How to Store a Car

The best way to store a car is to park it in an appropriate indoor or outdoor storage space, clean and prepare the vehicle before storing it, and protect it with a breathable cover. A 10×20 storage unit is a common size for many passenger cars, although larger vehicles may require a longer space. Outdoor vehicle parking can be a more affordable option when indoor storage isn’t necessary.

Key Takeaways

• A 10×20 storage unit can accommodate many passenger cars but always confirm the vehicle’s dimensions and the facility’s vehicle-storage requirements.
• Indoor storage provides greater protection from rain, hail, snow, and direct sunlight than uncovered outdoor parking.
• Outdoor vehicle storage is typically more budget-friendly but requires a properly fitted, breathable cover.
• Wash and thoroughly dry the car before storage to remove dirt, road salt, and other contaminants.
• Add fuel stabilizer if the vehicle will be stored for an extended period and follow the product manufacturer’s directions.
• Inflate tires to the recommended pressure before parking the vehicle.
• Remove food, trash, and scented items from the interior to discourage unwanted pests and odors.
• Check facility rules before storing a vehicle, including requirements for vehicle condition, insurance, access, and permitted items.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Car Storage

The right storage option depends on your budget, how long you’ll store the vehicle, and how much protection you want.

Indoor Vehicle Storage

A 10×20 storage unit is a common option for storing many passenger cars, but the exact fit depends on the vehicle’s length, width, height, and the facility’s door dimensions. Measure your vehicle before renting a unit, especially if you have a large sedan, SUV, truck, or classic car.

Indoor storage can help shield a vehicle from:

• Rain and snow
• Hail
• Direct sunlight
• Wind-blown dirt and debris
• Seasonal weather conditions

Some facilities also offer climate-controlled storage, which can help moderate temperature and humidity changes. Climate control does not eliminate the need to properly prepare and maintain a stored vehicle.

Before renting: Confirm that the facility permits vehicle storage and that the unit is large enough for both the vehicle and the required clearance around it.

Outdoor Vehicle Storage

Outdoor vehicle parking can be a practical choice when you want convenient access or a lower-cost alternative to indoor storage. Because the vehicle remains exposed to the elements, preparation is especially important.

For outdoor storage:

1. Choose a clean, well-drained parking surface.
2. Use a fitted, breathable car cover designed for outdoor use.
3. Secure the cover according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Avoid parking beneath trees when possible, to reduce exposure to sap, bird droppings, and falling debris.
5. Check the vehicle periodically during longer storage periods.

How to Prepare a Car for Storage

Proper preparation can help protect your vehicle while it sits unused.

1. Wash and Dry the Car

Wash the exterior to remove dirt, road salt, grease, and other contaminants. Thoroughly dry the vehicle before covering it.

Road salt and other contaminants can contribute to corrosion if left on the vehicle for extended periods.

2. Check the Fluids

Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations before storage. If an oil change is due, consider completing it before putting the car away.

Check fluid levels, including:

• Engine oil
• Coolant
• Windshield washer fluid
• Brake fluid, if maintenance is due

3. Prepare the Fuel System

For longer storage, use a fuel stabilizer that’s compatible with your vehicle and follow its label directions. After adding stabilizer, run the engine as directed so the treated fuel circulates through the system.

Important: Never run a vehicle inside a storage unit or other enclosed space. Vehicle exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which can be deadly.

4. Protect the Battery

For extended storage, follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations for battery maintenance. Depending on the vehicle and storage period, this may include disconnecting the battery or using an approved battery-maintenance device where permitted.

Check facility rules before bringing or storing batteries separately. Loose or spare batteries may not be permitted in a storage unit.

5. Check the Tires

Inflate the tires to the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. For extended storage, periodically moving the vehicle a few inches, when permitted and practical, can change the contact points between the tires and the storage surface.

Do not exceed the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure unless the vehicle manufacturer specifically advises otherwise for storage.

6. Clean the Interior

Vacuum the seats, carpeting, and floor areas. Remove:

• Food and drinks
• Trash
• Perishable items
• Scented products
• Anything that could attract pests

For most storage environments, keep the windows and doors closed. If you’re considering leaving windows slightly open, confirm that the storage environment and facility rules make this appropriate.

