5 Things to do When Your Summer Car Comes out of Storage

Summer weather means blue skies and dry roads. It is time to enjoy that special car of yours that has been tucked away in winter storage. Whether your baby is a convertible, a soft top, a classic model or a zippy sports car, you want to ensure it is road-ready after its long hibernation. Follow these few procedures to make certain you enjoy summertime driving to the fullest.

Call Your Insurance Agent

If you took your car off your policy while it was in storage, call your agent and put it back on before you head to the storage unit. Even if you insure your license instead of your car, it is a good idea to let your agent know that the car on active duty again. Your agent can notify you of recent changes in your policy or suggest specific policy riders to make your summer driving worry-free.

1. Inspect for Vermin

Even if you took precautions against rats, mice and other vermin when you stored the car, give the chassis, engine compartment, trunk and interior a thorough inspection with a flashlight. It is unlikely, but there might be evidence of rodent or insects such as feces or nests. If so, make sure they have vacated the premises and look carefully for any damage they may have caused. Look closely at the wiring, hoses and tubing.

2. Inspect Fluids

You might have changed the oil before winter storage, but inspect it anyway to make sure no moisture is present. If it has, you may see water beading or the oil may have a milky look to it. If you forgot to change the oil before storage, be sure to have it changed right away. Also, inspect other fluid levels and the appearance of the brake fluid, transmission and differential oil. Make sure the radiator is topped off and the coolant level in the overflow tank is between the minimum and maximum level lines.

3. Check the Battery

Before storage, you should have disconnected the car’s battery and put it on a trickle charger. Car batteries that are completely flat may suffer from sulfating of the electrical, which is difficult if not impossible to reverse. If it is not a sealed battery, check the water levels in each cell. They should be equal and cover the plates. Only use distilled water if you need to top up a cell. Consider having the battery and charging system tested on your first trip after removing the car from storage.

4. Look at the Tires

Measure the air pressure in the car’s tires to detect slow leaks. Look for cracking or tread defects that you may have appeared during the winter cold. If the car is not on blocks, then the tires may form flat spots where the tire rested on the concrete floor. These may work themselves out as you drive, but it pays to have them inspected at a tire shop to make sure there is no permanent damage.

5. Time for a Bath

After finishing all these inspections, it is time to give your special friend a good bath, inside and outside. Use a mild detergent and clean water to make sure the paint is not scratched. Dry the body and especially the windows with a lint-free absorbent cloth so there are no water spots. A good waxing will make certain your car shines and makes subsequent washings easier.

Enjoy the Drive

Now that your car is ready for the road, it is time to enjoy the warm spring and summer driving weather. Nothing quite shakes off the winter frost like a long country drive under blue skies. When fall’s chill returns and you need to rent a storage unit in Brampton or Caledon for your baby, contact us for a quote.

Car photo credit to Robert Nunnally under cc2.0

Car servicing photo credit to Hunterrrr under cc2.0