How to Store a Car

Whether you’re looking for indoor or outdoor options for your classic speedster or rugged truck, finding car storage with Public Storage is easy. 

What isn’t quite as easy? Preparing your car properly for storage. Not taking the right steps can result in some serious vehicle damage. That’s why we’ve put together these easy-to-remember car storage tips to teach you the right way to get ready for storage season. 

Step 1: Clean Your Car, Inside and Out

Nobody loves cleaning, but giving your car a good wash before putting it into vehicle storage can provide protection. Over time, dirt, gravel and other muck causes your car to rust. If you plan on storing your car for an extended period of time, we recommend waxing your ride to keep your car’s coat shiny and safe.

To keep your car in good shape for it’s next trip, do a thorough cleaning of your car’s interior. Try grabbing some mice deterrents, like cedar or mothballs, and place them around your car’s exterior to help keep those pesky pests away.

Step 2: Change and Fill Up Your Car’s Fluids 

When you store a car for winter or for an extended period of time longer than a month, you’ll want to perform an oil change. Dirty car oil can thicken over time and cause problems for you when it’s time to start your engine. 

We also recommend filling up your gas tank. This prevents the tank from rusting while kept in storage. Adding a fuel stabilizer can preserve the gasoline in your car’s tank, helping to stop any potential fuel system damage. 

Step 3: Tend to Your Vehicle’s Tires

Before putting your car in storage, pumping a little extra air into the tires will help you avoid flat spots as they lose air while sitting unused. 

Another easy way to avoid tire flat spots? Put tire jacks under your car. Sure, this will take some extra effort, but by removing extra weight from your car’s tires, you’ll likely sidestep any need for buying new ones when it’s time to cruise out of your storage space. 

Step 4: Disconnect the Car Battery 

After keeping your car in storage for a few months, chances are you’ll be excited to rev the engine and get those wheels turning. But, while sitting unused, car batteries can leak acid and even corrode your car. 

If possible, remove your car battery completely, take it home and put it on a float-charger. If you can’t remove the battery, simply disconnecting it is still a good option. 

Step 5: Cover Your Car

Our enclosed units and covered parking spaces can help protect your car from the elements. Still, it’s never a bad idea to use a car cover to keep your vehicle clean and safe.