How to Store a Car in the UK (2025) | Step-by-Step Lay-Up Guide

You may be thinking that storing a car is the same as parking in the garage. Never make this mistake. It is far different from that, where you have to fulfil legal matters, seal properly and protect the battery. 

If you get the laying-up process wrong, it will cost you thousands of pounds. As UK-based automotive experts, we’ve broken down the essential step-by-step process for securing your vehicle legally and physically.

Key Takeaways: How to Store a Car Properly in the UK

• Always start by declaring SORN and keeping minimal insurance cover.

• Choose a dry, well-ventilated, and secure location for storage.

• Clean the car thoroughly inside and out to prevent corrosion and mould.

• Top up or replace engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid before storage.

• Disconnect or maintain the battery using a smart charger.

• Inflate tyres to the correct pressure and move the car occasionally.

• Use a breathable car cover and avoid leaving the handbrake on.

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How Long-Term Car Storage Works: Laying-up concept

When we say “long-term car storage”, the term “laying up” is often used. In simple words, it means taking your car off the road for an extended period and preparing it so it stays in good condition. It is more than parking in a garage but protecting your car from wear, weather, and mechanical issues. 

In the UK, the process of legally taking a vehicle ‘off the road’ is formalised by the DVLA as a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN). It is a declaration that you will not be driving, using, or keeping your vehicle on any public road. 

Short-Term vs Long-Term Storage Comparison

Step-by-Step: How to Store a Car Properly in the UK

Storing a car properly isn’t just about leaving it in a garage and hoping for the best. Here are a few smart steps that can now save you money, stress, and a lot of potential problems: 

Step 1: Sort Out the Legal Process (SORN & Insurance)

Before anything else, you must make your car legally invisible to the government, which is called SORN. It is the process where you have to notify DVLA that your car may not be used on public roads. Otherwise, you will pay tax on it.

Insurance is just as important. Even when a car is stored, you should keep at least fire and theft cover in case something happens while it’s parked. It protects your investment while it’s sitting still. 

Step 2: Choose the Right Location

Next is choosing the right location. It really matters where you are going to store a car; otherwise, it won’t survive for too long. So ideally, pick a dry, sheltered spot, and your garage could be perfect, but if you only have a driveway, at least use a breathable car cover to protect against rain, frost, and dust.

The spot should be covered and not exposed to the sun or rain. If possible, keep your car somewhere ventilated but secure, away from standing water or damp walls.

Step 3: Clean and Protect the Car

While storing a car, it is important to keep your car clean. Wash out all dirt and mud from the exterior so that no dust and water drops remain on the car. Also consider a wax coat for extra protection.

Don’t forget the interior. Vacuum carpets, wipe down surfaces, and remove any rubbish or food.  If you’re storing a classic or leather-trimmed car, consider using leather conditioner to keep it in top condition.

Step 4: Check and Top Up Fluids

Old fluids, especially engine oil, are corrosive. If your car is stored for longer than three months, it’s essential to change them.

• Change the engine oil and filter: Used oil contains acidic contaminants that settle and corrode internal engine components over months of inactivity. So keep fresh engine oil. 
• Fill the fuel tank completely: A full tank leaves no room for air, which means no room for condensation. Condensation introduces water into the fuel system, promoting rust inside the tank. For storage over 6 months, add a quality fuel stabiliser as modern fuels degrade over time. 
• Coolant & Brake Fluid: Fill the coolant fluid with the correct antifreeze mixture. Also, add brake fluid, which is hygroscopic (absorbs moisture), leading to rust in the braking system.

Step 5: Battery Care and Chargers

The battery is the most important part of a car, which helps in starting a car. A flat battery can leave you stranded or even damage your vehicle’s electrical system. Here’s how to protect it:

• Disconnect the battery because this prevents slow drain.
• Use a battery maintainer which keeps the battery topped up without overcharging, which is ideal for long-term storage.
• For electric or hybrid vehicles, aim to store the battery at around 50–70% charge and avoid leaving it at full or empty.

Step 6: Prevent Flat Tyres

When a car sits still for too long, the area of the tyre pressing against the ground can flatten out, creating a permanent defect known as a “flat spot”. To avoid this, inflate the tyres to the recommended pressure or slightly above. It is usually around 50 psi. Remember that tyres lose pressure naturally over time, so fill them once you are going to drive. 

Step 7: Secure and Cover

Lastly, secure the vehicle and put the cover on. It is as important as mechanical care. You should use a good-quality, breathable car cover to protect your car from dust, frost and rainwater. 

Gently lift the windshield wipers away from the glass. This prevents the rubber blades from bonding to the screen over time and preserves the rubber’s flexibility. 

And don’t forget locking the door, checking windows and installing an alarm or CCTV for extra peace of mind. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Putting your car into long-term storage might seem straightforward, but a few critical errors can lead to costly damage. You should be aware of these mistakes to keep your car safe.

• Neglecting the environmental conditions: Because humidity and condensation are the biggest enemies, which lead to rust and corrosion. So store it in a dry spot and cover it with a breathable cover.
• Leaving the handbrake on: It is done for safety, but leaving the handbrake engaged for months can cause it to seize, especially in damp UK weather. Instead, leave the car in gear (manual) or use wheel chocks (automatic) to prevent it from moving.
• Ignoring fluid health: Never leave old, contaminated engine oil or a nearly empty fuel tank. It becomes acidic and corrodes internal engine components. 
• Ignoring Pest Control: Leaving the air intake or exhaust pipe uncovered could allow mice and rats in. So place clean rags, wire wool, or an aluminium screen over the exhaust pipe and air intake to deter pests. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How to store a car for 20 years

Storing a car for decades needs meticulous preparation. Begin with a comprehensive cleaning of the car, both inside and outside, followed by topping off all fluids and safeguarding the battery. Keep the car in a dry, ventilated, and secure indoor space, ideally with controlled temperature and humidity. 

How to store a classic car outside

Storing a classic car outdoors is generally strongly discouraged due to the high risk of rust, paint damage, and moisture issues. However, if you want to, then you need a professional procedure. Choose a perfect dry location, clean the car properly, and cover it with an extremely durable, high-quality, breathable outdoor car cover. Also, check on the car frequently.

How to store an electric car?

Long-term storage for an electric vehicle (EV) focuses primarily on the high-voltage lithium-ion battery health. You have to store a car with a battery charge at around 50% – 70% and avoid storing it in extreme temperatures. However, you should keep the car clean inside and out and cover it with a breathable cover. 

Do I need to SORN my car if it’s in a garage?

Yes, in the UK, you must make a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) if your vehicle is not taxed and not kept or used on a public road. 

Should I disconnect the battery for long-term storage?

It depends on the duration of storage and the type of vehicle. However, disconnecting the battery prevents it from draining over time. Alternatively, you can use a smart trickle charger to maintain the battery safely.

Final Verdict: How to Store a Car

Storing a car is not that simple, just park it in the garage and leave it. It needs a proper procedure to save it from damage, which will cost you thousands of pounds. From choosing the right location and keeping tyres, battery, and fluids in check to protecting the car from moisture and pests. You have to follow all the mentioned steps carefully.

For more expert car care advice, visit our blog section.