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Tips for Bringing your Car out of Storage

Tips for Bringing your Car out of Storage

 Some tips when bringing your vehicle out of storage

The warm weather is finally upon us! With that, now is the perfect time to start getting your vehicle ready to emerge from its lair.  In order to make sure you’re taking proper care of your vehicle, make sure to read these do’s and don’ts for bringing your car out of storage:
Check the exterior
If your car spent the significant time under a cover, there’s a chance the paint may have been damaged from either moisture or the cover itself. Do a thorough inspection, and take it in if the exterior needs a little freshening up.
While you may be anxious to get your vehicle back on the road, it’s better to deal with any damage now, and not wait until the hot summer months to have it looked at.
Tires
One of the biggest things you’ll need to check is your vehicle’s tires.  If your car has been sitting on its tires for the entire winter, there may be cracks or bulges in one or more of the tires.  If you chose to remove your tires instead, you’ll still need to check to see if they’re properly inflated, and bring them to the correct PSI rating if they’re not.
 

 
Do not start driving before all your tires have been inspected and inflated to their proper levels. Failing to do so could lead to a potentially harmful situation.
Battery
Next is ensuring your battery works properly.  If it’s not already fully charged, make sure it is. You’ll have a hard time starting your vehicle if the battery is only partly charged, so make sure to connect it to a trickle charger if it still needs charging. Also, make sure to clean any corrosion off the terminals and cables.
If your battery is leaking or isn’t fully functioning, it’s time to get it replaced.
Change your engine oil
Even if you changed your engine shortly before storage, it’s in your best interest to have it replaced again at your earliest convenience.  While you’re at it, it’s not a bad idea to check the rest of your fluids to see if they’re at their proper levels.  If you notice any leaks, make sure to get them fixed before starting your vehicle.
Start your engine        
 If you put steel wool or something similar in your tailpipe to prevent rodents from getting in, don’t forget to remove it before starting the engine.
Once your vehicle is ready to go, start your engine and give your car a quick test spin. Don’t travel too far, just in case something goes wrong. Make note of any weird sounds or noises during the ride, and be sure to have them looked at by a mechanic as soon as possible.