If you’re thinking of storing your car for a long time, there’s more to it than simply parking it in a storage unit. Cars require some maintenance if you want to let them sit without getting damaged. The following is a list of steps you should take to ensure secure self-storage for your vehicle.

Tips For Car Storage

1. Pick a Safe Indoor Spot

The first step is to find a trustworthy garage or storage unit to keep it in. Keeping your car outside leaves it open to the elements — from inclement weather to thieves — which puts your car at risk. Even if it’s covered with a tarp, moisture can get into the gears, which can lead to rust and further damage, so indoor car storage is key. 

2. Prevent Rust

Even if your car is safe from the moisture of the outdoors, there are many other factors to keep in mind that can lead to rust and corrosion. Vacuum or discard any dirt or trash from the interior of your vehicle, and take care to wash and wax the exterior to prevent this issue. Also, disengage the parking brake and put the vehicle on wheel chocks so that the car remains safely stationary without rusting the brake pads. 

3. Fill It Up

All car fluids — gas, windshield wiper fluid, and brake fluid — should be refreshed and topped off, to prevent condensation and evaporation from taking place while you’re away. Getting an oil change also prevents the acid in old oil from leaching out and damaging your engine. Make sure to grease the seals and suspensions as well so they don’t dry out while in the storage unit.

4. Give the Battery a Rest

Leaving your car off for a long period can ruin the battery if you don’t take the right precautions. Newer vehicles may have systems that need constant power, so you should attach a trickle charger that keeps the battery active over time. For older vehicles, it’s best to disconnect the battery altogether to prevent failure and corrosion in the engine.

5. Take Care of the Tires

If your car will be in storage for less than six months, make sure that the tires are inflated to the appropriate PSI before you leave; that will lessen the chances that they’ll flatten. If you want to store it for over six months and don’t have way to take the car out for a drive occasionally, you may want to keep it on a jack, provided your storage unit will allow one.

At All American Self Storage of Highpoint, NC, security goes hand-in-hand with affordable storage unit options. With 24-hour video surveillance and electronic gates, you can rest assured that your car will be safe while your away. Call (336) 434-1222 for a storage quote or contact them on their website for more information.