Protection & Care
Long term vehicle storage done right requires more than just a dry indoor space. Here's what you need to know to protect your vehicle and what we can help with.
Battery Maintenance
Modern vehicles with onboard computers, security systems, and infotainment draw a small amount of current even when parked. This can drain a battery over weeks to months.
A battery maintainer (also called a trickle charger) keeps the battery at an optimal state of charge without overcharging. This is especially important for vehicles with AGM batteries, which are more sensitive to deep discharge.
For extended storage of 3+ months, a battery maintainer is strongly recommended. Ask about our trickle charger add on service.
Best Practices
- Request our trickle charger add on for any vehicle stored 3+ months
- Alternatively, you can disconnect the negative battery terminal (note: this may clear radio presets and other settings)
- AGM and lithium batteries require maintainers rated for their specific chemistry
- Starting the vehicle occasionally is not a replacement for a proper maintainer. It can do more harm than good if not run long enough.
Tire Flat Stop Prevention
When a vehicle sits stationary for weeks or months, the portion of the tire in contact with the ground can develop a flat spot. This is more common in cold conditions and on high performance or low profile tires.
Flat spots may initially feel like a thump or vibration when driving. In many cases they disappear once the tire warms up, but severe flat spots can be permanent.
Our foam tire flatstopper pads are placed under each tire to redistribute and reduce contact pressure, significantly reducing flat stop risk during extended storage.
Best Practices
- Inflate tires to manufacturer recommended pressure (or slightly above) before storage
- Consider our foam flatstoppers for any vehicle stored 2+ months
- Overinflating during storage is a common method but can cause its own issues. Flatstoppers are a safer alternative.
- Moving the vehicle forward/backward slightly every few weeks also helps, though this isn't always practical
Car Covers & Capsules
Even indoors, dust can accumulate on a vehicle's paint surface over months. A properly fitted car cover prevents dust buildup, minor abrasions from incidental contact, and light fading.
A car capsule (also called a storage bubble) goes further. It's an inflatable enclosure with filtered airflow that keeps the vehicle in a virtually dust-free, controlled microenvironment. It's the preferred choice for serious collectors.
Not all car covers are equal. Generic covers can trap moisture and scratch paint. We coordinate fitted covers appropriate to your vehicle's body style.
Best Practices
- For collector or high value vehicles, a car capsule offers the most comprehensive protection
- A good fitted cover is an excellent option for standard storage; avoid universal fit covers that can rub paint
- Clean the vehicle thoroughly before covering. Trapping dust or debris under a cover can scratch the paint.
- Capsules require a power source; ask about our installation process
EV Storage Considerations
Electric vehicles have specific battery storage recommendations. Most manufacturers recommend storing at 50 to 80% state of charge, not fully charged and not nearly empty.
EV batteries in storage will slowly self discharge over time. If the battery discharges too low, it can enter a deep discharge state that may require dealer intervention to recover.
We offer Level 2 EV charger access as an add on to help maintain your EV's battery within recommended ranges during storage. We can discuss the charging schedule appropriate for your vehicle.
Best Practices
- Check your vehicle's owner manual for specific storage charge recommendations
- Do not store with battery at 100% or at very low state of charge
- Ask about our EV charger access add on for extended storage periods
- Disable features like cabin conditioning schedules before storage to reduce unnecessary battery drain
- Some EVs have a dedicated transport mode or service mode. Consult your manual or dealer.
Fluids & Fuel
Fuel can degrade over time, especially ethanol blended gasoline (E10), which absorbs moisture and can cause starting and fuel system issues after 3 to 6 months.
A full tank of fuel with a fuel stabilizer added before storage is the standard recommendation for gasoline vehicles stored 3+ months.
Coolant, brake fluid, and engine oil should all be in good condition before storage. Degraded fluids do not improve during storage.
Best Practices
- Fill the tank and add fuel stabilizer per manufacturer instructions before drop off
- Synthetic motor oil holds up better during extended storage periods than conventional oil
- Consider an oil change before storage if the current oil is near its service interval
- Check coolant condition and freeze protection level before winter storage
Cleanliness Before Storage
Storing a dirty vehicle can cause problems. Dirt and moisture can etch into paint, bird droppings and insect residue become harder to remove over time, and debris in wheel wells can trap moisture.
Wash and dry the vehicle thoroughly before storage. Clay bar treatment, wax, and interior detailing can all add protection during the storage period.
Remove all perishable items, food, and beverages from the interior. These can attract pests and cause odors.
Best Practices
- Hand wash and dry carefully. Avoid automatic car washes before storage.
- Apply a quality wax or paint sealant to help protect the finish
- Clean the interior and remove all perishables
- Consider placing desiccant packs inside the cabin to absorb any residual moisture
Prestorage Checklist
Run through this checklist before dropping off your vehicle to ensure it's ready for long term indoor storage.
Vehicle Prestorage Checklist
Premier Auto Storage & Services, St. Louis, MO
1Fuel & Fluids
- Fill fuel tank and add fuel stabilizer
- Check engine oil condition; consider oil change if near interval
- Check and top off coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid
2Battery
- Ensure battery is fully charged at drop off
- Arrange trickle charger / battery maintainer add on (recommended for 3+ months)
3Tires
- Inflate to manufacturer recommended pressure
- Consider foam flatstoppers add on (recommended for 2+ months)
- Visually inspect for damage or wear
4Exterior
- Wash and dry vehicle thoroughly
- Apply wax or paint sealant
- Inspect for any chips, scratches, or rust to address before storage
- Apply rubber protectant to door seals and weatherstripping to prevent drying and sticking
5Interior
- Remove all perishable items and beverages
- Clean and vacuum interior
- Apply leather conditioner to leather seats and trim to prevent drying and cracking during storage
- Remove garage door openers, toll transponders, and any valuables from the vehicle
- Consider desiccant packs for moisture control
6Documentation
- Bring valid photo ID
- Bring vehicle title or current registration
- Bring proof of insurance
- Review our intake condition report at drop off
7EV Specific
- Check manufacturer charge level recommendation (typically 50 to 80%)
- Disable automatic cabin conditioning schedules
- Ask about EV charger access add on
This checklist is a general guideline. Always consult your vehicle's owner manual and your insurance agent for specific recommendations related to your vehicle and coverage.