Storing a car for several months or more comes with some risks that you should know beforehand. Once you know what the potential damages are, you can take measures to prevent them so you don't have to spend a lot of money to fix the car after the storage period. Below are some of the potential damages your car might experience in long-term storage.

Tire Damage

Tires that support the weight of a car for a long time can get damaged. In such a case, the weight of the car bears down on the same surface area of the tire for the duration of storage. That section of the tire might deform — flatten out — leading to uneven tire rotation at the end of the storage period. In extreme cases, you may even be forced to replace the tires.

Corrosion

Most parts of the car are metal, and metal corrodes if exposed to moisture. Therefore, if you keep your car in a humid environment, you might come back to find some of its parts corroded. Note that auto body corrosion is not just a cosmetic problem; it can lead to structural and electrical problems. Corrosion in electrical parts of the car increase electrical resistance that can interfere with the performance of the electrical parts. Corrosion can also weaken the car's body.

Critter Damage

Rodents can cause all manner of damages to your car if they find their way inside. They can chew upholstery or even chew electrical cables in the car. Damaged insulation on electrical cables can lead to a short circuit and related damages the next time you start the car.

Battery Damage

If you keep your car with a connected battery for a long time, the car might drain all the charge out of the battery before the storage period is over. Unfortunately, storing a battery without charge (for a long time) can kill it. You may be unable to revive the battery after the storage period.

Paint Damage

If you are storing the car outside, which is not advisable, the elements of weather can damage the paint. For example, ultraviolet radiation (UV) can damage your car's paint and trigger the deterioration of the protective varnish on the car.

The above is not an exhaustive list of damages your car can experience during long-term storage. For example, the fluids (such as engine oil) can also deteriorate, and the wipers can also get stuck on the windshield. Preparing your car before storage and storing it indoors can help. Take the car to a mechanic who does auto repairs at the end of the storage period to find out if it has suffered any damage and fix the damages before taking the car out on the road.