How to Store Your German Car for a Deployment, Trip, or Season

To store a German car, keep the battery on a quality maintainer, fill the tank and add fuel stabilizer for longer storage, set the tires to the correct pressure, keep rodents out, and park it somewhere clean and dry under a breathable cover. Check your insurance, and if the car won't be driven on public roads in California, look into filing Planned Non-Operation with the DMV.

Whether you're heading out on a deployment or a long trip, or parking a second car for the season, here's how to do it right.

How do I protect the battery during storage?

German cars have many electronic modules that draw a little power even when the car is off. Over a few weeks, that can drain the battery, and a deeply drained battery may not recover.

• Use a quality battery maintainer (sometimes called a smart charger) that's made for your battery type.
• Ask before disconnecting the battery. On many German cars, disconnecting can reset settings or cause warning lights. A maintainer is usually the better choice.
• If the battery is old, consider replacing it before storage. Learn about our battery replacement service.

What should I do with fuel and fluids?

• Fill the tank to help limit moisture and condensation.
• Add fuel stabilizer if the car will sit for more than a month or so, and drive a short distance so it reaches the engine.
• Change the oil before storage if it's close to due. Used oil contains contaminants you don't want sitting in the engine.
• Top off fluids and make sure there are no leaks.

How do I protect the tires and brakes?

• Set the tires to the pressure on the door jamb label.
• For long storage, moving the car a little every few weeks can help prevent flat spots, if someone can do it for you.
• Skip the parking brake on long storage if it's safe to do so. Use wheel chocks on level ground instead. Ask us if your car has an electronic parking brake.

How do I keep pests and moisture out?

• Clean the car inside and out. Food crumbs attract rodents.
• Block entry points like the exhaust and air intake with a clearly marked cover, and leave yourself a reminder to remove them.
• Use a breathable car cover, not a plastic tarp that traps moisture.
• Choose a clean, dry spot like a garage if you can.

What paperwork do I need?

• Insurance. Ask your insurer about storage coverage, such as keeping comprehensive coverage for theft or damage.
• California PNO. If your car won't be driven or parked on public roads for the whole registration year, you can file Planned Non-Operation with the California DMV. Check the DMV's deadlines and rules before you file.
• Military members may have extra registration options. Check with the DMV and your base resources.

How do I wake up a stored car?

Remove any covers and blockers, check under the car for leaks or nests, check tire pressure, and look at the battery charge. Start it and let it idle briefly before driving gently. If it sat for many months, watch for warning lights or anything that feels off on the first few drives.

Frequently asked questions

Can I just disconnect the battery?

You can, but on many German cars it can reset settings or trigger warning lights. A quality battery maintainer is usually the simpler choice.

Should I start my stored car every week?

Short idling doesn't fully charge the battery or warm up the engine and can add moisture. A battery maintainer is usually better. If someone can, an occasional real drive is better than idling.

How long can a car sit without being driven?

It depends on the car and battery, but many German cars can drain a battery in a few weeks without a maintainer. Prep it properly for anything longer than a few weeks.

Do I need to pay registration on a stored car in California?

If it won't be driven or parked on public roads, you may qualify for Planned Non-Operation status. Check the DMV's rules.

Getting ready to leave town?

If your battery is getting old or an oil change is almost due, it's easiest to take care of it before you go. German Autowerke has been family-owned in Oceanside since 1989.

Call (760) 721-3321.