What to Know Before Parking Your Car for Weeks or Months

Leaving a car sitting for a long stretch—whether you're traveling for the summer or storing a weekend toy—can cause more trouble than you'd expect. At Boca Auto Care, we've seen batteries go dead, tires develop flat spots, and fuel turn to varnish in cars that sat too long. If you own a Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Porsche, VW, Volvo, Jaguar, Lexus, Toyota, or Honda (including hybrids), a few simple steps can save you a costly repair later.

For hybrids, the high-voltage battery can drain if the car isn't started regularly. Gas engines in any of these vehicles can suffer from moisture buildup in the oil and fuel system. Tires lose pressure over time, and brakes can rust if the car sits in damp Florida weather. Rodents love nesting in warm engine bays, chewing wires that are expensive to replace.

If you need to store a car for more than a month, here's what we recommend: top off the fuel tank and add a stabilizer, inflate tires to the pressure listed on the door jamb, and connect a battery tender. If you can, start the engine and let it run for 15 minutes every couple of weeks.

For hybrids, that also keeps the traction battery healthy.

Already have a car that's been sitting? Bring it by Boca Auto Care. We'll check the battery, fluids, tires, and belts—and look for any unwelcome visitors under the hood. No appointment necessary for a quick inspection. We've been keeping South Florida drivers on the road since 1989, and we're here to help.