Published · GaragePrivé, Genève
- Choose a covered, ventilated, secure place
- Wash the car, underneath too
- Fill the tank
- Keep the battery charged
- Check the tyre pressure
- Don’t leave the handbrake on for months
- Use a breathable cover
- Start the car periodically
- Deposit your plates, if it is worth it
- In spring, take it easy
1. Choose a covered, ventilated, secure place
The main enemy of a parked car is damp. A covered but poorly ventilated place encourages corrosion and mould; a monitored place limits the risk of theft and damage.
2. Wash the car, underneath too
The salt spread on Geneva’s roads in winter attacks the underbody. Wash the bodywork and underside, clean the interior and let it dry before covering.
3. Fill the tank
A full tank limits condensation inside it. For very long storage, ask your mechanic whether they recommend a fuel stabiliser.
4. Keep the battery charged
A modern car draws power even when parked. Without charge maintenance the battery can be flat within a few weeks.
5. Check the tyre pressure
Under-inflated tyres deform faster when standing. Check the pressure before storage, then again before driving off.
6. Don’t leave the handbrake on for months
On many cars the pads can stick to the discs. Follow the manufacturer’s advice (gear engaged or P, wheel chocks).
7. Use a breathable cover
A protective cover keeps dust off without trapping moisture, provided it is designed for indoor storage.
8. Start the car periodically
A regular start-up circulates the fluids and allows the main functions to be checked.
9. Deposit your plates, if it is worth it
In Geneva, plates are deposited at the Office cantonal des véhicules. If you deposit them before 1 December, the vehicle tax is refunded for the unused period, provided it lasts at least 30 days. Your liability insurance is usually suspended while the plates are deposited: check with your insurer.
10. In spring, take it easy
Check the tyre pressure and fluid levels, let the engine warm up and test the brakes in the first few metres.
Source for the vehicle tax rule: ge.ch, Vehicle tax (in French). This advice is general: always follow your car manufacturer’s recommendations.
