Sonic Sedan

Make
Chevrolet
Segment
Sedan

Many people require long-term vehicle storage. You might own a classic car or truck that is only driven a few times per year or you are storing a car for the winter while you drive the SUV. Perhaps you are being deployed or you are going away for a long holiday for several months. The bottom line is that you have a car that you don't want to sell and you need to figure out where to park the car for the long term, safely and securely.

The Different Places to Store Your Car

There are a few options when it comes to storage for cars. Naturally, the ideal storage place for your car would be your own garage at home while you're gone. Parking it outside would leave it vulnerable to the elements, but some open-air parking lots offer partial covering for your car. A better option would be to rent secure parking and storage at a dedicated facility where you can even rent a 2-car storage unit. Here are some of the benefits and disadvantages of each option.

Open-Air Storage

It might sound precarious, but if done right, storing a car outside need not be a bad idea. Maybe you have a secure spot under cover next to your house that is protected from the wind and rain, or a covered, fenced-in long-term car park. If done right, it can work well. Outdoor parking is obviously less of a problem in Texas than in Oregon, for example, due to less extreme weather conditions. Thus, it will vary according to where you live in the USA.

Garage or Storage Unit

A garage would obviously be ideal, especially if it's at your house. Hopefully, someone is staying at your house and can keep an eye on the car and check it periodically. Rented, secure car storage in a garage, warehouse, or storage facility is also a great option if you don't have any other space for it.

What to Remember When You Prepare a Car for Storage

Here are some tips about preparations for how to store a car:

  • Refuel it: Older cars have metal fuel tanks that can rust if they are not filled up. Be sure to top up the tank before putting a car in storage - and add a corrosion inhibitor.
  • Wash it: Dirt and grime on the paintwork and carpets can damage the car and cause mildew to form. Clean the car thoroughly and treat it to a coat of wax to protect the paintwork. How to prepare a car for storage starts with a good cleaning, inside and out.
  • Clean the room: A clean room has less attraction for rodents and keeps dirt and grime away from your car in general. There should be very little in the room except for the car. Even cardboard boxes could be tempting to rats and mice.
  • Check the fluids: Filling up or replacing the oil, so that gunk does not settle in the engine, is an important step when you prepare a car for storage. Make sure the radiator is full of coolant with the appropriate percentage of antifreeze. This prevents the water from freezing, protects the cooling system's components, and prevents rust.
  • Store it on jacks or jack stands: If you're going to be away for a long time, consider lifting the car off its tires if you know nobody will be taking it for a drive now and again. Left parked, the tires will deform and flat-spot, rendering them useless after a few months.

Tips on How to Store a Car

Besides the obvious ones above, there are several more things you can keep in mind when storing your car, depending on your circumstances and where you live in the US. Cover the car with a soft, breathable cover that does not trap moisture. Remember that the buffeting of a cover in the wind outside will also damage the paintwork. Don't engage the parking brake, because it can seize and refuse to disengage when left for months. Park on a sheet of plastic to catch any dripping fluids and cover all obvious holes, like the exhaust and vent inlets, to keep out bugs and rodents. Disable your car alarm, because it will drain your battery and won't work after a while anyway.

Conclusion

If you need to store your car for a long time, do it right and you'll be coming back to a car in great condition that is ready to go immediately. Keep all these tips in mind and you can avoid nasty surprises when you get back home. If you are storing your car at home, make sure someone is there to keep an eye on the car and perhaps take it for a drive every few weeks.