Posts Tagged ‘Vehicle’

Advice for Preparing Your Vehicle for Storage

Posted by on Sunday, January 10, 2010. Leave a Comment

Whether you are going on vacation or saving up for extensive repairs you might want to consider storing your vehicle. Putting you vehicle in storage will help protect it from the deterioration that will occur overtime if a vehicle is left out in the open. Before storing your vehicle it is important to take some time to properly prepare it. Failing to prepare your vehicle for storage will often lead to expensive repairs and problems when you try to start using your vehicle in the future.

When you are ready to start preparing your vehicle for storage you must first find a good location to store your vehicle in. It is extremely important that you do not simply park your vehicle somewhere convenient and leave it there. Parking lots and even garages are not always the best place for long term storage, especially if you do not plan to prepare your vehicle for storage. If you are serious about making sure your vehicle is stored properly then you must take some time to find a location that is clean, dry, and completely safe.

Leaving your vehicle in a moist, open, environment will lead to rusting and molding both outside of the car and under the hood in the engine. For the best, long term, results you should invest in a storage facility that offers climate control for vehicles. The storage facility you choose should have experience storing vehicles and take proper safety measures to help avoid theft or damage to your valuable property. Using a professional storage facility is often the best way to keep your vehicle in good condition when you are not able to use it.

After you have found a good location for your vehicle you should start preparing your vehicle for storage. The first thing you should do is attend to basic vehicle maintenance. If you make sure that your vehicle is in the best possible shape before it is stored you will increase your chances of getting from storage in good shape. This maintenance should be completely immediately before placing your vehicle into long term, or short term, storage.

Make sure that your gas tank is filled before putting it in storage. Do not store your vehicle with an empty gas tank or a half filled gas tank. Keeping your vehicles gas tank filled will help prevent moisture from forming that would eventually lead to serious rusting problems. Changing the oil in your vehicle is another way to prevent moisture that will lead to corrosion in your vehicles engine if it is allowed to form. It is best to use synthetic oil for storage since synthetic oil will not break down at the same speed as conventional oil.

Do not forget to remove your battery when you are preparing your vehicle for storage. If you are planning to store your vehicle for a long period of time in a safe location there is no reason to leave the battery in the vehicle. Removing it will help prevent cracking, draining, and acid leaks. Some people do not feel comfortable removing the battery from their vehicle but it is the best way to avoid engine problems that can be caused by leaked acid and corrosion.

Once you have performed basic maintenance on your vehicle it is time to start getting the exterior ready for storage. Carefully wash your vehicle and wax it before storage. This will keep the exterior of your vehicle in good shape even during a long storage period. When cleaning the exterior of the vehicle do not forget the tires. Take some time to wipe down your tires and apply lithium grease to them to help prevent cracking and other problems. After your vehicle is completely clean and prepared cover it with a high quality vehicle cover. This finally layer of protection will keep your car fresh while it is waiting for you.

Last, but not least, do not forget pest control. No matter where your vehicle is stored rodents and insects might be able to find there way into the building. Place rodent traps and insect poison or bait around the outside of the vehicle. Many people forget to take steps to prevent infestations never realizing that rodents and insects can easily get into a stored vehicle nesting in and damaging the interior.

When done correctly preparing your vehicle for storage is no different than performing routine maintenance and care. Taking the time to service and clean your vehicle will help you avoid unpleasant surprises and high repair bills when the time comes to take your vehicle out of storage.

Simply Self Storage – What Could be Easier than Simply?


Simply Self Storage is the largest privately owned self storage company in the United States and Puerto Rico. We own and/or operate over 228 facilities with over 16.1 million square feet of storage space.

Things to Remember About Vehicle Storage

Posted by on Saturday, January 9, 2010. Leave a Comment

Practically speaking, almost everyone in today’s modern world have a car or a vehicle and having this means that you need to own a space to keep them when they are not in use. This calls for another round of decision making session when it needs to be decided that whether that space is to be owned, if already not available or if the car is to be stored in a rented place dealing in vehicle storage.

