Short and Long Term Vehicle Storage Solutions
If you are looking to store your vehicle, whether for the winter or to make more room in your garage at home, there are a few precautionary steps to take to ensure your vehicle is removed from storage in the same condition as it was placed. The degree of preparation required before placing a vehicle into storage depends on how long the vehicle will be stored/there. A vehicle that will only be stored for a few weeks to a month will require much less preparation than a vehicle that will be stored for a few months to a year.
The Top Automobile Storage Tips to Protect Your Investment
Before storing your vehicle, it is necessary to get it ready to remain in the storage unit for a length of time. Remember, the better your vehicle is prepared for storage, the better chance there is that it will be in the same great condition when you remove it.
Prepare your prized possession by following these vehicle storage tips:
- Store Your Vehicle in a Garage, Shed or Vehicle Storage Unit: First, consider the location of where the vehicle is to be stored. It’s recommended to store your vehicle in a covered location to protect it from damage caused by the elements as well as to maintain a relatively steady range of temperatures. Examples of this would be a shed or a garage. If you do not have a shed or garage to store your vehicle in, consider utilizing a storage unit. For extra protection, a climate controlled storage unit would be a good option to protect your vehicle from damaging fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
- Change the Oil: If you are only storing your vehicle for a few weeks, skip this step. If you are storing your vehicle for a month or longer, change the oil in your vehicle. Used oil has contaminants that can damage your engine during storage.
- Refill Your Gas Tank: Refilling the gas tank will keep moisture from getting trapped inside of your tank. If you are planning on storing your vehicle for a few months, add a fuel stabilizer to your tank before refilling it. A fuel stabilizer will prevent rust and oxidation from developing inside of your tank.
- Prevent Battery from Losing Charge: If a battery isn’t being used, it can lose its charge. One way to prevent this is to have someone drive your car for 15 minutes every other week. Since this isn’t always possible, you can also consider disconnecting the battery and storing it in a climate controlled area to prevent rust or cracking. Another option is to use a trickle charger to deliver enough electrical power to keep the battery charged.
- Clean the Vehicle: As a general rule of thumb, you never want to store an item that is dirty. This is also true for vehicle storage. Any water stains, bird droppings, salt or bugs left on the car can result in damage to the paint during storage. Additionally, clean the underside of fenders and wheels to remove any dirt or grease. An overall wax can help to protect the vehicle during storage. Don’t forget to clean the inside of the vehicle. Any crumbs or food should be removed to prevent mice and vermin from making a home inside of your vehicle.
- Prevent Flat Spots from Forming: The weight of a vehicle on its tires for an extended period of time can cause flat spots to form. To prevent flat spots, drive your car periodically while it’s in storage. If someone is unable to drive your vehicle or you are planning on storing it for longer than a month, consider removing the tires and using a car jack.
Are You Looking for a Vehicle Storage Unit?
If you’re looking for a place to store your vehicle, consider a storage unit. A storage unit will keep your vehicle from being damaged by dangerous elements. National Storage has a variety of sizes of storage units available throughout our self storage locations in Michigan and Ohio. Stop by and talk to our professional staff about any of your household and business storage needs.