7. Use a Breathable Car Cover

A fitted, breathable cover can help reduce dust accumulation while the vehicle is stored. Choose a cover designed for the storage environment.

Avoid covering a car while it’s wet. Trapped moisture can contribute to mold, mildew, and other problems.

How to Organize a Storage Unit Around Your Car

If you’re storing a car inside a larger unit, leave enough room to safely access the vehicle and comply with facility requirements.

Keep frequently needed supplies organized in labeled containers, such as:

• Microfiber towels
• Tire-pressure gauge
• Approved cleaning supplies
• Vehicle manuals
• Spare accessories

If permitted by the storage facility, drip trays can help protect the storage surface from minor fluid leaks. Never store items in a way that blocks doors, walkways, ventilation, or required access areas.

Keep vehicle accessories such as hubcaps, manuals, and removable trim pieces in labeled containers rather than loose inside the vehicle.

What Size Storage Unit Do You Need for a Car?

A 10×20 storage unit is a common starting point for many passenger cars, but the correct size depends on the vehicle’s dimensions and the facility’s access requirements.

Before renting, measure:

• Vehicle length
• Vehicle width, including mirrors if applicable
• Vehicle height
• Storage-unit door height and width
• Available maneuvering space

Larger vehicles, trucks, SUVs, and recreational vehicles may require a larger storage space or designated outdoor vehicle parking.

Car Storage Checklist

Before leaving your car in storage, make sure you have:

• Washed and dried the exterior
• Checked required maintenance and fluid levels
• Added fuel stabilizer if appropriate for the storage period
• Properly prepared the battery
• Inflated the tires to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure
• Cleaned the interior
• Removed food, trash, and scented products
• Installed a breathable, fitted cover
• Confirmed the facility’s vehicle-storage rules
• Confirmed the vehicle meets the facility’s requirements for storage

FAQs

Is a 10×20 storage unit big enough for a car?

A 10×20 unit can accommodate many passenger cars, but it is not guaranteed to fit every vehicle. Measure your car and confirm the unit’s interior dimensions, door dimensions, and access requirements before renting.

Is it better to store a car indoors or outdoors?

Indoor storage generally provides greater protection from weather and sunlight. Outdoor storage can be a more economical option, but the vehicle needs additional protection from the elements.

Should I cover my car in a storage unit?

Yes. A clean, breathable, properly fitted car cover can help protect the vehicle from dust and debris. Make sure the vehicle is completely dry before covering it.

Should I fill the gas tank before storing a car?

For longer-term storage, many vehicle manufacturers and fuel-system experts recommend appropriate fuel-storage practices, which may include keeping the tank sufficiently full and using fuel stabilizer. Follow your vehicle and fuel-stabilizer manufacturer’s instructions.

Should I disconnect my car battery during storage?

For extended storage, battery maintenance may be necessary. Whether you should disconnect the battery depends on the vehicle and storage period, so follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and the storage facility’s rules.

Can I start my car while it’s in storage?

Never start or run a vehicle inside an enclosed storage unit. Vehicle exhaust produces carbon monoxide, a colorless and potentially deadly gas. If the vehicle needs to be operated, move it to an appropriate outdoor location first.

Can I store personal belongings inside my car?

Storage facilities may have restrictions on items stored inside vehicles or units. Check the facility’s rental agreement and prohibited-items policy before leaving belongings in the vehicle.

Bottom Line

Indoor storage is a good choice when you want greater protection from weather, sunlight, and debris, while outdoor vehicle storage can offer a more budget-friendly option with convenient access. Regardless of where you store the car, clean and dry it first, follow recommended maintenance procedures, protect the tires and battery, and use an appropriate breathable cover.

Always check the storage facility’s current vehicle-storage requirements before renting. Public Storage maintains no liability for damage or loss to vehicles. Stored vehicles must be drivable and roadworthy, and Public Storage states that you cannot store anything worth more than $5,000 in a Public Storage unit.