When people talk about self-storage, they often think about storing common items such as furniture, household appliances, clothes, or paperwork. But what about cars?

You may not have enough space in your home for your car, or perhaps you only use it occasionally. Maybe you would like to store your car somewhere safe while you go on a vacation abroad.

In cases like these, you can consider car storage. Yes, it is possible to store cars in self-storage. Here’s everything you need to know about storing cars in a storage unit:

What Is Car Storage and How Does It Work?

Car storage is a storage service specifically for cars. Cars are delicate belongings, and they require a special storage place, taking into consideration their size, temperature requirements, and overall protection needed.

Car storage becomes necessary when you do not drive your car often but want to keep it in a safe place. You will be placing your car in storage, and this also involves preparing your car before storing it to keep it in good condition.

The Benefits of Storing Your Car in Self-Storage

There are numerous benefits of storing your car in self-storage, and among them include:

You Will Have More Space

Storing your car in a storage unit allows you to free up space in your home. You can then use that additional space for various purposes, such as parking your new car or storing other personal belongings.

Additionally, you may not have your own garage or a parking slot. Putting your car in self-storage is the solution to these problems.

Security and Safety

Car storage facilities have surveillance cameras and other security measures. Because of heightened security, your car is protected against theft and vandalism. This makes putting your car in storage a better option than parking your car on the street.

Protection from Harsh Weather

Putting your car in storage will also protect it from harsh weather conditions. You will not have to worry about extreme heat or cold, rain, or snow. No matter what the weather or the season is, your car will always be protected.

Your Car Will Remain in Good Condition

There’s no need to worry about storing your car for long-term storage. Due to the extra protection car storage facilities offer, you can be assured that your car will remain in good condition.

Companies like Extra Space also do routine cleaning to keep your car in good condition. Extra Space follows a strict hygiene and maintenance routine to avoid the risk of pests, dust, moisture, and other external contaminants, all to ensure the optimal condition of your car during the storage period.

Peace of Mind

You may be someone who travels frequently or is always out of town. Or maybe you really just need more space in your home for a new car, and a place to keep your old car safe.

Whatever your situation, storing a car in self-storage will give you peace of mind. Your car will be in a safe and protected environment; you can rest in that fact and need not worry.

Preparing Your Car for Storage

You also need to do your part if you want to keep your car in good condition and prevent any damage during the storage period. Before you bring your car for storage, you should prepare it first. Here’s how to prepare your car for storage:

Clean Your Car

Thoroughly clean your car before placing it into storage. Clean the exterior of your car and remove all dirt or other contaminants from the surface. Wash your car and apply a protective wax coating to protect the paint.

Also, clean the interior of your car. You can do so by vacuuming the seats and floor mats, throwing away trash, and washing the inside of the windows. Cleaning your car will prevent bad odors and remove any food particles.

Dirt, dust, and other contaminants can cause rust or damage your car’s paint, so clean your car before you store it.

Change the Oil

Used engine oil has contaminants that can damage your car over time. So, change the oil of your engine to keep it in good condition, especially if you will be storing your car for more than a month.

Fill the Gas Tank

Another important thing to do is to fill the gas tank. This will help in minimizing air and moisture inside. You can also add a fuel stabilizer to prevent fuel degradation during storage.

Inflate the Tires

Make sure that the tires of your car are properly inflated. Check the tire pressure and inflate your tires to avoid flat spots. If you will be storing your car for a long period of time, consider using jack stands.

Remove the Battery

It’s also important to remove the battery from your car to prevent discharge during storage. You can then store the battery in a cool, dry environment to prevent it from draining.

Do Not Use the Parking Brake

Do not engage the parking brake if you will be putting your car in storage. If you do use your parking brake, your brake pads and rotors can get damaged. Instead, you can use tire stoppers.

Pest Prevention

Take all the measures to prevent pests from staying or making a home in your vehicle. Cover any openings where pests could possibly enter, such as the exhaust pipe or air intake. Make sure to close the windows before storing your car.

And as mentioned earlier, clean your car. This will keep pests away. Another thing that you can do is use pest deterrents. While the car storage facility may take preventive measures, it’s also important for you to do your part to keep pests away from your car.

Cover Your Car

Lastly, you should cover your car with a breathable, high-quality cover. A car cover will provide an extra layer of protection for your car against dust or dirt that may fall on its surface. It can also help protect the car’s paint. Make sure to cover your car properly before leaving it in storage.

Contact Extra Space for Car Storage Solutions

As mentioned earlier, cars are delicate belongings, and to keep them in good condition, you will need a special storage place that meets all the requirements for storing cars.

At Extra Space, we provide your cars with a safe home away from home. We have state-of-the-art security and offer indoor and outdoor storage spaces. We also have a full-time cleaning team to ensure the optimal condition of your car. You can learn more about our car storage services here.

Contact us today for car storage solutions!