How Do You Store a Car for Several Months?

Store a car by cleaning it inside and out, removing food and loose items, checking tire pressure, reviewing battery guidance, and reserving a vehicle space that fits the car and your storage timeline. For longer breaks from driving, covered parking or an enclosed vehicle unit can limit exposure to sun, wind, rain, and snow.

Public Storage offers outdoor parking, covered spaces, and enclosed vehicle units at select locations for eligible vehicles. Cars stored at Public Storage must be operable, registered, and insured.

Car Storage Essentials:

• Clean and dry the vehicle before storage.
• Remove food, drinks, trash, loose papers, and personal items.
• Check tire pressure using the vehicle’s tire-information label or owner’s manual.
• Review the owner’s manual for battery and long-term storage guidance.
• Close all windows, doors, the trunk, and the sunroof before leaving the vehicle.
• Use a fitted car cover for indoor vehicle storage when appropriate.
• Choose outdoor, covered, or enclosed vehicle storage based on the weather, storage period, and access needs.
• Confirm vehicle eligibility, space dimensions, access hours, and property requirements before reserving.
• Check the vehicle periodically during longer storage periods.

Car Storage at a Glance:

How Should You Clean a Car Before Storage?

Clean a car before storage by washing the exterior, vacuuming the interior, and removing food, trash, and loose belongings. Dirt, road debris, crumbs, and moisture can build up while a car is parked for an extended period.

Use this process:

1. Wash dirt, road residue, bird droppings, and tree sap from the exterior.
2. Let the car dry fully before covering it or parking it in an enclosed space.
3. Vacuum the floors, seats, and cargo area.
4. Remove food, drinks, wrappers, reusable bags, and trash.
5. Check under seats, door pockets, the glove compartment, and trunk.
6. Remove loose papers and personal items.
7. Wipe interior surfaces with products that fit the vehicle manufacturer’s guidance.

Do not leave food, fuel containers, household chemicals, or prohibited materials inside the vehicle or vehicle-storage space.

What Should You Do With a Car Battery Before Storage?

Review the owner’s manual before storing a car for an extended period. Some vehicles may need battery disconnection or another manufacturer-approved battery-care approach based on the vehicle type, battery type, climate, and expected storage length.

Use this process:

1. Review the owner’s manual for battery-storage guidance.
2. Turn off the vehicle and remove the key.
3. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions before disconnecting the battery.
4. Keep chargers, battery-maintenance devices, and other electrical equipment out of the vehicle-storage space unless the location specifically confirms they are allowed.
5. Check the battery setup before returning the vehicle to regular use.

Consult a qualified automotive professional if you have questions about the battery, electrical system, or long-term vehicle preparation.

How Should You Care for Tires During Car Storage?

Care for tires by checking pressure before storage and parking the vehicle on a level, dry surface. Use the tire-information label or owner’s manual for the recommended tire pressure.

For longer storage periods, consult the owner’s manual or a qualified automotive professional before using jack stands or changing how the vehicle is supported.

Before parking the car:

• Check tire pressure when the tires are cool.
• Look for visible tire wear or damage.
• Park on a level surface.
• Avoid standing water and wet ground.
• Review tire condition before driving again.

Do not store separate vehicle tires in a Public Storage unit.

Should You Use a Car Cover in Storage?

Use a fitted car cover for a vehicle stored indoors when the cover fits the vehicle and the car is clean and dry. A fitted cover can limit dust on the exterior during an extended parking period.

Avoid rough tarps, loose plastic sheeting, or covers that can hold moisture against the finish. For outdoor storage, compare covered or enclosed vehicle-space options instead of relying on a cover alone.

What Type of Vehicle Storage Should You Choose?

Choose vehicle storage based on your car, expected storage period, local weather, access needs, and available space. Public Storage offers outdoor parking, covered parking, and enclosed vehicle units at select properties.

Many enclosed vehicle spaces up to 20 feet can fit standard-size cars and trucks. Measure your vehicle’s length, width, and height before reserving.

How Can You Store a Car When Your Garage Is Full?

Vehicle storage can create room when a garage or driveway is full of daily-use vehicles, household projects, seasonal gear, or furniture. Reserve a nearby vehicle space for an eligible car while keeping your garage available for the items and routines you use most often.

Public Storage offers vehicle storage at select locations for eligible cars, trucks, motorcycles, RVs, boats, and trailers. Confirm the space type, vehicle dimensions, access hours, and property requirements before reserving.

How Often Should You Check a Stored Car?

Check a stored car periodically, especially when it will remain parked for several months. A routine check-in helps you review the exterior, tires, cover, battery plan, and parking area.

During a check-in:

• Look for moisture, debris, or changes around the vehicle.
• Inspect the tires.
• Check the fitted car cover, if used.
• Review the battery plan based on manufacturer guidance.
• Confirm that the interior remains free of food, trash, and loose items.
• Start or drive the car only when appropriate for its maintenance plan.

Consult the owner’s manual or a qualified automotive professional for vehicle-specific maintenance questions.

Find the Right Vehicle Space for Your Car.

Car storage starts with a clean, dry vehicle and a parking option that fits your schedule and local conditions. Review battery and tire guidance, measure your car before reserving, and choose an outdoor, covered, or enclosed space based on your planned storage period.

Find a Public Storage location near you to compare available vehicle storage options for eligible cars. Public Storage offers month-to-month vehicle storage at select locations, with free reservations and no obligation.

A clear car-storage plan can keep your garage and driveway open until you are ready to drive again.

Car Storage FAQs

Can you store a car at Public Storage?
Yes. Eligible cars can be stored at select Public Storage locations in outdoor parking, covered spaces, or enclosed vehicle units. Vehicles must be operable, registered, and insured.

What should you do before storing a car for several months?
Clean and dry the vehicle, remove food and loose belongings, check tire pressure, and review battery guidance in the owner’s manual.

Is covered or enclosed vehicle storage better?
Choose covered or enclosed vehicle storage based on your car, local weather, storage duration, and available spaces. Covered parking provides overhead coverage, while enclosed units can limit exposure to wind, rain, snow, and direct sunlight.

Can you leave food in a stored car?
No. Remove food, drinks, wrappers, and trash before storage. Food and perishables cannot remain in a Public Storage space.

Do you need to measure your car before reserving vehicle storage?
Yes. Measure the car’s length, width, and height before reserving. Confirm available space dimensions and property requirements with your preferred Public Storage location.