Not every vehicle in Missouri is driven throughout the entire year. Convertibles, classic cars, sports cars, recreational vehicles, work trucks, motorcycles, and extra family vehicles may spend several weeks or months parked between uses. Some Missouri residents also travel south during the winter and leave a vehicle behind until spring.
Temporarily parking a vehicle may seem simple, but proper storage involves more than turning off the engine and closing the garage door. Vehicles are designed to move regularly. When one sits for an extended period, its battery can lose charge, tires can develop problems, fuel can deteriorate, moisture can accumulate, and rodents may find their way into protected areas.
Missouri’s changing weather makes preparation even more important. Vehicles stored in the state may experience summer heat, high humidity, thunderstorms, freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and rapid temperature swings—sometimes within a relatively short period.
Whether you are storing a Ford Mustang for the winter, parking a truck between work seasons, or leaving a family vehicle while traveling, the following steps can help protect your investment and make its eventual return to the road easier.
Decide How Long the Vehicle Will Be Stored
The first step is estimating how long the vehicle will remain parked.
A car sitting for two weeks usually requires less preparation than one being stored for three or four months. Ford generally considers a vehicle stored for 30 days or more to need long-term storage preparation.
Your preparation should reflect the expected storage period:
- Less than one month: Basic cleaning, tire-pressure checks, and battery awareness may be sufficient.
- One to three months: Fuel, battery, tires, moisture, and pest prevention become more important.
- Several months or longer: A more complete storage plan should include fluid service, a battery-maintenance strategy, indoor storage when possible, and a detailed return-to-service inspection.
Write down the date the vehicle entered storage and everything you did to prepare it. Keep the checklist somewhere easy to find. This will help you reverse every step safely before starting the vehicle again.
Choose the Best Storage Location
A dry, enclosed, and ventilated building is generally the best place to store a vehicle. A garage protects it from direct sunlight, hail, falling branches, snow, ice, windblown debris, and dramatic temperature changes.
Ford recommends storing vehicles in a dry, ventilated location and protecting them from sunlight.
Before parking the vehicle, inspect the garage or building for:
- Roof leaks
- Standing water
- Excessive humidity
- Signs of rodents
- Openings around doors or walls
- Chemical or fertilizer storage
- Loose items that could fall
- Poor ventilation
Avoid parking directly on grass or bare soil for an extended period. Moisture from the ground can collect beneath the vehicle and contribute to corrosion. A clean concrete floor is preferable.
When indoor storage is unavailable, choose a firm, well-drained surface away from trees. Avoid low areas where rainwater, snowmelt, or leaves may accumulate.
A vehicle stored outdoors should be protected with a fitted, breathable cover designed for automotive use. A plastic tarp may trap moisture against the paint rather than protect it. Make sure the vehicle is completely dry before installing any cover.
Clean the Exterior Thoroughly
Never intentionally store a dirty vehicle.
Mud, bird droppings, insects, road grime, tree sap, and other contaminants can damage paint when left in place for months. Road salt is particularly important to remove before winter storage because it can promote corrosion.
Wash the body, wheels, wheel wells, and lower sections of the vehicle. If the vehicle was recently driven on treated winter roads, rinse the underbody carefully.
Dry the vehicle completely, then apply a quality coat of wax. Wax creates an additional barrier between the paint and environmental contaminants. Touch up exposed chips or scratches where bare metal is visible.
Ford also recommends cleaning dirt, grease, oil, tar, and mud from exterior surfaces before long-term storage.
Clean the headlights, taillights, mirrors, glass, and chrome trim. Lubricating door hinges, hood hinges, and latches may also help prevent stiffness and corrosion during longer storage periods.
Clean and Dry the Interior
Anything left inside the vehicle can become a problem after several months.
Remove:
- Food and drink containers
- Trash
- Clothing
- Damp towels
- Paper products
- Pet food
- Gum and candy
- Sunscreen and cosmetics
- Electronics
- Important documents
- Items that may melt, freeze, or leak
Vacuum the carpets, seats, cargo area, and spaces underneath the seats. Food crumbs can attract mice and insects even when they are difficult to see.
Clean any spills and make sure upholstery and carpet are fully dry before closing the vehicle. Moisture trapped in the cabin may lead to odors, mildew, or mold.
In humid storage conditions, automotive-safe moisture absorbers or desiccant packs may help. Place them in a container so they cannot spill or stain the interior. AAA also recommends moisture-control products when a stored vehicle may be exposed to significant humidity.
