Best Way to Store a Car in a Storage Facility
Properly storing a car in a storage facility can significantly extend its life, maintain its value, and ensure it’s in great condition when you’re ready to drive it again. Whether storing it for seasonal reasons or long-term, taking the time to prepare and select the right storage facility makes all the difference. Here, we’ll explore the best practices for car storage, from choosing a facility to maintaining vehicle condition while in storage.
Why Store Your Car in a Storage Facility?
Using a storage facility for your car offers numerous advantages, including protection from environmental elements, enhanced security, and convenience. Situations where car storage is ideal include:
• Extended travel: Long-term storage helps prevent wear and tear when you’re away for extended periods.
• Seasonal storage: A storage facility is perfect for seasonal vehicles, protecting them during off-seasons.
• Preservation: Whether it’s a classic or collectible car, storage facilities provide a stable environment, safeguarding valuable vehicles from damage and degradation.
Selecting the Right Storage Facility for Your Car
Choosing the right storage facility is crucial for protecting your vehicle. Not all facilities offer the same level of service, so look for these key features:
• Types of Car Storage Options: Decide between indoor and outdoor units. While outdoor options are typically more affordable, indoor units provide extra protection against the elements.
• Security Measures: Ensure the facility has 24/7 surveillance, secure entry systems, and regular security patrols to safeguard your vehicle.
• Access Policies: Consider how often and how easily you can access your car. Some facilities offer flexible access hours, while others may have stricter entry policies.
Pre-Storage Checklist for Your Car
Preparing your car before storage is essential to prevent long-term damage and maintain performance. Follow these key steps before placing your car in storage:
• Oil and Fluid Maintenance: Top off essential fluids like brake fluid, coolant, and oil. Old or dirty oil can corrode engine parts over time, so an oil change is a recommended step.
• Tire and Brake Preparation: Inflate tires to their recommended PSI to avoid flat spots, and consider using tire chocks to reduce pressure on the brakes.
• Battery Care: Disconnect or remove the battery to prevent drainage, especially if storing for a long period. For added safety, store the battery in a cool, dry place.
Completing these preparatory steps helps ensure that your vehicle remains in excellent condition while in storage.
Exterior Protection Tips for Stored Vehicles
Keeping your car’s exterior protected during storage is essential for preserving its paint, trim, and overall look. Here are steps to ensure your car’s exterior remains in excellent condition:
• Clean and Wax the Exterior: Dirt and contaminants can corrode the paint if left on during storage. Wash and wax your car thoroughly to create a protective layer that shields the paint.
• Use a Quality Car Cover: Choose a breathable car cover to protect the paint while allowing moisture to escape. A snug fit helps keep out dust and debris.
• Seal Entry Points: Prevent pests by sealing off entry points. Consider placing cotton balls with peppermint oil around the vehicle to deter mice and other critters.
Choosing the Right Car Cover
Selecting the right cover is crucial. Look for covers made of breathable material, as this prevents condensation buildup under the cover, which could damage the paint. For added protection, choose a cover with UV resistance to prevent fading.
Interior Preparation and Protection
The interior of your car requires just as much attention as the exterior. Proper preparation prevents odors, mildew, and upholstery damage. Here’s how to keep the interior in prime condition:
• Remove Valuables and Clutter: Take out any items that might attract pests or degrade over time. This includes perishable items, paper, and any valuables.
• Condition Leather Seats: For cars with leather interiors, use a leather conditioner to prevent drying and cracking. Fabric seats may benefit from fabric protector sprays.
• Prevent Odor Buildup: Place a moisture absorber or open box of baking soda inside the car to keep it smelling fresh and reduce humidity levels.
Fuel System Preparation for Storage
Preparing your fuel system can prevent issues related to condensation, fuel degradation, and clogging. Follow these steps to ensure your fuel system stays in good shape:
• Fill the Fuel Tank: A full tank prevents moisture from accumulating inside, which helps protect the fuel lines and tank from corrosion.
• Add a Fuel Stabilizer: A stabilizer keeps the fuel fresh, preventing it from breaking down and clogging injectors. Run the engine briefly after adding the stabilizer to circulate it through the system.
