It’s Never a Goodbye !

Right Way of Storing a Car

With the end of the summer closing in on us, many have amazing adventures and plans to end this summer the right way. However, we cannot forget our loyal companion when we leave the house. Between dust and nature, you car can accumulate very dangerous residuals or have major internal malfunctions if left improperly unattended for long periods of time. This is why here at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Racine, we want to teach you the right way of storing a car for when your journey involves getting on a plane or a boat and leaving your vehicle behind.

The first step is simple: All you have to start by doing is change the oil and filter. If you are planning on leaving your car stored for a long period of time, talk to one of our expert representatives at our service center to have your car filled with oil without additives, which may have slightly caustic detergents.

Then, revise the fuel tank and fill it up with fresh, premium fuel. Condensation can become a problem in stored vehicles, so using Premium non-alcohol fuel will avoid any empty spaces where water can accumulate. In addition, try to use a gasoline stabilizer so that the gasoline doesn’t become gummy over time.

Close the hood and check underneath the car to make sure that your tires are properly inflated. Here is a tip for you: Over inflation while in storage may help a flat spot and after storage, you might feel some thumping tires, which will go away after they have been driven around 10 miles. Think of it sort of like muscle memory.

Lastly, we recommend that you cover your vehicle if you are leaving it outdoors or in a very dusky or windy location. This will impede water vapor from leaving the car after a humid temperature. Remember to take care of the vehicle that helps you get by so that it stays in great condition for when you and your family return.