Summer is upon us, and it is finally time to get your favorite vehicles ready for use! You want to ensure that your items are tuned up and ready for use before you use them. Here is a checklist for how to get your cars, boats, and RVs ready for the summer and some options where you can store them while you are not using them.
De-winterize your car checklist:
- Check tire pressure to ensure it is at the suggested PSI. With the seasons changing and temperatures rising, tire pressure can naturally increase.
- Change your oil. Check your owner’s manual to find the suggested viscosity range to know which oil to use.
- Get your tires aligned. While you are getting your oil changed, it is a good idea to also get your car aligned to avoid unwanted damage to your car.
- Wash your car. You finally get to use your car after a long winter, go ahead and make it pretty! Salt and other chemicals used for the winter season can eat away at your vehicle’s paint, so it is always a good idea to give your car a thorough wash.
- Check and replace windshield wiper blades if necessary. The best way to test your blades is by wetting down your windshield and using the blades to assess their effectiveness.
De-winterize your boat checklist:
- Do an engine check. Conduct an oil change, and inspect the outdrive, and replace the oil filter.
- Replenish the cooling system. You have most likely drained the cooling system for the winter, so now is the time to refill it back up. While you are at it check the system’s hoses for any holes or cracks.
- Check the water pump and thermostat. The water pump in your boat should be replaced every 200 hours, if it is ready to be replaced do that before you use the boat for the summer. The thermostat regulates water temperature and should be replaced every 200 hours of use as well.
- Do a battery check. If you did not remove your battery for the winter, make sure it is charged and replaced if necessary. Make sure there is no corrosion for the battery terminals before reconnecting it.
- Clean the distributor. The winter season usually causes corrosion, and this should be cleaned by removing the distributor cap and cleaning with a small brush and contact cleaner.
- Inspect the fuel system. Inspect the fuel line for any cracks and change the fuel filter if it is the same one you used last season. Drain out the gas from the tank if you did not add an additive to prevent fuel separation for the winter.
- Check the belts. To check if any of the belts need replacement, press your hand down on them. There should be little to no give when you do this, if there is a lot of give that belt needs to be replaced.
- Ensure the bilge pump is working. Check the pump, automatic switch, and circuit.
- Do a safety check. Ensure that the fire extinguishers, lights in the cabin and on deck, and signaling equipment such as horns and flares are all working and up to date. Also, make sure you have enough floatation devices on board.
De-winterize your RV Checklist:
- Check your tire pressure. During the winter months while in storage, RVs usually lose two to three PSI of air pressure each month.
- Do an inspection of the exterior. Look for any weather damage and make sure all weatherstripping around windows and doors is replaced with sealant.
- Make sure your battery is charged. Your RV battery can lose some of its charge while not being used, so it is best to ensure your battery is charged and ready to go.
- Drain anti-freeze from the water holding tank and flush the water system. You can find how to flush the water system in your RV here.
- Sanitize the water system. This will help remove any buildup of bacteria or mold that may have accumulated over the winter months.
- Check the plumbing system. Check for leaks by filling the fresh water tank up and turning on the electric pump. The pump should shut off once it hits full pressure if it does not shut off there is a leak somewhere in the plumbing system.
- Replace propane tanks. If you have an RV that uses propane tanks make sure to reinstall the tanks and connect the hose.
- Test the Generator. Make sure the oil levels are where they should be and run it for a few hours with a half-rated load.
- Change the filters. Replace all air and water filters in the RV.
- Double-check you have first aid and emergency kits. Your RV should have a first aid kit as well as tools for repairs you may have to make while on the road.
Have a place to store your car, boat, or RV while you are not using it.
STOW IT offers vehicle storage at a 30-day minimum for all car, boat, and RV owners who need long-term storage for their vehicles while they are not using them. All bookings are easily made online through stowit.com and payments are automated to make your storage process as easy as possible.