A man’s car is one of his most prized possessions. Depending on the year, make and model, it may be the MOST important thing we own. Classic cars are of thing of beauty, and we want to be sure that they are kept in pristine condition when it is not in use. Some might choose to keep their car covered in a garage, but unfortunately there it can still fall victim to dust, vermin and potentially dangerous moisture.
If you live in an area that's plagued by snow, leading to sand and salt on the road during the winter months, you may be considering long term storage for one or more of your vehicles until spring. Again, the garage may not be your best option, but then what other option is there?
A good alternative is to use indoor car storage at one of the many storage facilities around the country that will keep your vehicle looking showroom ready. Recently, more and more people are using storage units to keep their antique vehicles safe or to protect their car while they're traveling overseas for an extended period of time.
The benefits of indoor car storage include 24/7 access, high levels of security, protection from the elements, and a climate controlled environment that keeps out everything that a regular garage can’t. Whatever your reason for using car storage, use these tips to get your vehicle ready for long term storage.
- Add fuel-stabilizer to a full tank of gas. It might sound silly to fill up before you put your car into long term storage, but a low gas tank can accumulate moisture that causes rusting.
- Wash and wax your car. Removing all dirt and debris before long term car storage helps prevent erosion.
- Put the car on jacks. Raising the car up on jack stands while it's in long term storage relieves unnecessary pressure on your tires and can save you money down the road.
- Use a car cover or tarp to cover the vehicle. Once in the long term storage unit, cover the car to help protect it.
- Change the oil. Previously used oil can cause engine corrosion after a certain period of time.
- Take the parking break off. Stay away from using the parking break but consider using disk locks to keep it from moving.
- Crack one or two windows for ventilation. You don’t want to come back to an unventilated vehicle, trust me.
- Overinflate the tires. This is to compensate for lost tire pressure over time.
- Unattach and remove the car battery. Better safe than sorry.
There are a number of benefits to investing in classic car storage with a facility that specializes in such a service. Car storage prices are often very reasonable, considering how many value-added benefits are provided and how well this solution helps maintain the classic car’s value. Put your baby somewhere safe and be rest assured that it will remain in the same condition it was in the day you drove it off the lot.