Prepare the Fuel System
A mostly empty fuel tank contains space where moisture may accumulate. For many gasoline-powered vehicles, filling the tank before long-term storage can reduce the amount of air and condensation inside it.
Ford recommends filling a gas-powered vehicle’s fuel tank with high-quality fuel before storage.
For storage lasting several months, a fuel stabilizer may also be appropriate. Follow the product directions carefully. Stabilizer usually needs to circulate through the fuel system, so it may need to be added before the vehicle is driven for the final time.
Do not assume that every vehicle requires exactly the same preparation. Diesel engines, gasoline engines, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, classic cars, and recreational equipment may have different requirements. Review the owner’s manual for model-specific guidance.
Take Care of the Battery
The 12-volt battery is one of the most common sources of trouble after a vehicle has been parked.
Even when the vehicle is turned off, security systems, computers, communication modules, clocks, and other electronics may continue using small amounts of electricity. Over time, this parasitic draw can discharge the battery.
Cold temperatures also reduce available battery power, while gasoline and diesel engines require more energy to start in cold weather.
Depending on the vehicle and storage location, you may:
- Connect a quality automatic battery maintainer
- Disconnect the battery
- Remove and store the battery properly
- Periodically check and recharge it
A battery maintainer is different from a basic charger. It is designed to monitor the battery and provide charge as needed without continuously overcharging it.
If you disconnect the battery, be aware that the vehicle may lose certain memory settings. Ford notes that memory features may need to be reset after battery disconnection.
Modern vehicles can have specific battery procedures, so consult the owner’s manual or a qualified technician before disconnecting anything.
Follow the Correct Guidance for Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles require a different storage strategy than gasoline-powered vehicles.
Do not assume that an EV should remain at a 100% state of charge for several months. Ford recommends keeping the high-voltage battery at approximately 50% charge when one of its EVs will be parked for 30 days or more. It also states that storing the battery below 100% is generally more favorable for battery longevity.
The recommended charge level, temperature range, and connection procedure may vary by model. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions rather than applying gasoline-vehicle storage advice to an electric vehicle.
Remember that an EV also has a conventional low-voltage battery that powers many vehicle systems. That battery may need its own storage plan.
Check Tires and Prevent Flat Spots
Tires naturally lose pressure over time, and Missouri temperature changes can cause noticeable pressure fluctuations.
Check all four tires and the spare before storage. Inflate them to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure, which is usually listed on the driver-side doorjamb label or in the owner’s manual. Do not use the maximum pressure molded into the tire sidewall as the normal operating target.
NHTSA recommends checking tire pressure when the tires are cold and notes that infrequently driven vehicles may face increased concerns related to tire aging and storage conditions.
When a vehicle remains in one position for months, the tires may develop temporary or permanent flat spots. Strategies may include:
- Using tire cradles designed for vehicle storage
- Moving the vehicle periodically when appropriate
- Placing the vehicle on manufacturer-approved supports
- Following the tire or vehicle manufacturer’s storage recommendations
Do not place a vehicle on improvised supports or jack stands without understanding the proper lifting and support points. Incorrect support can damage the vehicle or create a serious safety hazard.
Before driving again, inspect each tire for cracks, bulges, punctures, dry rot, and pressure loss.
Review Fluids and Maintenance
Storage does not pause fluid deterioration or erase overdue maintenance.
Before putting the vehicle away, check:
- Engine oil
- Coolant
- Brake fluid
- Transmission fluid
- Power-steering fluid, when applicable
- Windshield-washer fluid
- Differential and transfer-case fluids, when applicable
Ford recommends changing the engine oil and filter before long-term storage because used oil may contain contaminants.
Coolant concentration is especially important before a Missouri winter. The cooling system must provide adequate freeze protection, and the reservoir should be at the correct level.
If the vehicle is already due for scheduled service, completing it before storage may be easier than leaving old fluids and filters in place for several months.
Inspect under the vehicle for signs of oil, coolant, transmission fluid, or brake-fluid leaks. Repairing a leak before storage can prevent a small issue from becoming a larger one.
Protect the Vehicle From Rodents
A quiet, sheltered vehicle can look like an ideal winter home to mice.
Rodents may build nests in air-filter housings, insulation, glove compartments, engine bays, trunks, and exhaust systems. They may also chew wiring, hoses, upholstery, and plastic components.
