Storage Types
Vehicle Self Storage Units
Do you need to store a car, truck, or SUV for a month or longer? A self-storage unit or parking space is an excellent option for short- and long-term car storage. The Storage Mall provides secure vehicle storage throughout the Northeast and Midwest. Our team of expert managers will offer you the insights you need and help you find storage for cars in your area.
Rent NowWhat To Look for When Finding Storage for Cars Security
When storing a car or vehicle in a storage facility, you want to be confident that the location is secure. Look for electronic gate access, video surveillance, and well-lit properties. Our storage facilities take security seriously, and all of our locations have video surveillance and pin code access electronic gates.
Access Hours
The convenience of accessing your car when you need it should be a determining factor when renting a unit from a storage facility. We offer extended access hours or even 24-hour access at most of our locations. Find a storage facility near you to learn more about its hours.
Local Weather
The weather in your area plays a significant role in which type of auto storage you decide to rent. If you live in an area prone to severe storms, keeping your car in a storage unit may be the safest option. Storing your vehicle indoors helps safely protects engines from weather-related cracks and seal leaks. If your area has mild weather year-round, search for outdoor storage solutions.
Vehicle Insurance
Before storing a vehicle, check with your insurance carrier. Many insurance companies offer coverage primarily written to protect your car while in storage. Such off-road coverage can provide savings compared to basic road insurance.
Types of Self
Storage Units for Vehicles
Many of our locations offer indoor, outdoor, and even covered storage for cars. Here is more information about the types of solutions available at our storage facilities:
Indoor Storage for Cars
Drive-up storage units provide an indoor, garage-like storage for cars. With varying unit sizes, you can store anything from compact cars to larger pickup trucks and commercial cargo vans. These units range in size from 10×20 to 10×30 or larger. Because of the protection this storage option provides, drive-up access units are great for long-term car storage, classic or sports cars, or vehicles in areas with harsh weather conditions.
Outdoor Car Storage
If you live in an area with mild weather or prefer a more affordable self-storage solution for your vehicle, outdoor car storage is an ideal option. Many of our storage facility locations offer outdoor parking units or spaces that can easily accommodate cars of all sizes. Find a location near you to inquire about outdoor storage options.
Covered Car Storage
With a roof protecting your vehicle from the sun and other elements, covered car storage offers an ideal middle ground between indoor and outdoor storage. This option is more affordable than indoor storage but also provides better protection against sun, snow, hail, and other elements that could damage your vehicle. If you don’t live in an area with harsh weather or intense storms, try outdoor, covered storage for cars.
Indoor, Climate-Controlled Car Storage
Indoor climate-controlled vehicle storage is a specialized service that provides secure storage for cars, protecting them from environmental factors that can cause damage. This premium type of storage is especially useful for classic cars, sports cars, motorcycles, convertibles, and other high-value vehicles that require careful maintenance. Indoor, climate-controlled storage maintains a consistent temperature, preventing extremes that will harm vehicles such as rust, mildew, and mold growth. It also protects vehicles from dust and exposure to sunlight, which can fade paint and damage interiors.
Checklist for
Storing a Vehicle in a Storage Facility
For owners of classic, antique, and vintage cars, sports cars, and racing cars, storing your seldom-used car in a self-storage unit is often a beneficial solution. Whether your car is an expensive one you display at auto shows and parades or an everyday car with sentimental value, learn how to properly prepare it for storage. Proper storage will extend the life of your vehicle and keep it looking like new and running in top condition.
While preparing a car for storage, keep the following checklist handy so your vehicle runs optimally and looks like new when it’s time to take it out of storage. Gather any necessary tools and supplies before you get started. Here are a few elements to check before using storage for cars:
Supplies
You may require a tire gauge, plastic drop cloth, cotton cloth, mothballs, mousetraps, plastic bags, duct tape, fuel stabilizer, WD-40, desiccant sacs, jack, and jack stands. A large wood block for the battery and thin wood trim pieces for under the windshield wipers are also helpful. Verify that you have adequate amounts of each type of fluid on hand to top off all of your fluids.
Cleaning
Thoroughly clean your vehicle, both inside and out, as the first step. Wash the car, then use a buffer over the entire exterior to buff out all imperfections, and apply a good coat of wax. This will protect the body from corrosion. Having this process professionally done also helps simplify your preparations. Wipe the mirrors clean. Dirt and residue left on mirrors for long periods can cause rust and corrosion. Remove all trash and debris from the interior of the car. Vacuum it thoroughly to remove pet hair and food crumbs. Use a stain remover to scrub away any stains from the carpet and upholstery. Air fresheners are beneficial when your car has residual odors. Remove any items from the trunk of your vehicle, and don’t neglect to clean the carpet in the trunk area as well.
