For Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts, their vehicles are more than just cars; they are prized possessions. Many owners choose to store their beloved Mercedes, especially classic models, during harsher weather conditions or periods of extended non-use. Properly storing your Mercedes is essential to prevent damage and ensure it remains in pristine condition, ready for the road whenever you are. However, simply parking your car and forgetting about it is not enough. Effective Mercedes storage requires careful preparation and a proactive approach.
Whether you plan to store your Mercedes for a few winter months or for longer periods exceeding a year, this comprehensive guide from the experts at cardetailinguk.com will walk you through the essential steps. Our aim is to help you maintain your Mercedes in perfect running order, eliminating potential storage-related issues and preserving its value.
1. Selecting the Ideal Mercedes Storage Location: Dry and Secure
Choosing the right storage location is paramount for protecting your Mercedes from the elements and potential hazards. Covered Mercedes storage is always the preferred option to significantly minimize the risk of rust and environmental damage.
Your home garage is often the most convenient choice. However, dedicated public storage facilities offer specialized car storage solutions, sometimes including various care plans and regular check-up services. These facilities can provide an added layer of security and peace of mind.
Regardless of your chosen location, security against theft and vandalism is crucial. If storing at home, meticulously inspect your garage or storage space for any entry points that could be exploited by rodents. Mice and rats can inflict substantial damage to a vehicle in a remarkably short time, often causing thousands in repair costs by gnawing on wiring, upholstery, and other components. Seal any gaps or openings, especially around the engine bay and interior access points.
Alt: Classic Mercedes-Benz safely stored inside a clean and secure garage, emphasizing protection from weather and potential damage.
A word of caution regarding car covers: while seemingly protective, waterproof car covers can sometimes trap moisture underneath, potentially leading to paint issues. If using a cover, opt for a breathable car cover designed for storage to allow for air circulation and minimize moisture build-up.
2. Pre-Storage Preparation: Washing and Detailing Your Mercedes
While it might seem counterintuitive to clean a car before storing it, a thorough wash and detailing are vital steps in preparing your Mercedes for storage. Removing dirt, grime, and contaminants before storage can prevent long-term damage and make your post-storage detailing much easier.
During regular use, cars accumulate various damaging substances. Bird droppings, for example, are highly acidic and can aggressively erode paintwork if left unattended. Over time, this can penetrate through the clear coat and paint layers, reaching the metal underneath and causing corrosion.
Pay close attention to the lower sills and remove any tar residue, as it can stain paint over time. Clean brake dust from the wheels, as brake residue can also be corrosive. Consider applying a coat of high-quality car wax to the paintwork for an extra layer of protection against environmental elements and contaminants during storage.
Crucially, ensure your Mercedes is completely dry after washing. Any standing water on the paintwork can lead to permanent water spots and staining. Thorough drying is essential to prevent these issues.
3. Fuel Management: Fill the Tank and Consider a Stabilizer
To minimize moisture buildup within the fuel tank and fuel system, it’s advisable to fill your Mercedes’ fuel tank to its maximum capacity before storage. An empty or partially filled tank allows for more air space, increasing the potential for condensation to form, which can lead to rust and fuel system problems.
For extended storage periods of several months or more, consider adding a fuel stabilizer to the tank. Modern fuels often contain ethanol, which can attract moisture and degrade over time, potentially causing corrosion and fuel system issues. A fuel stabilizer prevents fuel degradation, keeps the fuel system clean, and protects against corrosion.
Maintaining a full fuel tank also helps keep seals and fuel lines lubricated, preventing them from drying out and cracking over time.
4. Oil Change: Fresh Oil for Engine Protection
Changing your Mercedes’ engine oil and filter before storage is a crucial step in protecting the engine’s internal components. Used engine oil contains contaminants, acids, and combustion byproducts that can be corrosive and detrimental to engine health, especially when left sitting for extended periods.
Replace the old oil and filter with a high-quality, fresh engine oil and a genuine Mercedes-Benz or reputable brand filter. Fresh oil will neutralize acids and prevent sludge and swarf from settling and potentially causing damage. After the oil change, run the engine for a few minutes to circulate the new oil throughout the engine and ensure all internal parts are coated and protected.
5. Brake Care: Relieving Brake System Pressure
To prevent brake pads from sticking to the rotors and potentially seizing during storage, it’s recommended to release the parking brake. To ensure your Mercedes remains stationary, use wheel chocks to securely block the wheels and prevent any movement. Releasing the handbrake reduces tension on the brake cables and components, minimizing the risk of corrosion and sticking.
6. Battery Maintenance: Keeping the Power Alive
Maintaining the battery is vital for ensuring your Mercedes starts reliably after storage. There are two primary approaches to battery care during storage:
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Leaving the Battery Connected: For modern Mercedes vehicles with sensitive electronics, many owners prefer to leave the battery connected to preserve onboard computer settings and avoid potential issues with resetting systems. In this case, using a battery trickle charger or maintainer is highly recommended. A trickle charger will slowly charge the battery, keeping it at its optimal voltage and preventing it from discharging completely, which can shorten battery life.
