Tips on Storing Your Vehicle at a Self Storage Unit Lot

Storing your Vehicle at a Self Storage Unit Lot

Self-storage facility is a good option to store your vehicle. Accommodations can vary from facility to facility. Your options can be outdoor parking, covered parking and inside storage depending on your choice and need. Outdoor parking is the cheapest option but may not ensure a full protection against the weather. This option is good when you are storing your vehicle for a short period of time, like a week or so. Moreover, covered parking will protect your vehicle from the rain, sun and dirt. This option is only good for the warmer climate. Inside or enclosed storage can offer the most protection. A good option for your vintage and prized possession.

There are times that self storage unit is safer than our own garage because of their security procedures. It is protected from the harsh weather and any form of vandalism. So whatever reasons you have in finding a place to store your vehicle, ensure its safety by storing it properly. If you have to leave your vehicle in the storage for a long period of time, you have do several things to protect it from possible trouble. Here are some tips:

• Clean it thoroughly. Make sure that your car is free from crumbs or food particles that might attract pests. Make sure to vacuum floor mats or carpet including the seats. If possible buy a set of cover seat fro ample protection. Throw all the trash out of the car. Wash the outside thoroughly including the dirt underneath. Consider using mothballs in open containers to discourage pests.

• Service your car. Add a stabilizer to the gas if it is stored for a long time. Check belts, filters, hoses, and other components of the engine to ensure that it is clean and working properly. Use Armorall or some protectant on plastic and rubber surfaces prior to storage.

• Check the battery. Batteries left uncharged for two months or more, will be ruined. Consider a solar charger or removing the battery. Some facilities may have electricity for a trickle charger. Carefully research and choose a good charger. The electronics in the care are very expensive. You want to protect them with a quality charger. In cold weather, a battery left unattended for a long period of time will likely freeze. Consider removing and storing it in a temperature controlled place.

• Lubricate your car. Grease the hinges of the hood, doors and trunk. Also grease all of the car steering and suspension fittings and pack the front wheel bearings. Use a light grease or spray grease on any movable parts.

• Check tire. Consider car jacks if the storing is more than 6 months to prevent flats and take the weight off from the tire. This will prevent dry-rot. Armorall all tire including spare. Don't engage the parking brake to prevent it from freezing. Check the tires every six months for proper inflation.

• Cover it. When everything is checked, close your window and put your car cover for extra protection.

Carefully review the security of the facility where you plan to store the vehicle. If it is an outdoor storage, make sure there is enough room around the vehicle. Do they have adequate lighting? Is their fence big and strong enough? Consider visiting at night to get a better perspective.