Prepping Your Car for Extended Storage

Are you the proud owner of a classic or vintage car? Or perhaps you are planning an extended trip and need secure storage for your vehicle. Whether you are hitting the road for the long haul or need somewhere to store your classic ride until the weekends, ensuring your vehicle stays safe and well-maintained is critical to your peace of mind.  

We created this guide for anybody who may require long-term vehicle storage. From finding the perfect place to stash your wheels to prepping your car for its extended stay, you will find out how to always find your car in excellent condition and ready to drive away, regardless of how long you have been apart.  

The Importance of Proper Vehicle Storage

Proper storage of your car is critical to maintaining its functionality and preserving its value. Leaving your vehicle on the driveway or curbside parking for an extended period will put it at risk. Here’s why you should consider a professional vehicle storage provider.

Protection from the Elements: Exterior and interior bodywork is prone to wear and tear from Melbourne’s often harsh weather conditions, such as the Aussie sun, winds, rain, and hail. Parking your car in a protected location where it’s shielded from the elements will prevent damage from harsh weather, saving the paint job, rubber parts, and inside materials from harm.

Security: One of the significant advantages of a high-quality car storage service is the reduced risk of theft. Most storage spots install top-notch safety gear, like cameras and alarms, to protect their clients’ investments from the criminal element. 

Prevention of Pest Infestation: A vehicle stored on your driveway or the curb is a potential hidey-hole for rodents, stray cats, insects, and other pests. Mice and rats will waste no time chewing through upholstery and electrical wiring, causing untold damage. Keeping your car in a secure facility helps protect it from an infestation.

Preservation of Value: Proper car storage helps maintain the condition and value of your vehicle. By guarding your car against harsh weather, theft, and other possible issues, you’re ensuring it stays in pristine condition – a must if you aim to sell or maintain its worth.

Finding a Quality Car Storage Solution

Look for the following features when searching for reliable, trusted, long-term vehicle storage. 

Security: Settle for nothing less than a storage facility prioritising security measures such as gated entrances, surveillance cameras, and on-site personnel. 

Storage Conditions: You’ll want a storage solution that offers protection from the sun, wind, rain, hail, and temperature extremes. Steel shipping containers are one of the best ways to protect your vehicle from all the above and more. 

Access and Convenience: Check the access hours of the storage facility to ensure they align with your needs. Also, it’s worth checking out how far the storage spot is from your home or usual hangouts. 1800 We Store provides access as often as you need during their regular business hours, and will pick up and deliver your vehicle for added convenience. We also have storage depots in major suburbs, so we are always conveniently located. 

Insurance Coverage: Inquire about insurance options provided by the storage facility. Checking on insurance options provides helpful protection for your vehicle. 1800 We Store It does not offer insurance directly, but we have partnered with a trustworthy insurance company offering some of the best deals for storage services. 

Reputation and Reviews: Research the reputation of the storage facility by reading online reviews and seeking recommendations from friends or family. The service at 1800 We Store It has attracted hundreds of 5-star reviews over its decade of servicing the Melbourne community, so don’t just take our word for it!

Preparing Your Car For Long-Term Storage

Ensuring you receive your car in the same condition you left it will require some preparation.  Here are some critical steps to take to prepare your vehicle for its stay with us.

Clean the Car Inside and Out: Water stains, bird droppings, and other substances can damage the paint if left for a long time. Give your car’s outer shell, including the rims, mudguards, and wheel covers, a thorough clean and polish. Vacuum the interior to remove any crumbs and dirt. Additionally, take care of the engine and fluids by changing the oil and oil filters if the car will be in storage for over a month.

Fill Up the Fuel Tank: Leaving the fuel tank empty during storage can lead to rust due to moisture. Fill the tank with fuel so there is no room for air and water to enter the tank and corrode it from the inside. Using a fuel stabiliser can help keep rust and corrosion at bay. Remember that the fuel may not be usable after several months, so plan on draining it once you are ready to drive the car again.

Keep Your Battery Charged: Ideally, have someone start and drive the car for about fifteen minutes every two weeks to keep the battery charged and prevent damage to the tires. If this isn’t feasible, you can disconnect the battery for storage or use a battery tender. This is a trickle charger that periodically delivers a charge to the battery, ensuring it is ready to go when you can drive the car again.

Protect the Engine: Remove the spark plugs and spray some oil into the cylinders to prevent rust in the engine block. Then, replace the plugs. If you’re uncomfortable doing this yourself, get your mechanic to do it during the pre-storage oil change. These steps will boost your engine’s life and ensure that when you hit the road again, your car will start the first time you crank it. 

Protect the Tires from Flat Spots: Inflate the tires to the recommended PSI before storing the car. If you plan to leave the car in storage for over a month, consider putting the car on jack stands and removing the tires to prevent flat spots from developing due to prolonged storage in one position. Alternatively, you can ask a friend to drive your car periodically to avoid flat spots.

Protect Against Pests: Close up the tailpipe and other openings, such as air intakes, to prevent rodents, spiders, and other pests from entering the vehicle. Stuffing a rag into the exhaust or sealing it off with aluminium foil can help. Remember to unplug these entry points before restarting and driving the car. You won’t need to worry about pests with 1800 We Store It; our containers are rodent and pest-proof. 

Wrap the Wiper Blades: Leaving the wiper blades in the same position for a long time can cause the rubber strip to stick to the windshield glass. Place a strip of plastic wrap under each blade to separate the rubber from the glass’ surface. Alternatively, you can remove the blades or pull them away from the windshield.

No Parking Brake: Engaging the parking brake for a long time can cause the braking surface to fuse with the wheel, making it challenging to release. Prevent the vehicle from rolling by using wheel chocks. These are blocks placed behind the wheels to keep them in place. 1800 We Store It vehicle containers come with tie-down straps to prevent movement during transit and storage.

Secure Your Vehicle with 1800 We Store It: Your Trusted Long-Term Car Storage Solution

Storing your car for long periods requires proper preparation to ensure its safety and preserve its condition. Follow the steps in this guide to store your ride with peace of mind, knowing it’s shielded from harm and all set for a spin when it’s returned to you. 

If you’re looking for a hassle-free and secure long-term car storage solution, look no further than 1800 We Store It. We have a steel shipping container to keep your car safe, with the latest security systems and rental plans flexible enough to fit any lifestyle. 

Don’t leave your car’s well-being to chance. Contact us today and let our professional team assist you in securing your vehicle with our expert long-term car storage services. Call for a quick quote and take advantage of our pick-up and delivery service that makes long-term car storage even more convenient.