You are going off for a while and its time to put your beloved Jeep up for the duration. Whether you’re leaving for a few weeks or a few months, it’s important to take the necessary steps and smartly stow your Jeep to best protect it from damage or thievery. Below are some steps to safely store your car so it’ll reliably start up when you return behind its wheel.
Mechanics
- Topping off your vehicle’s fluids, such as its coolant, antifreeze, and even getting a fresh oil change before leaving your vehicle to sit for an extended period of time, keeps your engine’s internals clean. Antifreeze or coolant is important so that the fluids doesn’t freeze within, and protects your vehicle’s internal parts from corrosion.
- Fill your gas tank. Rochester Hills Chrysler Jeep (MI) explains that particularly in cooler months, a gas tank left lower than half or a quarter has the potential to allow condensation to gather within, potentially getting into your vehicle’s fuel line where it will freeze, expand, and cause damage. A fuel stabilizer can also be added to your tank to prevent corrosion to your fuel line as well as preventing your gas from separating.
- Batteries when left connected with steadily lose their charge to your vehicle’s idle electronic systems. If you’re leaving your vehicle for a few months, its a smart decision to disconnect or remove its battery to both protect its charge and make thievery substantially harder. You scould also store your battery in a temperature controlled area or within your home in a dry area.
- Make sure your tires are properly inflated. TYour Jeep’s weight will naturally cause the tires to leak air–otherwise known as “flat spotting” when cars are left standing for extended periods of time. Filling your car’s tires to the recommended maximum accounts for future pressure lost. You could also set your car up on jackstands.
- You do not need to engage the parking brake.
Clean and Clear
- Giving your Jeep a car wash and vacuuming out its interior keeps your car protected from corrosive elements that may be adhered to its surface, and minimizes chance of pests from invading your car. A few moth balls or dryer sheets can be placed within your vehicle to deter bugs or pests from settling within.
- Make sure you clean out your valuables from your Jeep as well. Any item left in sight from the windows can be a potential attractant for thieves. Don’t forget your EZ-Pass and GPS devices! Insurance, registration information, and other paperwork can either be locked within the glovebox or taken within your home until you take your car out of storage.
Shelter and Cover
- Whether indoors or outdoors, you should always cover your Jeep. You have choice of a weatherproof waxed cover or a breathable cover that allows moisture evaporation, depending on your climate and where you’re storing your vehicle.
- Its a common belief is that you should periodically start your car to allow the engine to circulate, but a properly stored vehicle shouldn’t need to be started thanks to the care these previous steps would lend to protect your mechanics, battery, and fuel lines. If you do decide to idle your Jeep, always completely remove the cover and never turn on your car in a closed garage to keep you safe from carbon monoxide.
Vacation or store your seasonal vehicle with the peace of mind knowing that it’s well taken care of while you’re away. All these steps may seem tedious, but they’ll guarantee your Jeep is well protected and will start up reliably and run exactly like the day you stowed it away once you’re ready to drive again!
