Are you prepared for your holiday travels this winter? If you’re like other Wisconsin drivers, you’re probably dreading the winter weather. But luckily, if you’re headed out of state for the holidays, you can leave your vehicle behind! Just don’t forget to look into proper storage options if you plan to be away for more than a couple of weeks. While auto insurance offers an important layer of protection for your vehicle, storing it away from the threat of theft and vandalism is also a good idea. Keep reading to learn more about vehicle storage in North Prairie.
6 Tips for Storing a Vehicle in Wisconsin
1. Under Cover
Storing a vehicle in a garage for a few weeks while you’re away from home is ideal. That way you know it is protected from the elements and out of sight. If you don’t have a garage, don’t worry! You can store your car in a public storage facility or even with friends and family. Just as long as you’ve got it under cover and protected from inclement weather.
2. Keep It Clean
While it may seem like working backward to get your car cleaned before sending it to storage, it’s actually incredibly beneficial. This is because water markings, debris and bird markings can damage the paint or create a build-up that may be difficult to clean after a few weeks or months. Want an extra layer of protection? Then don’t skip the car wax!
3. Change the Oil
If you’re only putting your car away for a couple of weeks while you’re on vacation, you can skip this step. Otherwise, if you plan on keeping your car in storage for 30 days or more, remember that contaminants in the engine oil could result in damage if left to settle over time.
4. Charge It Up
While vehicle batteries are super strong, they will eventually lose their charge if left unattended. If possible, get a friend or family member to visit and start up your car every couple of weeks. Ideally, it would be even better if they could take it out for a quick 15-minute spin as well. This will help to maintain the battery’s charge. Keep the engine lubricated and prevent other mechanical issues from arising.
5. Prevent Flats
Before putting your vehicle away for storage, be sure to inflate the tires to the appropriate pressure level. If a car is allowed to sit for too long, the tires will eventually develop flat spots. This happens much more quickly in colder weather, making this step a top priority for Wisconsin drivers.
6. Insurance Considerations
While it may be very tempting to simply cancel your auto insurance coverage as you store away your car, you could be making a huge mistake. Sure, you will initially save some money by canceling your policy, but there’s a good possibility that your rate could increase for having a gap in coverage. Additionally, depending on where and how you store your car if something happens to it while you’re away you could be left paying for damages out of pocket.
Comprehensive Auto Insurance Coverage
Storing your car away doesn’t have to be a huge chore when you’re organized and prepared. At Wolfgram Insurance, we are proud to be your choice independent agents in Wisconsin. With many years of combined experience and a dedication to helping our clients find the right insurance policy to fit their needs – you can rest easy knowing we’ve got your best interests in mind. Interested more great auto care and maintenance tips? Call (262) 349-9605 or contact us online today for more information and be sure to request a free quote.
