What to Put Under Tires When Storing Your Car: A Guide

AvatarByCarl Frisch

When storing a car for an extended period of time, it is important to protect its tires from damage due to flat spots or deformation. To do this, it is recommended to place jack stands, wood blocks, or other supports under the tires. This will help keep the tires off the ground and prevent them from getting flat spots. Additionally, it is recommended to fill the tires with a low-pressure nitrogen gas or an inflation sealant product before storage. These products help maintain tire pressure and keep the rubber from becoming dry and brittle over time. Finally, it is important to cover the tires with a protective cover or tarp to protect them from sunlight and moisture.

Automobile

When it comes to taking care of your car, there are a few simple steps that should be taken to ensure its longevity. One of the most important aspects is knowing what to put under tires when storing a car. Tire care is essential for any car owner and there are several things that you can do to make sure your tires stay in good condition.

Tire Care

The first step in tire care is to check the tire pressure regularly. This can be done with a tire gauge and should be done at least once a month. Additionally, investing in tire covers will help protect the tires from UV rays, dirt, and other elements that can degrade the rubber. Finally, adding support jacks or blocks under the car can keep it off the ground when stored and help prevent flat spots on the tires.

Battery Care

Keeping your battery in good condition is also important for maintaining your car. To do so, you should buy a battery maintainer that will keep it charged during long periods of storage. Additionally, it is important to disconnect the terminals of your battery when you won’t be driving the car for an extended period of time.

Fuel System Care

To make sure that your fuel system stays in good condition while you’re storing your car, it’s important to fill up the tank with fresh fuel before putting away for an extended period of time. Additionally, adding a fuel stabilizer will help keep the fuel from degrading over time and provide better protection for your engine components.

Cleaning and Protecting Exterior

Taking care of your car’s exterior is also essential if you want it to last through years of use. Washing and waxing your car regularly will keep its surface clean and protected from scratches and other damage. Additionally, applying sealants will provide an extra layer of protection against dirt and debris as well as UV rays that can fade paint over time.

Preserving Interior Components

Cleaning seats and upholstery regularly will help keep them looking like new longer while protecting them from dirt or spills that could damage them over time. Vacuuming these surfaces often ensures they stay free from dust or debris that could cause damage or discoloration over time. If you have leather seats, it’s important to apply leather conditioner or protectant regularly as this helps prevent cracking or fading due to UV rays or other environmental factors.

Taking Care of Fluids

Keeping up with regular fluid changes on your vehicle is essential for vehicle maintenance as well as performance optimization . Changing oil & filters regularly helps reduce friction between engine parts which keeps everything running smoothly while topping off coolant reservoirs & radiator hoses helps ensure they don’t become dry which could lead to overheating issues . Also greasing chassis components helps ensure they move smoothly & don’t become corroded over time .

What to Put Under Tires When Storing Car

When it comes to storing a car, there are certain steps one must take to ensure the car is stored safely and securely. One of the most important steps is to make sure the tires are properly supported while in storage. This means making sure there is something underneath the tires that will provide support and stability.

Types of Materials Used

There are a variety of materials that can be used to provide support for a car’s tires while in storage. The most common materials used are jacks, blocks of wood, plastic or rubber mats, or foam padding. Jacks provide the most stable support and should be used if possible. Blocks of wood should also be considered as they provide a sturdy base and can be easily removed when needed. Plastic or rubber mats are also beneficial as they provide grip and cushioning for the tires during storage. Foam padding is another great option as it provides extra cushioning for the tires and can easily be removed when needed.

Where to Place Materials

When placing materials under a car’s tires for storage, it is important to make sure they are placed correctly. The materials should be placed directly underneath each tire so that all four wheels have equal support from the material being used. It is also important to make sure that no part of the material extends beyond the outer edge of each tire as this could cause damage or instability when moving the vehicle during storage. Additionally, when using foam padding, it should be cut into smaller pieces so that it fits snugly around each tire without any excess material hanging off of them.

Additional Considerations

When storing a car, it is important to take additional steps in order to ensure its safety and security during storage. This includes checking all fluid levels before putting the vehicle into storage and making sure tires are properly inflated before being placed in storage as well. Additionally, if any warning lights appear on the dashboard prior to entering storage, these should be addressed immediately in order to avoid any potential issues during long-term storage periods. Following these simple steps can help ensure your car stays safe and secure while in storage!

FAQ & Answers

Q: What should I put under my tires when storing my car?
A: When storing your car for an extended period of time, you should invest in tire covers to protect them from the elements and add support jacks or blocks to ensure the vehicle is not sitting on the ground. This will help prevent flat spots and tire damage.

Q: What should I do to maintain my car’s battery?
A: To maintain your car battery, it is important to buy a battery maintainer and regularly disconnect the battery terminals. This will help preserve the life of the battery while in storage.

Q: How can I protect my car’s fuel system when storing it?
A: To protect your car’s fuel system when storing it, fill the tank with fresh fuel and add a fuel stabilizer, which will help prevent oxidation and condensation from forming in the tank.

Q: What steps should I take to clean and protect my car’s exterior?
A: To clean and protect your car’s exterior, wash it with soap and water, then apply wax for better protection. You can also apply a quality sealant for long term protection from UV rays and other environmental hazards.

Q: How can I preserve interior components when storing my car?
A: When storing your car, it is important to clean all seats and upholstery with a vacuum cleaner specifically designed for this purpose. For leather seats, you can apply leather conditioner or protectant to keep them looking new. It is also important to change engine oil & filter as well as top up coolant reservoirs and radiator hoses during storage. Finally, grease chassis components with grease or oil for added protection against wear-and-tear.

When storing a car, it is important to put something protective under the tires to prevent flat spots from occurring. A good option is to use chocks, foam blocks, or wooden wedges to support the tire and prevent any movement. Additionally, it can be beneficial to inflate the tires slightly more than normal before storing the vehicle for an extended period of time. By taking these precautions, you can rest assured that your car will be in optimal condition when you are ready to use it again.

Author Profile

Carl Frisch
Carl Frisch
With more than 30 years in the bicycle industry, I have a strong background in bicycle retailing, sales, marketing and customer service. I have a passion for cycling and a dedication to excellence. As a manager, I worked diligently to increase my capabilities and responsibilities, managing up to eleven mechanics (at Palo Alto Bicycles) and later as a working partner in my own store.

As the shop owner of Spoke n’ Word Cycles in Socorro, NM, the success of the mission was my responsibility, which I pursued passionately since we opened in 2003 through the spring of 2011. I am adept at managing owned and loan inventory, preparing weekly & annual inventory statements, and managing staff. The role as managing partner also allowed me tremendous freedom. I used this personal freedom to become more deeply involved in my own advancement as a mechanic, to spearhead local trail building, and advocating for cycling both locally and regionally.

As a mechanic, I have several years doing neutral support, experience as a team mechanic, and experience supporting local rides, races, club events. I consistently strive to ensure that bicycles function flawlessly by foreseeing issues and working with the riders, soigners, coaches and other mechanics. Even with decades of experience as a shop mechanic and team mechanic, and continue to pursue greater involvement in this sport as a US Pro Mechanic, and UCI Pro Mechanic.

Similar Posts