Vehicle Storage Tips: What You Need to Know
Car enthusiasts, collectors, and business owners with fleets of commercial vehicles, often face the issue of not having enough space for excess vehicles at their residence or company locations.
Many self-storage companies offer a variety of options for storing small cars, trucks, boats, and RVs, and even larger construction vehicles. Given the investment level, and often the sentimental value, associated with vehicles, it is important to evaluate the type of unit you are renting, the level of privacy and the climate conditions.
3 Considerations for Storing Your Vehicle
In addition to selecting a space or unit that can adequately fit your vehicle, consider the following factors:
1. Warehouse vs. Storage Unit
Some facilities will offer the option of storing your vehicle in a larger, warehouse setting, or in a private storage unit. Warehouse settings can sometimes have limited access points, making it hard for owners to come and go easily.
Storage units, while often more expensive, provide a private, secure area for your vehicle. You have complete control over who can access your vehicle. In addition, a dedicated space can help to prevent scratches and nicks from other cars in close proximity.
2. Conventional vs. Climate-Controlled Storage
For long-term storage, having temperature and/or humidity control in your unit can minimize moisture, which can help to prevent damage to the engine, and avoid the acceleration of rust and corrosion to the car body. This is particularly important during seasons when the temperature conditions are extreme.
For temporary car storage, when the outside temperature is moderate, conventional storage is acceptable.
3. Security Features
Because some car storage is in an open, warehouse setting, ask the clearance procedures practiced by the facility to ensure that only car owners are permitted in the storage area. This helps to avoid any unnecessary damage, and ultimately theft, to your car. Ideally, unauthorized individuals should not be permitted in the storage area unattended.
If you elect to rent a personal storage unit, inquire about the entry and exit procedures, and security and surveillance equipment used.
Self storage facilities do not insure vehicles on your behalf. Speak with your insurance provider about insuring your vehicle while it is in storage. Having your vehicle insured while not in use adds the optimum layer of protection In the event that theft or damage would occur.
Also make sure to do your homework by reading online reviews, visiting the facility in advance and speaking with the facility manager. In the end, you should feel confident that your storage provider has taken all necessary measures to keep your personal or business vehicle safe.
Have a winter storage tip to share? Let us know by leaving a comment below!
Image by Sangeeth Sangi from Pixabay
