Do you have a vehicle that you don’t need right now? Maybe you have a vehicle that you like and that you want to use in the future, but you don’t need it currently. If that’s the case, you might want to consider storage. Just like you can find storage units for personal belongings like furniture and books, you can find storage options for cars, as well. This could be just what you need.
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Tips for Storing Your Car
Clean the Car First, Inside and Out
Before you store the car, you want to make sure it’s clean. Otherwise, you will end up angry with yourself later when you have to take the vehicle out. So, make sure you remove anything from the car that should be removed. Don’t leave food, electronics, or any valuables in the vehicle. It should be just the car. Vacuum the car and have it cleaned before you store it. Get a car wash, as well. Any dirt that’s caked on the car is going to wear down the paint job.
Don’t Put on the Parking Brake
Were you taught to always put on the parking brake? While it’s a good option when you are out on the street, you don’t want to do that when storing the car for long periods. It could end up damaging the brake pads and rotors. They could end up fused, which can lead to safety issues and expensive repairs.
Keep the Vehicle Covered, Even in Storage
Remember, you don’t want any dust or dirt building up on your vehicle, as it can damage the paint job. Therefore, you will want to make sure you keep your car covered when it is in storage. This is true even if you are storing it inside a unit unless the facility is dust-free. It’s usually a good idea to cover the car just in case.
Don’t Leave the Car in Storage for Too Long
Even though you are keeping the car in storage, it’s a good idea to take it out once in a while to ensure it’s still running. At least start it up and make sure it’s working. Of course, if you have an inside unit, do not leave the car started and idling inside of the unit, as this will present a serious health hazard for you and anyone else in the vehicle.
Take it out for a short drive, let the battery recharge, and then put it back. This is better than coming to the vehicle a year from now and realizing that the battery is dead.
Choose a Safe Facility with Options
When you are choosing a storage facility for your vehicle, you need to be sure it is a safe place. You should only entrust your car to a location that has around-the-clock surveillance and that has alarms and coded access. This will reduce the risk to your vehicle.
Get the Right Size
One of the other factors you have to think about is the size. If you have a larger vehicle, you naturally need to have more space. Those who have a smaller car can get a smaller unit. If you have a particularly large vehicle that needs to be stored, you might want to get an outdoor storage option. Of course, it will all depend on your particular wants and needs.
Now that you know how to safely store your vehicle, it’s time to find a facility in your area. Check some of the storage facilities to see whether they accept cars and trucks, and check to see what features they have available for customers like you.
