If you won’t be using your car for an extended period, you should still do what you can to take care of it. • Clean and polish the car to prevent any dirt drying on • Make sure the car is dry to reduce the risk of rust or discolouration • If you’re storing it in a garage or confined space, make sure it’s well ventilated • You should also consider lubricating locks, so they don’t seize up or jam shut It is a good idea to check and top up the levels of the engine oil, coolant and hydraulic fluids for brakes, clutch and power steering. Top tip: if you’re leaving your car parked facing downhill, turn the wheels into the kerb so the pressure isn’t all on the handbrake and leave the car in reverse gear.
Storing a petrol car
After a length of time, a half-full or near empty tank will condensate and collect moisture. This can lead to corrosion of the tank and water in your fuel. The fuller a tank is when stored, the less space there is for water to condense. If you have spare fuel, it should stay fresh in a sealed container for up to a year. If it’s exposed to air, however, it can degrade in the space of a month.
Storing a diesel car
Like petrol cars, diesel cars can collect moisture and face corrosion and water in your fuel. It can also lead to bacterial and fungal growth. Once again, a fuller tank reduces the risk. Stored diesel should be OK for up to a year in a sealed container.
Storing hybrids and electric cars
Electric and hybrids car batteries charge differently to the conventional 12-volt battery in petrol and diesel cars. Generally, you should aim to keep an electric car’s battery charged between 50% and 80% to prolong its lifespan. Try not to let the battery drop below 30% too often as this can affect long-term performance. We advise you to consult the owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer (through phone or email for best practice for your specific make and model.
