As a classic car enthusiast, an RV holiday-maker, or if you need to place a vehicle you don’t use daily, selecting the right storage option is an important decision. At SSU Storage, we know how important your vehicle is to you, and we suggest that for long-term storage or seasonal storage, you consider climate-controlled vehicle storage.
Here we will cover all the essentials you need to know to
prepare your car, truck or RV for storage. Follow the checklist below to ensure
the storage of your vehicle is effective and it will be in excellent condition
when stored in one of our vehicle or RV storage units.
Before we move on to the checklist, let's take a moment to talk about the value of climate-controlled vehicle storage:
●
Protection
from temperatures: Extreme heat, freezing temperatures, and
humidity can cause damage to a vehicle's engine, tires, interior, and battery.
Climate control mitigates that risk.
●
Reduction
of moisture and mold risk: Humidity can lead to corrosion, mildew, and
mold. Climate control helps stabilize the interior environment and eliminate
those concerns.
● Long-term preservation: Climate control is excellent for luxury vehicles, classic cars, and RVs, which need special attention during extended storage.
At SSU Storage, with our storage units for RV, we are providing those protective measures for peace of mind when it comes to ensuring your possessions are properly protected and lending to long-term performance.
Wash and wax the exterior to remove dirt/salt/ bugs/dirt/other contaminants/corrosion elements on the vehicle exterior. Waxing will provide a protective layer while your vehicle is in storage. Vacuum your vehicle's interior, toss the trash, and clean the upholstery to eliminate any possibility of attracting unwanted visitors.
Pro Tip- To avoid mold from building inside the vehicle, add a moisture absorber to the car in climate-controlled vehicle storage.
Ensure to fill any critical fluids before putting your car in
vehicle storage. Make sure to fill:
●
Engine oil
●
Coolant
●
Brake fluid
●
Transmission flu
● Windshield washer fluid
Fresh fluids will prevent corrosion and lubrication throughout
the vehicle's internal workings.
Filling the gas tank stops moisture from developing over time and prevents rust from entering the fuel system. Add a quality fuel stabilizer to keep the gas from breaking down over the months.
This step is even more critical if you are using storage units for RV, as RVs are
rightfully kept still for extended periods.
Batteries do discharge or corrode over time. Disconnect the negative terminal, or even better, remove the battery and store it somewhere cool & dry. Consider a battery maintainer or trickle charger if you are putting the vehicle into long-duration storage.
Tires can develop flat spots if they sit under-inflated for a long time. Inflate all tires to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure before storing.
If you store the vehicle for a few months, consider putting the vehicle on jack stands to take pressure off the tires and suspension.
Even in climate-controlled vehicle storage, a breathable cover
protects against dust, dings, and UV rays from sunlight. If storage units for RV, layer a cover
made specifically for the size and shape of your RV.
Rodents and insects can easily enter through small gaps. Make
sure to close exhaust pipes with steel wool, and that all windows, doors, and
sunroofs are correctly closed. In addition, rodent repellents or traps should
be placed inside the unit.
Make sure the vehicle will still be insured while in storage.
Some insurance companies have discounted premiums for long-term storage. Ensure
your registration is current, if your state requires vehicles to have
registration at all times.
Take pictures of your vehicle before storing it, inside and out.
This can be helpful for documentation for your insurance and help you document
any changes upon retrieval.
SSU Storage provides high-quality climate-controlled vehicle storage and RV storage units that are
clean, secure, and provide long-term, climate-controlled peace of mind. Here
are some of the reasons our customers choose us:
●
Indoor, Temperature-Stabilized Units
●
24/7 Video Surveillance & Gated Access
●
Flexible Leases
●
RV-Friendly Units with Easy Drive-Up Access
Proper vehicle storage entails more than just parking and locking the doors. By using this checklist and opting for a climate-controlled vehicle storage facility, you can keep your investment safe from the outside elements, pests, and the impacts of wear and tear over time.
Are you ready to give your vehicle the respect it deserves?
Reserve your unit today at SSU Storage, and rest easy knowing your vehicle is
protected with professional-grade protection.