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Disconnecting the Battery: For longer storage periods, or if you prefer a more conservative approach, disconnecting the battery is a viable option. Disconnect the negative terminal first, followed by the positive terminal. Store the battery in a cool, dry place, and consider using a battery maintainer even when disconnected to prevent self-discharge.
Regardless of the method you choose, cleaning the battery terminals and applying a small amount of dielectric grease or petroleum jelly to the terminals can prevent corrosion and ensure a good connection when you reconnect the battery.
Alt: A Mercedes-Benz car battery connected to a trickle charger, illustrating a method for maintaining battery health during vehicle storage.
7. Tire Care: Preventing Flat Spots
If your Mercedes will be stored for an extended period, especially three months or longer, tire flat spots can become a concern. When a vehicle sits in one position for a long time, the weight of the car can cause the tires to deform at the point of contact with the ground, resulting in flat spots. This is more pronounced in low-profile tires.
To mitigate flat spots, inflate your tires to the maximum recommended pressure indicated on the tire sidewall. Overinflation will compensate for natural air pressure loss over time and reduce the risk of deformation.
For very long-term storage exceeding three months, consider placing your Mercedes on axle stands. This completely removes the weight of the vehicle from the tires, eliminating the risk of flat spots and preserving tire shape. Alternatively, tire cradles can be used to distribute the weight more evenly and minimize flat spot development.
8. Regular Maintenance During Storage: Keeping Things Moving
Even while in storage, periodic maintenance is beneficial for keeping your Mercedes in optimal condition. While driving the car is ideal, if storage is intended to prevent driving, regular engine start-ups are recommended.
Start the engine and let it run for 15-20 minutes every week or every other week. Allow the engine to reach its full operating temperature. This circulates fluids, lubricates engine components, and helps prevent seals from drying out. Running the engine also burns off any moisture that may have accumulated in the exhaust system.
If your Mercedes is equipped with air conditioning, run the A/C system during these engine start-ups. This will circulate refrigerant and lubricate the air conditioning system seals, preventing them from drying out and leaking. Engage the transmission through its gears (if automatic) or depress the clutch pedal and move through the gears (if manual) to keep the transmission components lubricated and prevent sticking.
Don’t forget the interior. Mould and mildew can develop quickly inside a stored vehicle, particularly on leather and rubber surfaces. Use a quality antibacterial cleaner and leather conditioner on interior surfaces before storage. Place silica gel packs inside the car to absorb moisture and minimize humidity. Periodically dry out the silica gel packs as needed.
9. Insurance Coverage: Don’t Cancel Your Policy
It might be tempting to cancel your insurance policy while your Mercedes is in storage, but this is generally not advisable. Even in secure storage, unforeseen events such as fire, theft, or natural disasters can occur. Maintaining insurance coverage provides financial protection in such circumstances.
Contact your insurance provider to discuss your Mercedes storage plans. They may offer specific storage insurance options or adjust your policy to reflect the reduced risk of driving while the car is stored, potentially leading to a premium reduction.
If using a public Mercedes storage facility, inquire about their insurance coverage and the extent of their liability in case of damage or loss due to fire, theft, or acts of God.
10. Post-Storage Checklist: Getting Back on the Road
When you’re ready to take your Mercedes out of storage, a thorough post-storage checklist is essential to ensure everything is in order before driving.
- Fluid Checks: Check all fluid levels, including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Inspect underneath the car for any leaks. Top up fluids as needed.
- Brake Fluid Condition: Consider changing the brake fluid, especially if the car has been stored for many months. Brake fluid can absorb moisture over time, which can compromise braking performance.
- Wiper Blades: Inspect wiper blades for cracks or deterioration. Replace if necessary to ensure good visibility in wet weather.
- Tire Inspection: Check tires for cracks, bulges, or sidewall damage. Verify tire pressure and reinflate to the recommended levels.
- Air Conditioning System: Test the air conditioning system for proper operation. If cooling is weak, the system may need to be recharged.
- Brake Inspection: Inspect brake discs for surface rust or damage. Check for any leaks from wheel cylinders on drum brakes.
- Engine Bay Check: Thoroughly inspect the engine bay for any signs of rodent damage, such as chewed wires or nesting materials.
- Battery Reconnection: If the battery was disconnected, reconnect it, ensuring terminals are clean and connections are secure. Check battery voltage and charging system operation.
Mercedes Storage Services:
If you’re planning to store your Mercedes for an extended period and prefer professional assistance, cardetailinguk.com offers comprehensive Mercedes storage preparation services. We can expertly prepare your vehicle for storage, ensuring all necessary steps are taken to protect it. We also provide full inspection and servicing for Mercedes vehicles being taken out of long-term storage, ensuring they are road-ready and in peak condition. Our secure Mercedes storage facilities are available from £125 + VAT per month. Contact us today to discuss your Mercedes storage needs.
