Vehicle Storage for Extended Travel: Battery and Fuel Considerations

Planning a long adventure, a temporary move overseas, or just taking a sabbatical? Whether you’re travelling for leisure or business, storing your vehicle properly before you jet off is something you shouldn’t overlook. Too many drivers return home to flat batteries, degraded fuel, or other costly surprises, issues that could’ve been avoided with a few simple steps.

This guide will walk you through how to prepare your car for long-term vehicle storage, focusing on two often-overlooked areas: battery maintenance and fuel care. We’ll also show you why choosing the right storage facility, like Newbury Self Store’s secure container storage, is the key to returning to a car that’s ready to hit the road the moment you are.

Travelling Long-Term? Don’t Just Park and Hope for the Best

If your travel plans span several weeks or even months, simply locking the car and leaving it on the driveway or in a garage isn’t enough. Batteries lose charge, tyres flatten, fuel breaks down, and moisture can creep into vital components. Even vehicles parked under cover aren’t immune to time.

One of our customers, a local business owner, once left his work van idle for six months. When he returned, not only was the battery dead, but the fuel system needed flushing due to separation and sediment. Since switching to container storage in Newbury with us and using a fuel stabiliser before each extended leave, he hasn’t had a single issue, even after a year abroad.

Battery Basics: Keep Your Power Source Alive

Why Car Batteries Die During Storage

Car batteries naturally lose charge when not in use. Combine that with cold weather or humidity, and you’ve got a recipe for a lifeless battery on your return.

Options to Prevent Battery Drain

• Disconnect the battery: It’s the most straightforward method, especially if you’re away for 1-3 months.
• Install a battery maintainer (trickle charger): Ideal for more extended periods or if your car has advanced electronics that draw power even when idle.
• Check water levels (for non-sealed batteries): Top up with distilled water if needed.
• Avoid jump-starting post-storage: A flat battery might tempt you to jump-start, but this can stress the alternator; it’s best to recharge it slowly with a proper charger.

If you’re storing your vehicle in one of our personal storage units, a battery maintainer with solar capabilities (placed on the unit’s roof) can be a convenient, low-maintenance solution.

Fuel System Tips: Avoid the Gunk

The Problem with Fuel Sitting Still

Fuel isn’t designed to sit unused for long. Within a couple of months, it starts to degrade, especially in damp or cold environments. This can lead to hard starts, engine knocking, or even permanent injector damage.

Use a Fuel Stabiliser for Storage

A fuel stabiliser for storage is a must-have for any long-term vehicle storage plan.

• Add before refuelling: So it blends thoroughly.
• Drive the car briefly: To get the stabiliser circulated through the fuel system.
• Fill the tank: This minimises the space for moisture to accumulate.

Petrol degrades faster than diesel, but both can cause headaches if left untreated.

Bonus Tips: More Than Just Fuel and Batteries

To get the full benefit of long-term storage, consider these additional steps:

Tyres

• Inflate slightly above normal pressure: This helps prevent flat spots, especially if storing on concrete.
• Use tyre cushions or rotate monthly: If possible, it keeps them from becoming deformed.

Engine & Fluids

• Change the oil and filter: Old oil can be acidic and damage engine components.
• Top up coolant and brake fluid: Helps avoid corrosion in vital systems.

Interior Protection

• Remove all food or perishables: You’d be surprised how quickly a crumb can become a rodent buffet.
• Use moisture absorbers: These can prevent mildew or musty smells, especially in soft interiors.
• Leave a window slightly ajar: If the storage area is dry and secure, this helps with ventilation.

Why Storage Location Matters

Leaving your car on a residential street or tucked into a leaky shed isn’t enough. For true peace of mind, consider a purpose-built storage facility like Newbury Self Store, where:

• Containers are dry, secure, and insulated
• Access is easy yet controlled
• Staff are available for advice and support
• Long-term rental plans are flexible and cost-effective

If you’re a tradesperson or company vehicle owner, our business storage options give you that extra layer of professionalism and reliability.

Making It Official: Legal Steps to Consider

Before locking the doors and heading to the airport:

• Declare your vehicle SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) if not using it during your time away.
• Ensure your insurance covers storage in a private unit or off-road location.
• Update your MOT if it’s due while you’re away.

A quick phone call or online update with your insurer can save you a big headache later.

Storage That Moves With You: Flexible Vehicle Solutions

One of the best things about choosing Newbury Self Store is the flexibility. Not everyone knows exactly how long they’ll be away, so whether it’s three months or two years, you’ll have a secure spot ready to go, and scalable based on vehicle size.

Need to store extra items with your car, like bikes, gearboxes, or spare tyres? Add a few packaging supplies or boxes to your unit to stay organised. That way, when you return, everything’s right where you left it.

A Real-World Scenario

One of our long-time customers recently stored his classic convertible while travelling across Europe in a campervan. After adding a fuel stabiliser for storage, disconnecting the battery, and keeping the tyres elevated on pads, he returned six months later to a car that started like it was driven yesterday.

He chose Newbury Self Store because it’s locally trusted, easy to access, and designed for long-term use without the cost of commercial garages or covered parking.

Ready to Store Your Car the Right Way?

If you’re planning extended travel, prepping your vehicle properly can save you hundreds (if not thousands) in future repairs. Don’t wait until it’s too late, secure your vehicle, give your battery and fuel the attention they deserve, and travel with peace of mind.

Get started with our trusted container storage units in Newbury, or if you’re unsure which option is best, our team is happy to help. Just head over to the contact section, and we’ll point you in the right direction.