Start by reducing the rodent population around the storage building. Remove food sources, grass seed, pet food, bird seed, trash, and nesting materials.
Inspect the building for openings. University of Missouri Extension recommends closing small gaps with durable materials and notes that tightly packed steel wool can serve as a temporary plug.
Some owners block vehicle openings such as the tailpipe or air intake with rodent-resistant material. Any blockage must be clearly labeled and completely removed before starting the engine.
Avoid placing loose poison inside the vehicle, especially where children or pets may encounter it. When pest-control products are needed, follow their labels or work with a professional.
Be Careful With the Parking Brake
Leaving the parking brake engaged for an extended period can sometimes allow brake components to stick, particularly in damp conditions.
AAA advises against using the parking brake during extended storage because components may freeze, rust together, or become distorted under certain conditions.
The safest alternative depends on the vehicle and parking surface. An automatic-transmission vehicle may be left in Park, while a manual-transmission vehicle may need to be left in the appropriate gear. Proper wheel chocks may also be necessary.
Always follow the owner’s manual. Never store a vehicle on an incline without a safe method of preventing movement.
Do Not Start It Briefly Just to “Exercise” It
Many owners believe they should start a stored vehicle for a few minutes every week. A brief start that does not bring the engine and exhaust to full operating temperature can create moisture without providing much benefit.
Manufacturer guidance varies. Ford recommends that certain stored gasoline vehicles be started every 15 days and allowed to run for at least 15 minutes at fast idle until normal operating temperature is reached. It also recommends operating the climate controls and shifting through the gears with the brake applied.
Because procedures differ by model, follow the owner’s manual. Do not run an engine inside a closed garage. Carbon monoxide can build to deadly levels even when a garage door is partially open.
When periodic operation is recommended, it should be done safely and completely—not with a quick two-minute start.
Review Insurance and Registration
Talk with your insurance representative before changing coverage on a stored vehicle.
Removing liability or collision coverage may reduce cost, but the vehicle may still face risks from:
- Theft
- Fire
- Hail
- Flooding
- Vandalism
- Falling objects
- Animal damage
- Building collapse
Coverage requirements may also apply when the vehicle is financed or leased.
Do not cancel or reduce coverage without understanding the consequences. Confirm what is required by your lender, insurer, and Missouri registration status.
Returning the Vehicle to the Road
Do not simply uncover the vehicle, start it, and immediately begin a highway trip.
First, remove all covers, wheel chocks, intake plugs, exhaust plugs, battery equipment, and pest-prevention materials. Review your storage checklist carefully.
Then inspect:
- Tire pressure and condition
- Fluid levels
- Battery condition
- Belts and hoses
- Lights and signals
- Wiper blades
- Brakes
- Engine compartment
- Air intake
- Exhaust outlet
- The ground underneath for leaks
Look for rodent nests, chewed wiring, or unusual odors. Check the engine oil before starting.
After starting the vehicle, listen for unusual noises and watch the instrument panel for warning lights. Test the brakes gently at low speed before entering normal traffic.
NHTSA also recommends checking for open safety recalls before returning a vehicle to regular use.
Let Chuck Anderson Ford Help Prepare Your Vehicle
Proper storage can help protect a seasonal vehicle, but every model has different requirements.
The service team at Chuck Anderson Ford in Excelsior Springs can help Missouri drivers prepare vehicles before storage and inspect them before they return to the road.
Our team can assist with:
- Oil and filter changes
- Battery testing
- Battery-maintainer recommendations
- Tire inspections and pressure checks
- Coolant testing
- Fluid inspections
- Brake inspections
- Wiper replacement
- Recall checks
- Multipoint vehicle inspections
- Spring and winter preparation
Whether your vehicle sits through a Missouri winter, remains parked during an extended trip, or is used only during a particular work season, preparation matters.
A few thoughtful steps before storage can reduce the risk of a dead battery, damaged tires, stale fuel, rodent problems, corrosion, and an unexpected repair bill.
Store the vehicle clean, dry, protected, and properly maintained. Follow its owner’s manual, keep a written checklist, and inspect everything carefully before driving again.
Chuck Anderson Ford is proud to help drivers throughout Excelsior Springs and the Kansas City Northland protect their vehicles during every season.
This article provides general vehicle-care information. Storage requirements vary by vehicle, powertrain, model year, storage period, and environment. Always follow the instructions in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.