Storing a car overseas for an extended period of time can be a daunting task, but with proper preparation, it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re moving abroad temporarily or just looking for a safe place to keep your car while you’re away, there are a few key steps you need to take to ensure that your car is properly stored and protected.
In this blog post, we’ll go over everything you need to know about storing a car overseas, from preparing the car for storage to arranging for its retrieval. Let’s get started!
Preparation
Preparing your car for long-term storage overseas is a crucial step in the process. Not only will it ensure that your car is in top condition when you return, but it will also help to protect it from damage during storage. Here’s a more detailed look at the steps you should take to prepare your car for long-term storage overseas:
Cleaning And Maintenance
Before you store your car, it’s important to give it a thorough cleaning and maintenance check. This includes washing the exterior, vacuuming the interior, and wiping down all surfaces. It needs a good all-round spring cleaning before being stored for an extended period!
It’s also a good idea to have the car serviced before you store it. This includes changing the oil, checking the tires, and making sure that all fluids are topped off. It’s also a good idea to check the brake pads and rotors, and replace them if they’re worn. This will save you a job when you get the car back, and ensure that everything’s in good working order before it goes into storage.
Removing Personal Items
When you’re preparing your car for long-term storage, it’s important to remove any personal items and valuables from the car to prevent them from getting lost or damaged during transit. This includes things like your registration and insurance documents, as well as any electronics or other valuables. Be sure to check every nook and cranny, including the glove box, center console, and trunk, and keep your items safe in the house instead.
Documenting The Condition
Another important aspect of preparation is documenting the condition of the car before storage. This can be done by taking photos or videos of the car’s exterior and interior, as well as any existing damage.
Be sure to document everything: the interior and exterior of the car, including the engine bay, tires, and any existing damages. This will provide a baseline of the car’s condition that you can use to compare to the car’s condition when you retrieve it.
Fuel And Other Fluids
It’s also a good idea to fill the gas tank to prevent moisture from forming inside the tank. You should also add fuel stabilizer to the gas to prevent any issues with stale gas when you retrieve the car. Additionally, you may also want to drain the brake fluid, coolant and power steering fluid, as these fluids can become contaminated over time and cause damage to the car’s system.
Shipping
Once the car is cleaned, maintained and all valuables removed, it’s time to start thinking about shipping. This is where things can get a bit tricky, as you’ll need to research and select a reputable shipping company, prepare the car for shipping, and navigate a variety of import/export regulations. This includes things like customs clearance, taxes and tariffs, and any other requirements that may apply – check the local rules according to where you’re shipping your car to and from.
It’s important to choose a reputable company that has experience shipping cars overseas – it’s a pretty specialized niche and you’ll want to make sure your car is in good hands. Make sure to ask for references, read reviews and check the company’s insurance coverage.
Storage
Once the car has arrived at its destination, the next step is to find a secure and climate-controlled storage facility. When I moved to Australia I used car storage with spacer.com.au which is an online platform that connects users with a wide range of storage options, including everything from indoor and outdoor parking spaces to climate-controlled storage units.
When storing a car overseas, security and climate control are key. A secure storage facility will protect your car from theft and vandalism, while climate control will help to prevent damage from extreme temperatures or humidity. By searching on Spacer.com.au, you can easily find a storage option that meets your specific needs and budget while keeping your vehicle safe and sound until you’re ready to start driving it again.
Protection
Protecting your car while it’s in storage is just as important as preparing it for storage. Here’s a more detailed look at the steps you should take to protect your car while it’s in storage.
Storing The Car On Blocks
Storing the car on blocks is an important step in protecting your car’s tires. When a car is left parked for an extended period of time, the weight of the car can cause the tires to flatten and lose their shape. By storing the car on blocks, you’ll be able to keep the weight off the tires and prevent flat spotting.
Battery Tender
A battery tender is a device that keeps the battery charged while the car is in storage. It works by providing a small amount of charge to the battery, which helps to keep it in good condition. This can help to prevent any issues with the battery, such as leakage or damage to the car’s electrical system.
Insurance
Investing in insurance for your car while it’s in storage is a good idea to protect against any potential damage or loss. It’s important to check with your insurance company to see if they offer coverage for cars that are in storage. Some insurance companies may require you to get additional coverage for cars that are stored for an extended period of time.
In either case, it’s best to be protected so do your research to avoid any nasty surprises should the worst happen.
Climate Control
Keeping the car in a climate-controlled storage unit can help to protect it from damage caused by extreme temperatures or humidity. This can help to prevent issues such as rust, mold, or warping.
Security
A secure storage facility can protect your car from theft and vandalism. Make sure to look for a storage facility that has security cameras, alarms, and a security guard on duty. If possible, look for a storage facility that is fenced and gated and that has a security code or card access system.
Regular Checkups
It’s also a good idea to arrange for regular checkups of the car while it’s in storage. This can be done by arranging for a friend or family member to check on the car, or by hiring a professional to do it for you.
During these checkups, be sure to check the car’s condition, including the tires, battery, and fluids. This will help to ensure that the car is in good condition and that any issues are addressed in a timely manner. Issues with cars tend to worsen if not tended to quickly, so make sure you get the vehicle looked at by a mechanic ASAP if you notice anything is out of place.
FAQs
How can I ensure that my car is ready to drive after being stored overseas for a long period of time?
To ensure that your car is ready to drive after being stored overseas for a long period of time, you should take the following steps:
- Inspect the car thoroughly: Before driving the car, give it a thorough inspection to check for any issues or damage. This should include checking the tires, brakes, battery, and fluid levels.
- Change the oil: After a long period of storage, the oil in your car may have become contaminated or degraded. Changing the oil will help to ensure that your engine is well lubricated and protected.
- Check the tire pressure: Tires can lose pressure over time, so be sure to check the tire pressure and inflate them to the recommended level.
- Charge the battery: If the battery has been disconnected or maintained with a battery tender, it may need to be charged before driving the car.
- Test drive the car: Take the car for a test drive to ensure that everything is working properly. This will give you an opportunity to check the brakes, steering, and transmission.
- Address any issues: If you find any issues during your inspection or test drive, be sure to address them with a trusted mechanic before driving the car on a regular basis.
- Register the car: If you haven’t already done so, be sure to register the car in your home country and ensure that it meets all the necessary regulations and requirements.
How can I ensure that my personal items and valuables are safe while my car is being stored overseas?
Leaving personal items in storage for a long time can be risky, but by taking our advice below you can be sure that your items will be safe and sound when you’re ready to retrieve them.
- Remove all personal items: Before storing your car, remove as many personal items and valuables from the car as you can. This includes things like registration and insurance documents, electronics, and jewelry.
- Securely store personal items: Once you’ve removed your personal items from the car, be sure to store them in a secure place. This could be a safe deposit box, a home safe, or a storage unit.
- Make a list: Make a list of all the personal items and valuables that you’ve removed from the car. This will help you keep track of everything and ensure that nothing is left behind.
- Make copies: Make copies of important documents such as registration and insurance documents and store them in a separate place from the originals.
- Inform family or friends: Inform a family member or friend about where your personal items and valuables are being stored, and ask them to keep an eye on them while you’re away.
- Consider insurance: Consider insuring your personal items and valuables to protect against any potential damage or loss.
Conclusion
Storing a car overseas for an extended period of time can be a daunting task, but with the right approach and proper planning, it doesn’t have to be.
By preparing the car properly, choosing a reputable shipping company, and finding a secure and climate-controlled storage facility like Spacer.com.au, you can ensure that your car is properly stored and protected while you’re away.
