If you're planning a long trip away from home, you'll want to make sure that your car is safe and secure. Whether you choose an indoor or outdoor auto storage facility, the tips for storing your car are similar. Take the time to store your car properly so when you return, it is in great shape and ready to drive.

Indoor Versus Outdoor Storage

In either place, you'll want to buy a tight-fitting car cover. Animal and insect pests can get to your car whether it's inside or out. Outside storage requires a heavier, waterproof cover to protect the car from wind, rain and UV rays. You can use a lighter cover if storing the car inside.

Give the Car a Good Cleaning

Do a thorough cleaning of the car. Any spots left inside will be hard to remove when you get back, and dirt left on the exterior can damage paint while you're away. Clean and polish the exterior, removing any mud or tar on the body. Power wash the wheels and polish the chrome. Vacuum the inside and steam clean the upholstery. Shampoo carpets and floor mats.

Fluid Maintenance

Do a complete oil and filter change. Fill up the gas tank so moisture won't build up in the tank. Add a fuel stabilizer to keep the gas from breaking down, which can damage the engine and fuel lines. Top off all of the fluids including the coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid and power steering fluid.

Engine Maintenance

Take each spark plug out and coat the cylinders with oil. This keeps the spark plugs from corroding and becoming stuck in the engine. Wipe grease and oil off of the spark plug wires and any other engine components. If the engine is particularly dirty, steam clean the engine before storing the car.

Battery Maintenance

Take the battery wire off of the negative battery post. Clean any corrosion from both battery posts and battery clamps. Your battery may drain out if the car is in storage for several months. You can take the battery out of the car and bring a fully-charged one with you when you come back for the car. Or put a trickle charger on the battery for the duration to keep the battery charged up. You'll need access to a place to plug in the trickle charger if that is the approach you take.

Tire Maintenance

If you let your car rest on the tires for a long period, a flat spot can form which can ruin the tires. To prevent this, put the car up on jacks and remove the tires and wheels.

Miscellaneous Preparations

• Don't leave the parking brake on or the brake pads could become stuck to the rotors.
• Lift or remove wiper blades so they don't stick to the glass.
• Put foam pads in the tail pipe and any air intakes to prevent pests from getting into the car.

Finally, check with your insurance company to see if there are discounts for keeping your car in storage. You'll want to keep insurance on the car in case of theft or damage in the storage facility. To learn more, contact The Storehouse Watertown.