How to Store a Car Long Term in the UK

Car Owl

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Summary

• Prepare your car before storing: Top up fluids, inflate tyres, and disconnect the battery.
• SORN saves you money: Declare your car off the road to avoid paying road tax.
• Regular checks prevent damage: Visit your car every few weeks, even in storage.

Whether you are going abroad, have a second car, or are restoring a classic, storing a car properly matters. Leave it sitting without preparation and you risk flat batteries, seized brakes, and rust.

This guide covers everything you need to do before, during, and after long-term storage.

Before You Store

Preparation is the key to keeping your car healthy during storage. Complete these tasks first:

1. Clean the car thoroughly: Wash the exterior to remove dirt and salt. Clean the interior to prevent mould.
2. Top up all fluids: Fill the fuel tank to prevent condensation. Top up coolant, brake fluid, and oil.
3. Inflate the tyres: Over-inflate by about 5 psi above the recommended pressure. Tyres slowly lose air over time.
4. Change the oil: Old oil contains acids that can damage the engine during storage.
5. Apply wax: A coat of wax protects the paintwork from moisture and dust.

Battery Care

The battery is the most vulnerable part of a stored car. Here is how to protect it:

• Disconnect it: Remove the negative terminal to prevent slow drain.
• Use a trickle charger: A battery maintainer keeps the charge topped up safely.
• Store indoors if possible: Cold temperatures reduce battery life faster.

A flat battery is the most common problem after long-term storage. A trickle charger costs around £20 and pays for itself quickly.

Modern cars have many systems that draw power even when switched off. Without a trickle charger, a battery can go flat in as little as two weeks.

SORN and Insurance

If your car will be off the road, you need to sort out the paperwork:

You can SORN your car online through the DVLA. Your road tax refund is calculated monthly. Even though insurance is not legally required when SORNed, consider keeping fire and theft cover. If the car is stolen or damaged in storage, you will not be covered otherwise.

Read our V5C logbook guide for more on DVLA paperwork.

Where to Store Your Car

The storage location makes a big difference:

• Garage: The best option. Dry, secure, and sheltered from the weather.
• Car port: Good for weather protection but less secure.
• Driveway: Acceptable with a quality car cover. Use a breathable cover, not a plastic sheet.
• Storage facility: Professional car storage costs £100–£300 per month. Some offer climate control.

Avoid storing on grass. Moisture from the ground accelerates rust on the underside.

During Storage

Even in storage, your car needs attention. Visit it every two to four weeks and do the following:

• Start the engine: Run it for 15 minutes to circulate fluids and charge the battery.
• Move it slightly: Roll it forward or back a few feet. This prevents flat spots on the tyres.
• Check for pests: Mice love to nest in stored cars. Check under the bonnet and in the boot.
• Air it out: Open the doors for a few minutes to prevent musty smells and damp.

Getting Your Car Back on the Road

When you are ready to drive again, follow these steps:

1. Reconnect the battery and charge it fully.
2. Check all fluid levels and top up as needed.
3. Inspect the tyres for flat spots and correct pressure.
4. Test the brakes gently before driving at speed.
5. Tax the car and cancel the SORN.
6. Make sure your insurance is active.
7. Book an MOT if it has expired during storage.

Check your MOT history to confirm when your next test is due.

Preventing Rust and Corrosion

Stored cars are vulnerable to rust, especially in damp British conditions:

• Wax the underside: Apply a wax-based underseal before storage. This protects against moisture.
• Use moisture absorbers: Place silica gel packs or a dehumidifier inside the car.
• Avoid covering with a tarp: Non-breathable covers trap moisture. Use a proper breathable car cover instead.
• Raise the car on axle stands: For very long storage, this takes weight off the tyres and suspension.

Final Thoughts

Storing a car properly is not difficult. It just takes a little preparation and regular checks. The biggest risks are a flat battery, seized brakes, and tyre damage.

Spend an hour preparing your car before storage and visit it regularly. You will save yourself expensive repair bills when it comes time to drive again.

For more on keeping your car in good shape, see our car servicing guide.

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