Taking Your Summer Vehicle Out of Storage: What to Look Out For

As Edmonton warms up and the roads clear, it’s finally time to open the garage and bring your summer car back to life. Whether it’s a Porsche 911, BMW M4, or another luxury performance vehicle, taking your car out of storage requires more than just turning the key.

At Modern Auto Body, we know what these cars mean to their owners—because we’re enthusiasts, too. We’re proud to be factory certified to repair luxury brands such as Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, and we treat every vehicle that comes through our doors with the same care and precision we’d give our own.

Here’s what to check when you’re getting your summer car road-ready—and how to avoid damage that may have crept in over the off-season.

1. Dust and Debris Build-Up

Even in a closed garage, dust settles—and if your car was covered, that cover may have shifted with temperature changes or moisture, potentially dulling or scratching your paint.

Tip: Use a gentle hand wash and high-quality microfiber towels to avoid grinding dust into the clear coat. Pay special attention to vent openings and seals where debris can collect.

2. Battery Health

If your car sat for several months without a battery tender, there’s a good chance the battery is low—or completely dead. Modern vehicles, especially those with high-end infotainment and security systems, can slowly drain power even when parked.

What to do: Check battery voltage before starting. If needed, charge it slowly to protect the electronics. Vehicles like BMW, Porsche, and Mercedes-Benz can trigger fault codes or system errors if restarted on low voltage.

3. Tire Pressure and Flat Spots

Over time, tires naturally lose pressure—and if your vehicle sat in one position all winter, you may notice flat spots when you first drive it.

Our advice: Check and inflate to manufacturer specs, and take it slow on your first few drives. Any thumping or vibrations may point to flat-spotting or rubber fatigue.

4. Cover & Garage Damage

That soft cover you trusted to protect your paint? It may have done more harm than good—especially if moisture got trapped underneath or dust acted like sandpaper. And in tight garages, minor dings or scuffs can happen without you even noticing until spring.

If your vehicle came out of storage with unexpected flaws, we can restore it using OEM-approved techniques and paint systems, preserving its original factory finish.

5. Start Slowly and Observe

Let the engine idle for a few minutes before hitting the road. Watch your gauges, listen for unusual sounds, and check fluid levels after the first drive. You want your summer car to stretch its legs—but ease into it.

Trusted by Luxury Vehicle Owners in Edmonton

At Modern Auto Body, we understand the pride and passion behind every summer vehicle. That’s why we’ve earned factory certification to repair luxury brands such as Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, meeting the exact standards those manufacturers require for collision repair, paintwork, and structural integrity.

Whether you’re pulling your weekend cruiser out of storage or preparing your vehicle for another season of car meets and spirited drives, we’re here to ensure it’s in peak condition—visually, structurally, and mechanically.

Book a Visit Today

Have concerns about scratches, scuffs, or post-storage surprises? Bring your vehicle to Modern Auto Body and let our experienced, certified technicians take a look. We handle everything from minor cosmetic touch-ups and paintless dent repair (PDR) to full-scale bodywork and structural repairs. We’ll have your summer car looking flawless and road-ready.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation or learn more about our services for luxury and performance vehicles 780.451.4757

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