Car Storage

People seek automotive storage solutions for many different reasons. Some have collector’s vehicles and don’t want their special vehicle kept outside where it will be exposed to the everyday elements. Some have too many vehicles in their driveway and need to free up some room. Some may have a vehicle that they only drive during the warmer months and won’t drive during the cooler months.

Whatever the case may be when it comes time to store your vehicle there are basically three ways in which you can. The type of vehicle storage that will be right for you will all depend on how nice your vehicle is and how much money you want to spend. The three levels of vehicle storage are:

1. Climate Controlled: This is the nicest way to store your vehicle and also the most costly. That is because the vehicle will be fully enclosed and the storage unit in which it will be in will be a steady temperature. So your vehicle will be protected from cold, heat, and most importantly moisture.

2. Non Climate Controlled: Running a little cheaper is non climate controlled storage for your vehicle. While the vehicle will be fully enclosed it will not be protected from the hot or cold and many times being inside environment can amplify the overall temperature. This can lead to a buildup of moisture which can prove to be harmful to your vehicle. If you choose to store in a non climate controlled unit, be sure to park the vehicle over plastic sheeting. This will keep and moisture that seeps into the concrete from effecting the underside of the vehicle. You can also use moisture absorbing materials for the front and rear floorboards so that your vehicle won’t smell musty once you take it out of storage.

3. Outside Storage: This is the cheapest level of automotive storage but also exposed your vehicle to all the elements. Rain, sun, snow, you name it. If this is the direction you are heading with storage, then you should invest in a high quality breathable vehicle cover.

No matter how you choose to store your vehicle you need to be sure to prepare it properly. Here a few things to consider doing before you store your vehicle:

• Gas Up: Fill the gas tank and then add some fuel stabilizer if the vehicle will be stored for an extended period of time. This will keep any old gasoline from gunking up and causing havoc on internal parts leaving you with one hefty repair bill. While some will say to drain the fuel tank, this will still leave you with moisture, and moisture is not your vehicle’s friend.

• Check Fluids: You should also be sure to check all the fluid levels of the vehicle and change the oil. This will have your vehicle full of vital fluids and ensure that moisture has nowhere to form.

• Remove Battery: Once your vehicle is parked in storage it is a good idea to remove the battery and store it separately. Be sure it is being stored in a climate controlled environment.

Once you decide on how you want to store your vehicle the last step in the process is finding a place to do so. Be sure to call several car storage facilities and get prices while you are on the phone. Because you are storing a vehicle be sure that the storage facility is in a location that is not prone to a lot of crime.

Storing your vehicle is something that you may at one point find yourself having to do. Knowing what to look for and how to prepare for the storage can help the entire process go along at a very smooth pace.