Spring Storage

5 Crucial Steps for Bringing your Vehicle out of Storage

As the snow begins to melt and the temperature begins to rise it inherently has us dreaming of the summer season ahead. If you are one of those lucky drivers who have a fun sporty summer car or vintage hobby car that you are eager to get out of storage and on the road, here are a few important steps to take.

#1 Check the Battery
In preparing your car for storage you likely had the battery on a maintainer while in storage. Check the maintainer to see the battery is fully charged. If you did not use a maintainer over the winter season, then put the battery on a charger. Important that you do not attempt to start your stored vehicle with a half-drained battery and also not to boost it. It may cause damage to try and start a cold engine after months of sitting in storage if it has a weak battery.When connecting the battery, check the cables and terminals for corrosion and oxidization. Clean if necessary. If your vehicle is a newer model with an on-board computer memory, it may require the battery to remain connected at all times. This is a good example of when a battery maintainer still needs to be used during storage.

#2 Engine Oil
Oil is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to protect your vehicle. Check the dipstick to see if there is sufficient oil in the engine and top up if needed.Due to your vehicle being in storage for several months it is recommended to change the oil as soon as possible.

#3 Check Other Fluids
Check all fluid levels, i.e. coolant, transmission, brake and power steering.Did you put fuel stabilizer in the tank before storage? If not, add octane booster and get high-octane gas in the tank. Old gas will make the engine run rough so adding fuel stabilizer is an important precaution prior to storage.

#4 Visual Inspection
Check under and around the vehicle for any signs of a fluid leak. Look for cracks or deterioration of any electrical wires and hoses. Ensure the clamps that are part of the fuel system are tight and secure. Check for chewed electrical wires as mice love to spend winter in a warm space. It’s a good practice to be thorough in your visual inspection, particularly of the key mechanical components before starting the car and heading out on your first drive of the season.

#5 Tires
Check for cracks, bulges or loss of air in your tires. Check the tire pressure and ensure it is at the suggested PSI rating indicated by manufacturer. (often found on the driver’s door pillar)

Final Inspection Checklist:

  • Make sure the brakes have adequate pad and rotor material.

  • Check steering and suspension components for wear.

  • Remove steel wool from the exhaust tail pipe if you did this as part of your winter storage routine to prevent mice from getting in.

  • Start the engine and remember it may run a bit rough initially as it takes a few minutes for the fuel to circulate for a smoother idle.

  • Before hitting the road allow time for the engine to idle getting the operating temperature up.

  • Take your first drive of the season slow and easy.

As part of the preventative maintenance of your summer vehicle you may choose to bring it to Frank Motors for an inspection and getting it ready for the road.At Frank Motors we are proud to use Sonax and Eurotech premium products. Please ask our Client Service Advisors for select products available for purchase.

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