Feb 2011 11

Boston Nissan’s Guide to Storing A Car Long Term

Storing a car without driving it for any length of time is not good for the engine. If not stored properly, you can come back to find your car is in need of some costly repairs before it can be driven again. If you are storing your Nissan for more than a month, take some precautions to minimize your chances of having to make repairs when you return. Nissan dealers in Boston offer the following tips for preparing your car for long term car storage:

Wash and Wax – You may think your car doesn’t need to look it’s best while it’s in storage, but when you wash, wax, and apply a protective coat to the Nissan you are protecting the paint from getting scratched from dirt and grime it picks up while in storage. Run your car through a car wash and choose the protective finish option. You can also just wash and wax it yourself before storing.

Fill the Gas Tank – Don’t store your car with an empty gas tank or condensation can occur. Instead, fill the tank just before you drive it into the storage unit or garage. If storing longer than a month, add a fuel stabilizer and drive around town to distribute through the engine and parts before storing.

Cover Ground With Polyethylene Drop – Put a 4-mil polyethylene drop cloth on the ground of your storage unit or on the garage floor before storing your Nissan. This prevents the moisture from the ground from seeping into the car.

Store on Jacks – if the car will be in storage longer than a month, consider taking the wheels off and storing the car on jacks. This will prevent damage to the tires, too.