Vehicle storage does not only deal in family and personal used vehicles but also concerns with the vehicles for business, commercial and industrial use of different types and these include trailers, trucks and other kinds of industrially used vehicle of larger scales and size. These vehicles are very expensive and at the same time are very expensive. They need to properly taken care of and are very sensitive to the natural reaction like heat, rust and other natural phenomenon which can cause damage to the engine and other body parts of the vehicle, if not used for long time.

The business of vehicle storage has been running well almost everywhere it has started and this is because every one owns a vehicle and every business house have their own cars for day-to-day use. This cars needs to be taken care of properly and most importantly they need to be safe, especially from theft and other kinds of negative activities happening on a regular basis almost everywhere.

There are many agencies and outlets now giving spaces for rent for vehicle storage with different rates for different cars measuring in terms of size and how expensive the car is. Rates are generally varying from the low hundreds to the low thousands depending on the area and length of storage. Do your own homework before making a decision because the savings you find could make a huge difference for you and your family.

Mostly it is advised that vehicle storage space be in proximity to the home of the owner. This is best way to alleviate worries that often come with knowing your vehicle is in the care of a third party. There are many different choices now in the way of vehicle storage units especially if there are any antique and vintage cars show rooms near by. This is because many of these showrooms and car business houses will want a special shed and spaces for storing their cars during winters and other occasions when there are extra cars on the property.

This type of vehicle storage facility is generally a bit expensive and hard for average people to afford if used for short span of time because the rent depends on how expensive a car is. Plus, the monthly rental/storage fees are only discounted if the vehicle storage facility is to be used for longer period of time. Vehicle storage facilities are generally used during vacations or when the owner of the house is our for few days and needs assurance of the proper car safety and care.

There are many reasons for the expense of choosing professional vehicle storage facilities. One of the first storage facility benefits is that maintenance is often available onsite. Many professional vehicle storage facilities are used to catering to antique vehicle owners and serious car enthusiasts. They specialize in doing everything in their power to make sure that all of the vehicles in placed into their hands are able to receive any maintenance and repairs necessary. These facilities also want to be able to quickly recognize any problems with vehicles before they get serious.

To avoid getting a call from your vehicle storage facility with a tale of trouble concerning your car you should take steps to prepare your vehicle for storage. There are many things that can be done including cleaning your vehicle thoroughly on the outside and inside. Also, remove all food or food particles from the interior of your vehicle. Doing this will help you avoid attracting insects and rodents to your vehicle. Remember to perform basic service on your vehicle. This should include getting an oil change and filling the tank up with gas. Lastly, always remember to remove the battery from your car when putting it in storage. Leaving a battery in a vehicle for long periods of time can lead to dangerous battery acid leaks and corrosion.

Thus, it can be said that the first priority should be to own a house which has a garage but if that is not the case then you should always go for the vehicle storage rent houses which assures the safety of your cars and proper care for cost which on final analysis is worth it.

Simply Self Storage – What Could be Easier than Simply?


Simply Self Storage is the largest privately owned self storage company in the United States and Puerto Rico. We own and/or operate over 228 facilities with over 16.1 million square feet of storage space.

Protecting Your Extra Vehicle in a Self Storage Unit

Posted by on Friday, January 8, 2010. Leave a Comment

Having to decide where you will store a car can be a real headache for many. You may ask a friend or someone in your family but maybe you can tell that they agreed even though they didn’t want to or maybe now you will owe someone a favor that you really do not want to subject yourself to. You would really rather handle the situation alone but maybe you haven’t explored your options quite yet. There are many reasons why one might need to store a car. Perhaps storage is needed for an extended vacation, a leave in the military, or maybe it is a classic car that needs special care. Whatever the reason is, there are many options for you. Leaving your car in the driveway is not longer a wise choice because it is vulnerable. Car storage has become increasingly popular and as technology continues to advance so do the options.

