---
title: "Car Storage Preparation: Battery Tender, Wash, Cover"
description: "Car preparation before storage: battery tender while stored, wash and interior detail, breathable cover, fuel stabilizer and tire pressure. What each costs."
url: https://car-storage.ca/services/car-storage-preparation/
last_updated: 2026-10-24
---

# Getting the car ready for storage

Most storage problems start before the car goes in: a dead battery, salt left on the paint, mice in the cabin. Do it yourself with the checklist, or ask for preparation in the request and the facility does it.

## Preparation services

- Battery tender while stored: from $20/month
- Wash and interior detail before storage: from $75
- Breathable indoor car cover: from $60
- [Spring prep: check-over, tire pressure, wash](https://car-storage.ca/services/spring-car-prep/): from $100

Starting prices in CAD before tax, from published storage rates and market estimates, October 2026. The facility, your car and the dates set the final price.

## What each one does

- [Battery tender](https://car-storage.ca/guides/how-to-store-a-car-for-winter/): A small charger that keeps the battery topped up without overcharging. The single most useful thing for a stored car.
- [Wash and detail](https://car-storage.ca/guides/how-to-store-a-car-for-winter/): Salt and road grime off the paint and underside, food and crumbs out of the cabin so mice have nothing to find.
- [Breathable cover](https://car-storage.ca/guides/indoor-vs-outdoor-car-storage/): Keeps dust and scratches off indoors. A fitted, breathable fabric, not plastic.

## Do it yourself before drop-off

- Fuel: Fill the tank, add stabilizer, drive a few kilometres to mix it in.
- Oil: Change it if it is close to due.
- Tires: Inflate to the top of the range on the door sticker.
- Rodents: Plug the exhaust tip and air intake with steel wool. Put a reminder note on the steering wheel.
- Wipers: Lift them off the glass or put a cloth under them.
- Parking brake: Leave it off for a long stay and use wheel chocks.

## Preparation questions

**Do I really need a battery tender?**

For anything over a month, yes. Modern cars draw power when parked, and a flat battery in spring can mean a tow or a new battery.

**Should I take the battery out instead?**

It works for older cars and storage without power. On newer cars, removing the battery can reset settings. Check the manual.

## Related

- [How to store a car for winter in Canada](https://car-storage.ca/guides/how-to-store-a-car-for-winter/)
- [Spring car prep after storage](https://car-storage.ca/services/spring-car-prep/)
- [Winter car storage](https://car-storage.ca/storage/winter-car-storage/)

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Find a spot: https://car-storage.ca/request-a-spot/ · Email: info@car-storage.ca