GarageTech's video: How to store your car over winter Top 5 tips what to check before storing Lay up for the long term

Top 5 tips for storing your car over winter or for a long period. How to lay up a car for the long term. Leaving a car unused for an extended period of time can be worrying, If you know you won’t be using your car for a while it can be difficult to know what to do. Here’s how you can keep your car in top condition while it’s not in use. How long can a car sit without being driven? Before we start, let’s just clarify when we mean by storing your car. Under normal circumstances, experts recommend driving your car every two to three weeks. Using the car any less than this will increase the likelihood of problems flaring up when you plan to get back out on the road. It’s perfectly possible that you could leave your car in a garage or parked outside for months with no problems but the longer you leave it, the greater the chance of issues developing and the more measures you should take to mitigate the risk. This guide is all about reducing that risk of the worst coming to the worst when the time comes to put your car back on the road again. Storing a car: Tips to protect your car for long term storage 1. Park up somewhere safe 2. Give your car a thorough clean 3. Apply a good quality car cover 4. Stay Secure 5. Perform some general maintenance 6. Invest in a smart charger 1. Park up somewhere safe If you have a garage at your disposal, this is obviously the ideal location as it keeps your car protected from the elements, bird mess and any unsavoury characters who may pose a security threat. If you are storing your car in a garage, ensure the space is well ventilated and open the car windows slightly. This will prevent moisture from building up inside the vehicle. Consider investing in a dehumidifier that will keep the air in the garage dry as well. Of course, many of us will either be parking our cars on a driveway or a street. If this is the case, try and park on level ground in the open, away from any trees. If you have no choice but to park under a tree, it’s advisable to invest in a car cover. 2. Give your car a thorough clean If your car is going to be sitting in front of your house not being used much, you should consider giving it a deep clean, especially if you have the spare time. Don’t neglect the interior - you’ll be grateful for a clean driving zone when you plan to get back behind the wheel. The key areas to focus on are the steering wheel, dashboard, gear stick, seat belts and door handles. 3. Invest in a good car cover This will keep dust, debris and small animals away from your car. For extra safety, stuff clean rags into the exhaust pipe and any other areas creatures could nest. If you’re storing your car outside on a driveway, make sure the cover is waterproof and tied securely so the winter storms won’t blow it away. Don’t cover the car with a plastic tarp as this could damage the paint – opt for a soft and stretchy cover that also allows any moisture to escape easily. 4. Stay secure if your car is fitted with keyless entry, keep the key inside a Faraday pouch to prevent it falling victim of theft. 5. Perform some general maintenance It’s good practice to brim your fuel tank with petrol or diesel before leaving your car for a long period of time. This will limit condensation in the fuel tank and help prevent rusting. For long storage, I’d recommend using fuel which doesn't contain ethanol or using a fuel preservative to make sure the fuel lines don’t get clogged. Add anti-freeze If you won’t be using your car over winter it’s a good idea to top up your car with anti-freeze – refill up to the levels and run the engine for a few minutes so the fluid gets circulated. Check your oil Old engine oil can contain contaminants that damage the engine if left to sit for long periods of time. It’s also good to swap your oil and air filters at the same time. Avoid rust Any unpainted metal parts under your car can be painted with Waxoyl to prevent rust. But avoid spraying belts, hoses and braking surfaces. Check your tyres Make sure your tyre pressures are correct, inflate to the max pressure. If you’re storing the car for several months, lift the vehicle to raise the tyres from the ground – this will prevent flat spots. Run the engine Every week or two you should look to start your car to prevent the battery running flat. If possible, go for a 15-minute drive but otherwise simply running the engine while stationary for 15 minutes should suffice. Don’t use the handbrake Leaving the handbrake on is not a good idea as it risks fusing the brake pads to the discs. Checking your brake fluid is another good move and you should leave your car in gear. 6. Invest in a smart charger A smart charger will keep the battery charged. Modern on-board computers can be affected by disconnecting the battery for too long.