Located in many cities you will find storage facilities everywhere, they are never hard to locate. Some people for their own personal reasons need to have discreet storage for their car and that is never a problem either. You can surrender all of your worries when your vehicle is in storage. Some facilities offer features that many never dreamed of such as dehumidifiers that offer superior environments for cars as they help them remain dry and by eliminating the dampness from the environment there is less residual build up on your vehicle.

The days of self storage unit’s being strictly for people that were moving and needed to store their belongings has long been gone. The self storage arena is so far past that! They have opened niches that never seemed possible and it is working! What about those who have the swooped up muscle cars, especially retiring baby boomers. They have the money to restore and to store their new toys so they are safe from elements but also vandalism. Others have decided that car storage is a viable option because city ordinances have become so strict about where, when and how people can park their cars on city streets. It created more demand for storage needs.

There are many factors that play a substantial role in people no longer using their yards or driveways or even garages for that matter for their car storage needs. Populations are more congested and therefore people have to use alternate means of doing things and one of those things is how they store their vehicles. Plus, vandalism is much higher so it is simply not safe to leave vehicles anywhere where they are not secure anymore.

Military personnel that are being deployed often are looking for car storage solutions. Not knowing the length of their deployment can cause upset enough without having to worry about your car and what it might look like when you return from your mission. Regardless of the reason involved, most car owners do believe that storage facilities offer the best bang for their buck in terms of their cars. Plus the advantage of knowing that you have access to your vehicle all day, every day is also most assuring too. There are plenty of security features available at these storage facilities so there is no worry about vandalism. Your car and its contents will be safe.

Many people are engaging in businesses these days and often require the use of multiple vehicles including trailers, trucks and other vehicles. They surely can not start parking these vehicles all around their homes so they too opt for storage facilities for their vehicles. For the safety of everyone involved, if you are storing a vehicle then it must be registered in your name or the name of whomever places it in storage and it must be a functioning vehicle as no car repairs are permitted on most facility properties.

So now you know that there are plenty of options open to you if you find that you need car storage one day. This might have even opened up some ideas for you to consider for a while. Most of the time it is well worth the money to just place your car in its own private storage facility rather than to spend the energy asking around in a futile attempt to save a few bucks, especially if they storage will be extended. Regardless of the reason know that the options are open and that they are very beneficial to those who take advantage of them.

Simply Self Storage – What Could be Easier than Simply?
Simply Self Storage is the largest privately owned self storage company in the United States and Puerto Rico. We own and/or operate over 228 facilities with over 16.1 million square feet of storage space.

Vehicle Storage in New Hampshire

Posted by on Thursday, December 31, 2009. Leave a Comment

If you are an individual who stores his or her 4x wheel drive in a self storage during the summer months, you may wish to consider possibly using a vehicle storage rental. This will help to keep your home and garage free of a large vehicle, but help you to make sure that when fall and the winter months are looming ahead you have it when you need it. In addition, if you enjoy using an RV during the summer months but not having it in your way where you will need to dig the snow out in the winter months

New Hampshire has gentle summer and strong winters, with snow plows and shoveling being a must during the winter months. Due to this, it is really best store all of your vehicles in some kind of storage rental location. Long term storage is available for any individual who wishes to use self storage to store his or her vehicle. Each storage unit ranges in size from mini storage to high tech climate control storage if you worry about your vehicle.

If you do not have a suitable location on your property for your vehicle, it is a good idea to store it at a vehicle storage unit. Although it does cost money to rent a storage unit, there are many advantages that make up for the costs involved. In addition, you may be able to use your storage rental on your taxes and receive tax back.

Something some individuals never plan for is having a fire happen at their homes. When this occurs, many individuals lose a place to put their vehicles until things are rebuilt. When this happens, you can store your vehicle at a self storage location which will keep a hold of your vehicle until you are ready to claim it. For individuals who worry about the security of their vehicles once they no longer have a garage this may be an excellent option. In addition, compared to the costs involved at replacing a vehicle this is by far a less expensive option to pursue.

