There are many reasons to need long-term car storage: maybe you’re going on an extended business trip, storing a car for winter, or need car storage for military deployment. We’ll share specific tips for keeping your car in great shape while storing, but let’s start with common car storage questions.
Can you store a car in a storage unit?
- Yes, you can store a car in a storage unit. Many storage facilities (like CubeSmart) have vehicle specific storage units where you can store cars, RVs, motorcycles, and even ATVs.*
- Many locations also offer outdoor uncovered or covered parking.*
- Make sure the unit is approved for vehicles, keep registration and insurance up to date, and follow any site rules, such as using a drip tray or disconnecting the battery.
What size storage unit is right for a car?
- Most standard cars fit in a 10’x20’ drive-up unit.
- Compact models can often fit in a 10’x15’ unit.
- Longer sedans, SUVs, and trucks may need a 10’x20’ or even a 10’x30’ unit.
- Measure your vehicle’s length and width and compare them with the unit’s interior dimensions and confirm that vehicle access is permitted.
How often should I start my car in storage?
- Most storage facilities do not allow you to store your car with gasoline in the tank, so starting the engine during storage is not an option. Instead, focus on preparing your car for long-term storage to minimize potential issues caused by inactivity. Proper preparation, such as draining the fuel system, disconnecting the battery, and ensuring all fluids are at optimal levels, will reduce the need for regular starting.
No matter where you’re storing your car, you’ll need to do a bit more than simply cover it and leave it. Properly preparing your car for storage can prevent common issues. Here are a few long-term car storage tips to help you keep your car in good shape.
Clean the Car Inside and Out
The first step in how to prep your car for long-term storage is simply to clean it. Start by washing exterior surfaces. A little attention now prevents long-term damage and keeps your car looking its best. Follow these quick steps to tackle both the exterior and interior.
- Wash exterior thoroughly to remove water spots, sap, and other residue.
- Make sure the wheels, fenders, and hubcaps are also cleaned and waxed.
- Vacuum interior to eliminate crumbs and debris.
- If you’re leaving the car for more than a month, change the oil and oil filters to prevent contaminants and sludge from damaging your engine.
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Keep Your Battery Charged
Ideally, your car should be driven for about fifteen minutes every two weeks. This will keep the battery charged and prevent damage to tires. But in long-term storage, it’s often not possible. To prepare:
- Disconnect the car battery for storage.
- Use a battery maintainer (battery tender). A battery tender will deliver small amounts of charge, so the battery is ready to go when you drive the car again.
Drain Your Gas Tank
- It’s important to drain the fuel tank once in storage to ensure proper storage procedures. Check with your storage provider, as many do not allow for a car to be stored long-term with gasoline in the tank.
- When removing your car from long-term storage, make sure to remember: Trust only high-quality, ethanol-free gas for your tank. It keeps moisture at bay to prevent internal rusting and damage.
- Additionally, draining the gas tank prevents gasoline from degrading and causing potential harm to the fuel system over time. Old fuel can lead to varnish build-up and clogging, which may result in costly repairs when the car is brought back into use.
Change Your Oil
Used engine oils can contain contaminants that could damage the engine of your vehicle. If you plan on storing your vehicle for more than a month, be sure to change the oil to be safe.
- Replace used oil to remove acids and contaminants that can harm the engine.
- Change the oil filter at the same time for optimal protection.
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Elevate Your Car with Jacks
Don’t forget to protect your tires. Having the full weight of the car on the tires without moving them can cause permanent flat spots.
- If you’re leaving the car for more than a month and won’t be able to drive it occasionally, consider removing the tires and placing the vehicle on blocks or jack stands.
- If you must leave the tires on the car, make sure they are inflated to the correct pressure.
- Use a chock or tire stopper instead of the parking brake, which could also be damaged if you leave it on for a long time.
Shield the Car from the Elements
Environmental factors can affect the condition of a vehicle. Here are a few things to consider:
- Indoor car storage is the best option to shield your vehicle from the elements.
- Weather-resistant covers can help, but they don’t offer the same level of coverage.
- Make sure your long-term car storage facility is well-maintained and bright.
Keep the Car Insured
- It’s important to maintain auto insurance, even when you’re storing a car in a storage unit. Dropping insurance can be an expensive mistake, especially if you plan to have someone drive it every month as recommended.
- When a car has been uninsured, many insurance companies will assume that you have been driving it without insurance and raise your rates accordingly.
- Call your insurance company to decide the best and cheapest option for you.
Inspect your Space
Strategically positioning your vehicle can help you avoid more maintenance down the road, so utilize these four quick tips:
- Use drip trays or cardboard under your vehicle to prevent fluid from leaking.
- Use a ground sheet or plastic tarp.
- Do not leave the parking brake on to prevent damage from brake pad fusion.
- Park in reverse to ensure your battery remains readily accessible.
Perform These Checks When You’re Ready to Drive Again
When you’re ready to get your car out of vehicle storage and back on the road, make sure you perform the following steps:
- Add fluids to ensure they are at the recommended levels.
- Check both your brakes and your windshield wipers. Reconnect your battery if it was disconnected and check that the terminals are clean.
- Put the tires back on the car and inflate them to the recommended pressure.
- Wash the car to remove dust and dirt build-up.
Once these are complete, your car will be ready to get back on the road after its long vacation. And if you go away again, you’ll be an expert in long-term car storage.
Choose Reliable Vehicle Storage
At the end of the day, selecting the right storage solution offers a convenient and hassle-free way to ensure your car remains ready for use whenever you need it. CubeSmart offers a suite of car storage options tailored to your needs.* Whether you’re tucking away your classic beauty or keeping your everyday vehicle from the elements, we’ve got you covered.
- Indoor Car Storage: Give your car a “home-away-from-home” to stay safe from ice, snow, rain, and sun damage. These units are great for compact cars, classic cars, and small trucks.
- Outdoor Car Storage: For those who need an affordable and reliable storage option, our outdoor car storage keeps your car in a known location you can check on easily.
- Covered Car Storage: Our covered car storage offers reliable protection from the weather and strikes an ideal balance between indoor and outdoor storage solutions.
You can also enjoy drive-up access to your vehicle and flexible lease terms. Plus, our top-notch facility features, like electronic-gate access, give you convenient car storage solutions that tick all the boxes.*
*Storage unit sizes are approximate and subject to availability. Temperature and humidity levels within any storage space, including climate-controlled spaces, may vary.
