Why You Should Treat Your Car Like Your Dog When Going Away
When going on an extended vacation, you certainly wouldn't think of leaving your dog at home alone for the entirety of your trip; that would just be inhumane. Dogs need exercise and care, even if you can't be there to provide it for them. Unfortunately, most car owners don't think of storing their cars in the same manner, but the truth is that this is exactly the same methodology that should be taken when picking out a place to leave your car for a few months or years.
Effects of Long Term Dormancy
Any combustion engine is a complex network of plastics, oils, and other fluids that need to be homogeneous in order for your car to run properly. If this complex system sits for an extended period of time, then sediments can settle out and fluids can separate, which is bad news for your engine and other systems your car relies on. Add to this the fact that the rubbers and plastics in your car, like gaskets and tires, can dry out and degrade over time without movement, and the bottom line is that cars are meant to move regularly, much like a dog needs regular exercise in order to stay lean and fit.
Preparing to Store Your Car
The amount of prep work that should be done depends on the amount of time you expect your car to sit, and the preparations get more cumbersome as the time increases. Storing a vehicle for only a month or so will just require you to clean the car to prevent corrosion and crack the windows so that the interior is properly ventilated. However, for long stays, like those longer than three months, you may need to put the car up on blocks or slacken key belts in the engine. Think of this stage of your storage as stocking up on dog food; the longer you'll be away, the more you'll need, and if you'll be away for a really long time, planning for things like veterinarian trips become necessary.
Keeping Your Car Fit
Much like a veterinarian makes sure your dog is healthy and happy, your auto storage facility can do the same for your car. Regular starting and driving can keep your vehicle running smoothly when you finally return so that your car hasn't developed any "health problems" when you return to it. Including this stipulation in your instructions for your auto storage facility will not only prevent many things on your car from falling apart, but will also save you the trouble of preparing the car for a long sit. In order to get the most of this service, make sure your car is driven once every couple of weeks or so, as this time frame will negate the aforementioned preparations for a one month rest for your car.
Contact a service like The Storehouse Watertown to learn more.