Tips for Preparing a Vehicle for Storage

Carol Mixon and Jenny Rodrigues of Ohana Self Storage in Honolulu discuss preparing a vehicle for storage

Some people need to park their cars or vehicles away from their homes due to the situation they find themselves in. When preparing a vehicle for storage, there are some best practices that every storage manager should share with their tenants.

Get the Car Washed Before Storage

When preparing a vehicle for storage, it’s a good idea to wash and wax it to remove all dirt and protect the paint from damage. Additionally, vacuuming the interior can help prevent pests and rodents from taking up residence in your vehicle.

Remember the Windshield Wipers

It’s also essential to clean the windows and windshield wipers, especially if the car will be parked outdoors for an extended period. Heat can cause the rubber on windshield wipers to become brittle over time. In Arizona, where summer heat can be extreme, I recommend placing a cover over the car if it will be sitting for months. If the wipers have been sitting too long, they may need to be replaced when you start using them again. By taking these preventative steps, you can minimize potential issues when it’s time to get back on the road.

Full or Empty Gas Tank During Storage

It’s important to consider the benefits of maintaining a full gas tank. A full tank helps prevent moisture from building up in the fuel system. Additionally, adding a fuel stabilizer can protect the fuel from degrading during storage and help safeguard your tank.

This is one of the most frequently asked questions at seminars when discussing the preparation of a vehicle for storage: whether it’s better to keep a full tank or an empty tank. There are differing opinions on this. For instance, some argue that fumes are more flammable or combustible in a nearly empty tank compared to a full one. However, research indicates that the fuel system should have a fuller tank if you’re planning to leave the vehicle unused for an extended period.

Keep in mind that fuel will evaporate over time. If your tank is fuller, you may return after six months to find that, although the gas has evaporated, some fuel will still be left in the tank.

I also believe fuel stabilizers are beneficial. In the past, when I worked at a car storage store in California, we began offering fuel stabilizers and other related products because we had a lot of customers interested in them. Initially, we hadn’t planned on selling anything pertaining to cars, but we realized it was a valuable service.

Even if you don’t have these products for sale in your store, it’s essential to inform customers about the benefits of using them, especially if you have a large number of cars in storage. These products can be valuable for your clientele and could enhance your business offerings.

Long Term Vehicle Storage Tenants

At Waikele Self Storage in Hawaii, approximately 90% of our customers were military personnel. The facility was formerly used as bunkers in the mountains and has a strong military history. This connection resonated with our military customers; they felt at home there because it is part of their past. Given that the property was located in Hawaii, on an island with limited storage options, we had a significant population of military personnel who often needed to store their vehicles when they were deployed.

We provided a variety of tips to help ensure that their cars remain in good condition during their absence. For example, we advised them to wash their cars, add stabilizers, and disconnect the battery. These steps helped prevent problems when they return after six months, a year, or even several years.

Car Batteries

One issue that sometimes arises is that customers may not realize how long car batteries can last when left unattended. Over time, a battery can lose its charge, and while having someone start the car every couple of weeks would be ideal, that’s not always feasible in storage. Usually, we try to start cars every two weeks if we have the keys. However, there were instances where customers did not provide keys, and we had to rely on those who did.

It’s also beneficial to start the car to ensure that everything is functioning correctly, including the air conditioning. Some customers own classic or sports cars and may inform us that they will be away for a few months. In such cases, they ask if we can periodically start the vehicle for them. While it’s not typical practice for us to enter their units, we are willing to assist, especially if we receive permission from management and the customers are friendly.

We always offer jumper cables for convenience. If you don’t have them, it’s important to get some. I recall that at some of our stores in California, we had a significant number of RVs and regular cars, so we decided to sell battery tenders. They weren’t expensive, and while we only sold four or five of them, many customers appreciated not having to go elsewhere to find one. We priced them reasonably—around ten dollars—because we knew they were essential for long-term storage. A battery tender is a great investment, as it keeps your battery charged and in good condition even during short periods of inactivity.

Often, those extra items aren’t about making a profit; they’re there for convenience.

Brake Shock Absorbers

Another item to remember is brake shock absorbers. They are beneficial, especially since we’re taught from an early age to use the emergency or parking brake to ensure that our vehicle doesn’t roll away, particularly on a hill. However, if you park your vehicle for an extended period, the parking brake can sometimes freeze, making it difficult to release when you return after several months. Therefore, it’s better to avoid using the parking brake when storing a vehicle for an extended period.

Car Tires Can Get Overlooked During Storage

When preparing a vehicle for storage, you can not forget about the tires. When letting a vehicle sit for an extended period, it’s essential to consider various factors. For instance, if the car is parked in a hot environment, like on asphalt or a similarly heated surface, the tires can heat up significantly. This situation can lead to problems, especially if the vehicle remains stationary for an extended period of time. To prevent damage, many people recommend using jacks to lift the car off the ground. This approach alleviates the pressure on the tires, which helps maintain their integrity over time. It’s also worth noting that if all four tires bear the weight of the vehicle in the same spot for too long, the tires may lose air.

Keep Up with Routine Maintenance

Additionally, it’s crucial to keep up with routine maintenance before allowing your car to sit idle. You should get an oil change and check all the fluids because stagnant fluids can degrade over time. Old oil can accumulate particles, which may lead to breakdowns or other operational issues. By changing the oil and refreshing the fluids, you can prevent potentially high repair bills later.

Be Cautious of Little Critters

With vehicles that haven’t moved for a long time, a common occurrence was finding cats or kittens hiding in the engine compartments, as they often sought shelter there. As a precaution, we had a protocol in place: whenever we approached a parked vehicle, we would listen for any unusual sounds and check under the hood before starting the engine. This careful practice ensured that we didn’t inadvertently disturb or harm any animals that might be hiding inside.

Car Covers

Offering car covers at the store is another way to generate revenue. Customers won’t have to go elsewhere to purchase one, which is more convenient for them. While you may not have a cover for every specific car model, individuals with high-end vehicles often have custom covers anyway.

I was intrigued when I discovered a product called a car capsule, also known as a car bubble, which is priced around $489. I’ve seen several high-value cars in storage that could have benefited from this product, especially those with a value of around $500,000. However, it’s essential to note that these capsules require electricity, which may be an issue unless the storage facility is equipped to accommodate it, such as for RVs and similar vehicles. This option could be worth mentioning to customers who have classic cars and are concerned about storing them properly.

Give Your Vehicle Storage Tenants Guidance

Customers typically seek storage not because they want to, but because they need it. This is often due to limited space at home or extended absences from their homes. Many individuals in the military, for example, may need to store their cars for six months to a year. They are consequently seeking a reliable storage solution and guidance on preparing a vehicle for storage.

To assist these customers, managers could create handouts offering tips for preparing vehicles for storage. These suggestions can be valuable, as many people might not think of them. Offering a few items for sale in the office, such as car cleaning supplies or maintenance products, can be beneficial.

When preparing a vehicle for storage, it’s crucial to follow best practices to ensure its condition remains optimal.

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