When a car sits unused for a long time, simply parking it and walking away may not be enough.

Battery discharge, tire pressure loss, moisture, and aging fluids can all create problems, so a few simple preparations can make a big difference.

<h3>Clean the Interior First</h3>

Before leaving the car unused, remove food, snacks, trash, and anything that could attract unwanted visitors. A clean interior also makes it easier to spot moisture or other problems when you return.

Check the floor mats, seats, storage compartments, and trunk for items that should not be left inside. If the vehicle will remain parked for several weeks, keeping the interior dry and clean is especially important.

It is also useful to close windows fully and make sure doors, the trunk, and other openings are properly secured. Avoid leaving unnecessary objects inside the vehicle.

<h3>Reduce Battery Drain</h3>

The battery can gradually lose its charge even when the engine is switched off. Electronic accessories connected to the vehicle may continue drawing power, depending on how the vehicle is designed.

Before long-term storage, disconnect removable devices such as dash cameras, display accessories, chargers, and other equipment connected to power outlets or diagnostic ports.

If the vehicle has a security or monitoring system that remains active while parked, check its power requirements before leaving the car for an extended period.

For very long storage, following the vehicle manufacturer's instructions for battery maintenance is the safest approach.

<h3>Choose a Better Parking Location</h3>

Where the car is parked matters. A level, secure, and dry location is preferable to an area with tall grass, standing water, or frequent exposure to debris.

Direct sunlight can gradually affect exterior surfaces and rubber components, while tree sap and bird droppings can damage paint if they remain on the surface for a long time. If possible, use a covered parking space or a suitable car cover designed for the vehicle. The parking surface should also be stable. Avoid locations where water can collect around the tires after rain.

<h3>Take Care of the Tires</h3>

Tires can lose pressure while a vehicle is sitting, and remaining in the same position for an extended period can contribute to temporary flat spots.

Check the recommended tire pressure before storage and follow the vehicle manufacturer's specifications. Do not automatically increase the pressure to an unusually high level simply because the car will not be driven.

For especially long storage periods, periodically moving the vehicle can change the contact point between the tires and the ground. If that is not practical, follow the tire and vehicle manufacturer's recommendations for extended parking.

<h3>Consider the Parking Brake</h3>

The parking brake should be handled according to the vehicle manufacturer's instructions and the storage conditions. On some vehicles, leaving a mechanical parking brake engaged for a very long time can contribute to components sticking or becoming difficult to release, especially in damp conditions.

For a manual-transmission vehicle, leaving the transmission in an appropriate gear may provide an additional safeguard against movement, but the exact procedure depends on the vehicle.

For an automatic vehicle, the transmission should normally be placed in Park. On any vehicle, make sure it is parked securely on a level surface before leaving it unattended.

<h3>Protect the Wiper Blades</h3>

Wiper blades can become stuck to the windshield after long exposure to heat, sunlight, or moisture. Before storing the car, clean the blades and windshield.

If the vehicle will remain unused for a long period, preventing the rubber from staying pressed against the glass continuously may help reduce sticking. However, avoid using objects that could damage the blades or windshield.

When returning to the vehicle, check the wipers before operating them. If a blade is stuck, gently release it rather than turning the wipers on immediately.

<h3>Plan for Extended Storage</h3>

If the car will not be used for a month or longer, battery maintenance becomes more important. A suitable battery maintainer can help keep the battery charged during storage, provided it is compatible with the vehicle and used according to its instructions.

For shorter periods, occasional driving can be helpful, but a brief start while the car remains parked is not necessarily a substitute for actually driving it. When conditions allow, a normal drive gives the vehicle a chance to reach operating temperature and allows the tires and other moving components to move.

Long-term storage is easier when the vehicle is prepared before it sits. Clean the car, remove unnecessary electrical loads, choose a suitable parking location, check the tires, and follow the manufacturer's storage recommendations. These small steps can reduce avoidable problems and make the vehicle easier to put back into regular use.

How to store a car the right way

Video by CNET Cars