
You also should give your car or Jeep a thorough cleaning before long-term storage, and perhaps consider waxing the car as well. Wax will help keep the paint looking fresh and protect against rust buildup. During the cleaning process, make sure to remove windshield wipers (to prevent them from becoming permanently stuck on the windshield) and parking brake pads (which can lead to fusion when in contact with the rotors for long period of time). You can use a tire stopper to prevent the vehicle from moving.
5. Get a Car Cover
Finally, shield your vehicle with a car cover, even if your vehicle is being stored inside of a garage. Even in a garage, dust, moisture and grime can wreak havoc on the exterior of the vehicle, and little critters may be able to find their way inside.
In summary: Before storing your vehicle for an extended period of time, make sure to take the time to replace its fluids, charge its battery, inflate the tire, and clean, wax, and cover the vehicle. Doing so will prevent vehicle decline, and great vehicle maintenance is key to preventing untimely vehicle breakdowns.
