Over the winter, many people put their vehicles away in a storage unit. Perhaps they have a cruiser that's more suitable for summertime, or maybe they're planning on heading to a warmer climate where the automobile won't be necessary. If you fall into one of these categories, take a few steps to prepare your investment so it survives the cold and lack of use.

3 Tips for Winterizing Your Vehicle Before Placing It in a Storage Unit

1. Pest-Proof It

An unoccupied vehicle is an attractive home to rodents and insects looking for a space to make a nest for winter. Make sure you don't find unwanted guests or their droppings in your car when you return in the springtime by putting mothballs or dryer sheets near the doors and other openings. If you decide to use animal traps, put these outside: You won't be around to remove anything they catch for at least a few months.

2. Attend to the Fluids

Your car has various fluids, including coolant and gas, that help it run properly. However, none of these has a particularly long shelf life. On average, they will only stay good for about three months. To ensure your vehicle doesn't suffer damage from a substance that's slowly breaking down, add fuel stabilizer, and top off each liquid before storing it. Do this before you drive to the storage unit to make sure all the components of the car have fresh fluids.

3. Take Out the Battery

There's a chance the cold weather could crack the battery. Additionally, if it begins to corrode in storage, it will leak hazardous fluids. To ensure you don't return in the spring or summer to find a badly damaged vehicle, remove the battery entirely. If you're not sure how, a mechanic will be happy to help you. Keep it in a warm, dry place until you're ready to use it again.

For additional helpful information on keeping your prized belongings in top condition or a wide range of storage units, contact the team at International Self Storage. They have been serving Anchorage, AK, customers for more than 30 years and offer secure, heated units as well as places to keep your car or RV. For additional information about their services, call (907) 563-3287 or (907) 522-1443​ to reach the Dimond Mini Storage location.​​​​​​ You can also visit them online today.