Why Sitting Still Is Hard on a Car

It seems counterintuitive — surely a car that isn't being driven can't be wearing out? In practice, extended non-use puts stress on a vehicle in ways that regular driving actually prevents. Fluids settle and degrade, rubber seals dry out, batteries self-discharge, and tires develop flat spots from supporting static weight. Rodents find their way into warm engine bays. Moisture accumulates in fuel tanks and brake systems.

Whether you're storing a vehicle for a few weeks while traveling, parking a seasonal vehicle over winter, or simply driving far less than usual, the same principles apply: a little deliberate preparation goes a long way. As noted in our guide on why deferred maintenance compounds, small problems left unaddressed reliably become larger, more expensive ones.

Use the checklist below to work through the key areas before you park for an extended stretch — and to guide any check-ins while the car sits.

Before You Park

Fill the fuel tank to near-full and consider adding a fuel stabilizer if storing for more than 30 days, following product instructions. Must
Change the engine oil if you're within a few thousand miles of your next service interval — old oil sitting in the engine can degrade and cause corrosion. Should
Check and top off all fluid levels: coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Should
Wash and dry the exterior thoroughly to remove road salts, bird droppings, and debris that can damage paint over time. Should
Apply a coat of wax to the exterior for an added layer of paint protection during storage. Nice to have
Clean the interior completely, removing all food debris to deter pests. Must

Battery & Electrical

Connect the battery to a quality trickle charger or battery maintainer to prevent self-discharge, especially in cold conditions. Must
If a maintainer isn't available, plan to start the car and let it run for 15–20 minutes every two weeks to help the alternator recharge the battery. Should
For very long storage (several months), consider disconnecting the negative battery terminal entirely to halt parasitic drain — note this will reset any stored settings. Nice to have

Tires & Undercarriage

Inflate all tires to the upper end of the manufacturer's recommended range to help counteract the natural pressure loss that occurs over time. Must
If storing for more than two months, place the vehicle on jack stands to take weight off the tires and prevent flat spots from developing. Should
Avoid using the parking brake for storage longer than a few weeks — brake pads can fuse to rotors; use wheel chocks instead. Must

Protecting Against Pests & Environment

Seal the tailpipe opening with a clean rag or fitted plug to prevent rodents from nesting; place a visible reminder to remove it before starting. Should
Place rodent deterrents (such as steel wool or commercial repellent products) around the vehicle perimeter and under the hood, avoiding contact with rubber or wiring. Should
Cover the vehicle with a breathable car cover — avoid non-breathable plastic covers, which trap moisture and can cause rust and mold. Should
If storing outdoors, position the car away from trees where possible to minimize sap, debris, and animal activity. Nice to have

Periodic Check-Ins During Storage

Inspect tire pressure every two to four weeks and re-inflate as needed. Must
Look under and around the vehicle for signs of fluid leaks, pest activity, or moisture intrusion. Must
If you haven't connected a battery maintainer, start the engine and bring it to operating temperature to circulate fluids and recharge the battery. Should

What You'll Need

Most storage prep tasks require basic supplies you may already have. A few items are worth picking up specifically for this purpose.

Required

Battery trickle charger / maintainer

Keeps the battery at a healthy charge level during extended non-use without overcharging.

Required

Fuel stabilizer

Prevents fuel from degrading and gumming up the fuel system during storage beyond 30 days.

Required

Breathable car cover

Protects the exterior from dust, light debris, and moisture while allowing air circulation.

Required

Wheel chocks

Secures the vehicle in place when the parking brake should not be engaged during long storage.

Required

Tire pressure gauge

Allows accurate pressure checks during periodic storage inspections.

Optional

Jack stands

Support the vehicle off its tires during very long storage to prevent flat spots.

Optional

Rodent deterrent (spray or sachets)

Discourages pests from nesting in the engine bay or interior during storage.

Jack Stand Safety Is Non-Negotiable

If you choose to raise your vehicle to relieve tire pressure during storage, use properly rated jack stands — never rely on a hydraulic floor jack alone to support a stationary vehicle. Consult your owner's manual for the correct lift points. If you're unfamiliar with safely lifting a vehicle, have a qualified mechanic perform this step.

Managing Insurance During Extended Storage

One area drivers frequently overlook is auto insurance. If your vehicle will sit completely unused for a month or more, it's worth a direct conversation with your insurer. Depending on your policy and state, options may include adjusting your coverage level to remove liability and collision components while keeping comprehensive coverage — which protects against theft, weather, and fire while the car isn't on the road.

Letting Coverage Lapse Has Consequences

Driving a previously stored vehicle without confirming your coverage is active is a serious legal and financial risk. Before taking the car back on the road, verify with your insurer that your policy is in force and covers the vehicle for normal operation. Requirements vary by state, and driving uninsured can result in fines, license suspension, and personal financial liability.

Never cancel coverage entirely without confirming the implications with a licensed insurance professional first. Gaps in coverage can affect your rates when you reinstate a policy. This article is general information, not personalized insurance advice — coverage options, terms, and regulations vary by provider and state.

For broader context on car ownership decisions, see our piece on common car ownership myths that cost drivers money, which covers several misunderstandings about how cars should be maintained. And if you're keeping up with your car's regular maintenance schedule, storage prep fits naturally into that routine.

This article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute mechanical, legal, or insurance advice. Consult a qualified mechanic for vehicle-specific guidance and a licensed insurance agent for coverage decisions.