Vehicle Storage Tips

Storing your boat inside of a storage facility is a great way to keep your boat safe, while freeing up drive-way space at your home. That being said, if you plan on keeping your boat inside of storage facility, here are some tips to keep in mind.

 1. Keep It Covered

A garage is an ideal place to store a vehicle. This will protect it from the elements and keep it at a temperature that’s relatively stable. If you don’t have a garage and you can find accommodation at a reasonable price, consider putting the car in a public storage facility.
If you have to leave the car outdoors, consider getting a weatherproof car cover, which will help keep the car clean and dry.

2. Change the Oil

Skip this step if you’re only storing the car for a week or two. Consider getting the oil changed if you will be storing the vehicle for longer than 30 days. Ford recommends this step in its owner’s manuals, saying that used engine oil has contaminants that could damage the engine.

3. Top Off the Tank

This is another long-term car storage tip. Fill the tank with gas if you expect the car to be in storage for more than 30 days. Topping it off will prevent moisture from accumulating inside the fuel tank and keep the seals from drying out. You should also purchase a fuel stabilizer such as Sta-bil, to prevent ethanol buildup and protect the engine from gum, varnish and rust. The fuel stabilizer will prevent the gas from deteriorating for up to 12 months.

4. Keep It Charged

An unattended battery will eventually lose its charge. Get someone to start the car every two weeks and drive it for about 15 minutes if possible. Driving the car periodically has several benefits. It will maintain the battery’s charge, help the car “stretch its legs,” and keep the engine and other components adequately lubricated. It is also a good idea to run the air conditioner to keep the parts in working order and the air quality fresh.

If you cannot arrange for someone to start the car, there are two other options. The low-tech solution is to disconnect the negative battery cable. You’ll likely lose the stereo presets, time and other settings. If you want to keep those settings and ensure that your battery starts the moment you return, purchase a battery tender, also known as a trickle charger. This device hooks up to your car battery on one end and plugs into a wall outlet on the other. It delivers just enough electrical power to prevent the battery from discharging.

5. Check the Gasoline

Gasoline is another major factor to consider when getting your boat ready for storage. It’s important to store your boat in a well-ventilated area, especially if you have a gas-powered engine. If you can, try and siphon out all the gasoline from the tank before storage.

This will help to prevent any moisture or condensation from building up inside and causing corrosion. If you can’t siphon it all out, then be sure to add a fuel stabilizer to the tank. This will keep the gasoline fresh and help to prevent any build-up over time.

6.Don’t Use the Parking Brake

It’s usually a good idea to use the parking brake, but don’t do it when you leave a car in storage. If the brake pads make contact with the rotors for too long, there is a chance that they might fuse. Instead, purchase a tire stopper, also called a chock, to prevent the car from moving.

7. Prevent Flat Spots

Make sure your tires are inflated to the recommended tire pressure. If a vehicle is left stationary for too long, the tires could develop flat spots as the weight of the vehicle presses down on the tires’ footprints. This process occurs at a faster rate in colder temperatures and in vehicles equipped with performance tires or low-profile tires.

8. Keep Critters Out

A garage will keep your car dry and relatively warm. Unfortunately, those are also two things that make a garaged car attractive to rodents. There are plenty of places in your car for critters to hide, and plenty of things for them to chew on. Try to cover any gaps where a mouse could enter, such as the exhaust pipe or an air intake. Steel wool works well for this. Next, spread mothballs or cotton swabs dipped in peppermint oil along the perimeter of the vehicle. The smell is said to drive mice away.

 

Need Vehicle Storage in Las Vegas, Nevada? Look no further than Nellis Self Storage!

Few will do a better job of keeping your vehicle in great shape during the off season than professional storage. If you live in or around Las Vegas, Nevada, there is no better place to store your vehicle than right here at Nellis Self Storage. To learn more about our vehicle storage spaces and rates, tap here.