Via California - May/June 2020 - 21

Your driveway isn't ideal
for long-term car storage.
Extra tire pressure can
forestall flat spots.
Pump up the tires. Add an extra
10 psi of pressure to each tire to prevent
flat spots from forming. You can
also buy storage pads, which distribute
the car's weight more evenly over
the surfaces of your tires.
Fill 'er up. Make sure the gas tank is
full, to minimize condensation. While
you're at it, add a fuel stabilizer. If you
do, be sure to drive for five to 10 miles
to circulate the stabilized fuel before
you put the car away.
Release the parking brake.
Engaging the brake can cause brake
pads to rust or brake shoes to distort
the drums. With an automatic transmission,
just place the vehicle in park.
If your transmission is manual, put it
in first gear or reverse, and use wheel
chocks to keep the car in place.
Prop up the wiper arms. That way,
they won't get stuck to the glass.
Keep your vehicle insured. This will
protect against unforeseen claims
and may prevent premium increases
due to lapsed coverage.
Make a list. Keep track of everything
you did to prep the vehicle for storage,
so you can undo it all when putting
the vehicle back on the road.
Then just leave the list in the car.
If you're storing your car for more
than 45 days, park it in a cool, dry,
dark location. If that's not possible,
consider a portable parking structure,
car bag, or at the very least a
breathable cover. If the vehicle will
be exposed to significant moisture,
scatter some desiccant packs inside.
Finally, if there are mice where
you're storing the car, stuff some
copper or steel wool into the tailpipe,
engine air filter inlet, and any other
openings where critters can enter.
↘ Have a professional take care of
your prestorage service: Find the
nearest AAA Owned Auto Repair
Center or AAA Approved Auto Repair
facility by visiting aaa.com/repair.
AAA | VIA 21
CREDIT HERE
LEFT: DENISE KAPPA / SHUTTERSTOCK; RIGHT: PAKPOOM PHUMMEE / SHUTTERSTOCK
http://www.aaa.com/repair
Via California - May/June 2020

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