Repairs
The second necessary step is making sure all needed repairs have been completed before placing your car in a vehicle storage unit to prevent further deterioration. Change the oil one to two days before storing it. Used oil contains acids, moisture, and other combustion byproducts that will cause engine corrosion, especially when the car sits for long periods. Drive your car for several miles after the oil change to allow the oil to circulate throughout the entire engine. Pull the spark plugs and add about a teaspoon of engine oil inside each cylinder. Replace the spark plugs; doing this will coat the inside of the cylinders to prevent rust. Seal off all engine openings with an absorbent cotton cloth to collect moisture. It will also deter bugs and mice from getting inside. Use a cotton cloth to fill openings in the exhaust pipes and other spaces. Write this down on your maintenance checklist to remind yourself to remove the cotton cloth when taking your car out of storage before driving it again. Spray the exposed metal surfaces of your engine with a good lubricant such as WD-40 to prevent rust. WD-40 will quickly evaporate, leaving a protective film on the car body, hose clamps, coils, and other parts.
Gasoline
Fill the gas tank to prevent moisture and air from entering it. If you are storing your car in a poorly ventilated unit where gas fumes may create a problem, keep the gas tank only half full. Add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank, and then drive the car around for about 10 miles to allow it to circulate throughout the system. Neglecting to add a fuel stabilizer causes the gas to break down, forming gum and varnish when it deteriorates.
Brakes
Check the color of the brake fluid. The brake fluid should look clear. If the brake fluid is brown and looks dirty, it needs to be flushed and refilled with new fluid. When brake fluid gets old, it contains moisture, which rusts the brake system. Verify that the brake, clutch, and master cylinders are both full of brake fluid. Annually bleed the brake and clutch fluid to purge the system of contaminated brake fluid.
Convertible Tops
Convertible tops should be stored with the top left up. When the convertible top is left down for long periods, it can develop large creases or rip after months of neglect. Treat the convertible top with silicone or other lubricants. Desiccant sacs can be placed on the floor of the car’s interior; this will keep moisture and humidity from damaging the top.
Tires
Tires can deteriorate when stored for long periods, and they develop dry rot and flat spots. Avoid using products to give your tires a shine, as they will dry them out and increase the risk of dry rot. Over-inflate the tires slightly to prevent flat spots. Have the tires checked for leaks and repaired before storage. Tires with an “H” rating or higher will do best in storage.
Battery
Refer to your owner’s manual for battery care tips. Some car specialists may suggest removing the battery and placing it on a wooden block, so the battery won’t be drained. Others suggest leaving the battery in the car but disconnecting the negative terminal of the battery. You can also leave the battery intact in the car to prevent voltage spikes. Voltage spikes significantly damage components. A storage switch can be found on some vehicles. After flipping this switch, the battery shuts off, preventing the battery from draining.
Final Details
Roll up the windows and close the vents to protect your car against moisture and from bugs and mice getting inside. Check hoses for bulges and cracks and have them replaced if they show extensive damage. Exhaust pipes can be protected from moisture and pests by placing a plastic bag over the opening and sealing it with duct tape. Remove the blades from your windshield wipers and place thin wood strips or white cotton cloth under the wipers to prevent them from scratching the windows. Park the car on a plastic sheet or jacks. Make sure the emergency brake is off to prevent it from sticking. Cover your car with a tarp to keep it safe from dust. Set moth balls around the outside of the car and mouse traps to keep pests away.
Visiting Your Vehicle
Visit your car in the storage facility at least once a month, start the engine, and let it run for a few minutes. Make sure to leave the door to your storage unit open when running the engine to provide proper ventilation. When possible, take your car for a quick drive to get all the parts moving.
Reviving the Car After Storage
When you are ready to remove your vehicle from the storage facility, open all the windows to air out your car. Remove the cotton cloths placed in all the pipe openings. Remove the plastic bag from the exhaust pipe, and check all of your fluids. Reinstall the battery and make sure it is fully charged. You can then take your car out for a drive.
Our Storage for Cars Locations
Here are just a few locations that offer storage options for a variety of vehicle types. Availability may vary depending on the storage facility.
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Find Reliable Solutions at a Storage Facility
The Storage Mall offers secure, climate-controlled storage for a variety of items. Whether you are looking for boat storage facilities or storage for cars, furniture, clothing, etc., we have you covered. Our storage facilities offer units in various sizes to accommodate your needs. Contact our team today to learn more about our prices, sizing, and availability.
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