With these fuel system steps, your car will be ready to hit the road without any fuel-related issues once you’re ready to take it out of storage.
Battery Maintenance During Storage
Properly managing your car’s battery while in storage will prevent it from draining and extend its life. Here are key steps for battery care:
• Disconnect or Remove the Battery: Disconnecting the battery helps prevent it from draining. Alternatively, remove the battery and store it in a cool, dry place.
• Clean the Battery Terminals: If storing for a long time, clean the terminals to prevent corrosion. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to each terminal as an additional barrier.
Security Tips for Your Car in Storage
To ensure your vehicle remains secure while in storage, take a few extra steps for peace of mind:
• Set Alarms and Lock Doors: Make sure the car is locked and activate any built-in security systems. An additional alarm system can provide further protection.
• Choose Facilities with Advanced Security Features: Look for storage facilities that offer 24/7 surveillance, gated access, and on-site security personnel. Facilities with limited access to units provide an added layer of security.
Implementing these security measures will reduce the risk of unauthorized access and help you rest easy knowing your car is safe.
Insurance and Registration for Stored Cars
It’s essential to keep your car’s insurance and registration updated while it’s in storage. Here’s why these aspects matter:
• Maintaining Insurance: Even in storage, insurance coverage protects your car against unexpected events like theft, fire, or damage. Contact your insurer to see if there are options to adjust coverage for a stored vehicle, which may reduce costs.
• Keeping Registration Current: Depending on your location, maintaining registration is often legally required, even for stored vehicles. Verify local regulations to avoid any compliance issues while your car is in storage.
Routine Maintenance Checks During Storage
While your car is in storage, periodic checks can help identify potential issues and maintain its condition. Here’s what to monitor:
• Regular Visits: If possible, visit the facility periodically to check on your car’s condition. Look for signs of leaks, pests, or any unusual odors.
• Start the Engine Periodically: Starting the engine for a few minutes every month helps keep the engine in working order. This simple step circulates fluids, ensuring seals and components remain lubricated.
• Inspect Tires: Check the tire pressure during each visit and inflate as needed to avoid flat spots.
By keeping up with occasional maintenance checks, you can ensure your car is ready to drive when you retrieve it from storage.
Preparing to Remove Your Car from Storage
When the time comes to take your car out of storage, a few steps will help ensure it’s safe and ready for the road:
• Check All Fluids: Inspect and top off any fluids, including oil, brake fluid, and coolant. If the car has been stored for an extended period, consider an oil change.
• Reinstall the Battery: If you removed the battery, reinstall it and check for proper connections. Clean any corrosion that may have formed on the terminals.
• Inspect Tires and Brakes: Check the tire pressure and inspect the brakes to ensure they’re working correctly. Driving the car slowly for a short distance can help reset the tires and brakes.
Conclusion
Storing a car in a storage facility requires careful preparation and regular maintenance, but the results are well worth it. By following these best practices—choosing the right facility, prepping the vehicle inside and out, and performing routine checks—you’ll preserve your car’s condition, protect it from potential damage, and ensure it’s ready for the road when you need it. For reliable and secure car storage, Empire Storage Solutions offers tailored options to meet all your vehicle storage needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should I check on my car in storage?
It’s recommended to check on your car every few weeks if possible. This allows you to monitor its condition, ensure tires are properly inflated, and start the engine occasionally.
2. Do I need climate-controlled storage for my car?
Climate control is generally optional but can be helpful, especially for classic or luxury cars.
3. Should I disconnect the battery even for short-term storage?
Yes, disconnecting the battery is a good practice even for short-term storage to prevent drainage and extend the battery’s life. For longer storage, consider removing the battery entirely.
4. Can I use a regular car cover for storage?
It’s best to use a breathable, high-quality car cover. A breathable cover prevents moisture buildup, reducing the risk of mold or paint damage.
5. Is it necessary to fill the gas tank before storage?
Filling the gas tank is recommended to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to rust in the fuel system. Adding a fuel stabilizer is also a good idea to maintain fuel quality during storage.