Although storing a vehicle sounds pretty straightforward, there are a lot of things to take into account when putting your vehicle into storage. Most people need vehicle storage if they have an extra vehicle with no space, are moving, going on a vacation, or have any other life-changing event that doesn't allow them to have space for their vehicle. This article will go over everything you need to know about vehicle storage including what unit sizes you should reserve, what prices you should expect to pay, and how to prepare your vehicle for long-term or short-term storage.
How to Prepare your Vehicle for Storage
- Get your car serviced: It is recommended to get your oil changed if you are going to be storing your car for over thirty days. If you store your car long-term without getting it serviced first, the contaminants in the oil may cause damage to the engine.
- Ensure the gas tank is full: This is another recommendation for those who need long-term vehicle storage. It is important to have gas in the tank to prevent moisture build-up and the seals from drying out. You can also look into buying a fuel stabilizer that keeps the gas in the tank from going bad and ensures an easy start when you return to use your car.
- Set up a Plan to Manage the Battery Life: A car left in long-term storage will eventually lose its battery life if not started or used periodically. The best option is to find someone who can start the vehicle every two to three weeks. This will prevent the battery from losing its charge and keep the engine and other essential car parts lubricated. There are other options available if you cannot find someone to run the car when in storage. One alternative is using a trickle charger. A trickle charger prevents the car battery from losing too much of its charge. The charger connects to the battery and then is plugged into a wall outlet. This option is only available if your car storage facility offers electricity. Another alternative that does not require electricity is to disconnect the negative battery cable.
- Set up your Vehicle for Critter Protection: There are a lot of entry points where mice can enter your car if left unattended for a while. The main way to prevent rodents from finding shelter in your car is to block anywhere a mouse can get into your car. The main areas to block off are the exhaust pipe and the air intake. It is also said that the smell of peppermint oil detracts from mice. You can dip cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them in your car.
- Invest in a Car Cover: If you are storing your vehicle outdoors it is recommended to purchase a car cover to protect your vehicle from the elements. You can find a car cover by searching for your car's year, make, and model car cover in a simple google search and many options will come up. This article gives a few options for what type of car cover is the best for your vehicle.
- Ensure your Tires are properly inflated: Car tire pressure can be impacted by long-term storage and also the weather. To ensure that you don't have flat tired when you return to your vehicle, make sure your tires are properly inflated. Most shops that offer oil changes can also inflate your tires, so you can get your oil changed and tired inflated in one stop before dropping your car off for storage.
- Do Not Use your Parking Brake: It is usually smart to use your parking brake when parking your car, but it is not recommended to use it when you are putting your vehicle into long-term storage. The brake pads can fuse to the rotors if they maintain contact for too long. An alternative to using your parking brake is to purchase a chock that goes behind your tires to prevent the car from moving.
- Keep your Insurance and Registration Up-To-Date: Even though your car is in storage, it is important to maintain your insurance on your vehicle and keep the registration up-to-date. Most facilities require that your car is insured and registered. You can change your insurance coverage on your car if you are planning to put it into long-term storage so that you save money. Each insurance company has different rules for changing coverage on your car, so be sure to call your insurance provider and get all the information you need to potentially change your insurance.
What Storage Facility is Right for You?
There are a few different types of storage facilities for car storage. Nearly all vehicles can fit into one of three spaces: 10 x 15, 10 x 20, or 10 x 30. Most standard vehicles will fall into the 10 x 20 category, but it is important to know the length of your vehicle so that you are choosing the correct length and therefore paying the correct price for vehicle storage. Crossovers, SUVS, or other standard cars are examples of those that would require a 10x20 space. A compact car is a vehicle that can fit into a 10x15 space. A few examples of compact cars are Honda Civics, Toyota Corollas, Mazda3, etc. Cargo vans or super-duty trucks with extended cabs are examples of vehicles that would require 10x30 storage.
Indoor Car Storage
There are a few different options for indoor car storage. There are designated car storage facilities that offer premium storage amenities including climate-controlled units and electricity. Indoor car storage is a great option for those with valuable cars such as classic cars or luxury cars who need additional amenities and security for their vehicle. There are options for renting out garages from those near you through websites like STOW IT. STOW IT connects with individuals in your neighborhood who have extra space for those who need vehicle storage. You can browse indoor vehicle storage options and locations on their website here.
Outdoor Car Storage
Outdoor storage can be broken down into covered and uncovered options. Most vehicle storage facilities that offer indoor car storage also offer outdoor options. Covered outdoor storage is a great option if you live in an area that is typically sunny and hot. Sun damage is one of the main concerns when it comes to outdoor vehicle storage. Covered storage can also protect your car from hail or other elements that may cause damage. The most affordable vehicle storage option is outdoor uncovered car storage. You can save money by opting for this option and still protect your vehicle from certain elements by purchasing a car cover as mentioned above. STOW IT also offers outdoor vehicle storage options. You can view outdoor vehicle storage options and locations available through STOW IT here.
Frequently Asked Vehicle Storage Questions
Can I work on my vehicle while it is in storage?
Almost all vehicle storage facilities will not allow any work to be done on cars in storage. Most facilities also have restrictions against vehicles that are inoperable. Overall, you can expect almost everywhere you search for vehicle storage will restrict any work to be done on the vehicle while in storage.
Do I have to sign a contract for my vehicle storage?
Every facility has different requirements for their reservations. Some will require a minimum stay while others do not. It is important to look into what conditions are included in a contract if you do have to sign one. All reservations made through STOW IT do not require a contract and only require a 30-day minimum stay.
Do vehicle storage facilities accommodate commercial vehicles?
If you are looking for commercial vehicle storage, you will have to find options outside of traditional vehicle storage facilities. You can view some commercial vehicle storage near you here.
What security amenities are available for my vehicle?
Different facilities offer different security options. It is important to look into what security measures are available at the facility you chose. Common security amenities include electronic gates, security cameras, and paid security on-site. The more secure the space, the more a facility can charge for vehicle storage.
How to Find Vehicle Storage Near Me
You can find traditional storage facilities through a simple google search that will pull up vehicle storage units near you. These options are more traditional storage options and can be pricey. You can use STOW IT to find the cheapest rates for car storage near you. Indoor and outdoor vehicle storage in your area can be found at www.stowit.com. This website offers an interactive map that allows you to search for storage units by location, making it easy to find availability near you. You can also message the owner or manager of the location to have one-on-one conversations to ensure the space works best for you. STOW IT works with those in your area with extra space to rent out for vehicle storage. Through STOW IT, you can find and book a reservation within ten minutes. These spaces are usually more affordable and closer to where you are located. You can view all of STOW It's availability here.