If you have currently been selected by your employer to travel to another location in the country or elsewhere, you might want to place your vehicle in self storage to keep it safe from harm and to have a location to keep it at. Many individuals do not plan for a sudden promotion but if it does occur, you will be closing down your apartment rental and will need a place to store your vehicle. If you do not have a friend you can leave it at, your best option will be a vehicle rental.

Although most self storage will not offer possibilities for maintaining your vehicle, some self storage centers which specialize solely in vehicle storage will offer options for mechanics. Even though this is rare that this is offered, it is a good idea to consult the manager of the center in order to find out what is offered. You may be able to find out information on who is a good mechanic in your area who is cheaper and more efficient than others you have found.

If you have a sports car that is very important to you, the winters in New Hampshire can be very damaging due to the snow and the products put on the roads to keep ice down. For these owners, a vehicle self storage is the only way to protect their vehicles properly until the spring and summer months return when they can continue to enjoy their vehicles. Expensive investments like higher end cars should not be risked due to snow drifts which can quickly damage a vehicle. If you feel protecting your vehicle is worth the costs involved in storing it at a self storage unit, be sure to look for one in your area.

Storage rental units are also now offering locations where they can provide pro-green centers. These centers rely on earth safe alternatives to the normal used in years, and will often be far better in insulation than traditional methods. If you require a bit of extra protection plus you would like to do your part for the world, look into one of these centers near you. In addition, many of these centers are offering special discounts and lower prices to encourage new renters. This will help to protect your vehicle and your wallet while also doing your part for the environment.

Simply Self Storage – What Could be Easier than Simply?
Simply Self Storage is the largest privately owned self storage company in the United States and Puerto Rico. We own and/or operate over 228 facilities with over 16.1 million square feet of storage space.

Vehicle Storage

Posted by on Wednesday, December 30, 2009. Leave a Comment

No matter what type of vehicle you own, when you need storage for that vehicle, you need some choices when it comes to storing it. Whether it is a classic car or one you tinker with under the hood it deserves to be protected. Many living scenarios don’t afford a place to store your vehicle or have partial storage such as an overhead shelter that does not completely protect your vehicle from the elements. When this is the case, you need some options for where to store your vehicle either for an entire season, a few weeks or whatever length of time you determine.

Warehouses are also great places for vehicle storage of your classic car. Many warehouses provide a safe place that is climate-controlled, secured by keyed or gated access only and large enough to ensure that your classic car is not bumped, damaged or disturbed by other people who also have storage space there. Some warehouses even have special options they offer to people who are planning to store cars of all types for an entire season such as all winter or summer or even the whole year. These features include winterizing such as oil changes or periodic vehicle starts to keep engines from remaining idle too long.

Another way to keep your car safe with vehicle storage is to store it in an underground parking facility. Underground parking is an excellent place to store your car when you are not driving it and want it to be safe from the elements. One of the main advantages of underground storage is that your car is not on the street but safely parked in a designed space underground. Underground parking facilities are comparable in cost to enclosed parking structures but sometimes are not manned by 24-hour security. Underground security can also be a risk for flooding damage if applicable.

Storage sheds are another way to store your vehicle. Unlike your garage, a storage shed can be constructed exclusively for your vehicle or if you are renting storage shed space, your car may be the only car in the shed. The nice thing about storage sheds is they can be designated just for your car and not other items that might damage your classic car like paint, tools or other objects.

Keeping your car safe with vehicle storage is the best way to take care of your car when you do not have space in your garage and you need to protect your car from the elements such as rain and snow. Vehicle storage comes in a variety of options but one of the most popular vehicle storage options is to store your vehicle in an enclosed parking structure.

Enclosing parking structures that offer vehicle storage for your car can be expensive for the length of time that you use them but they are a worthwhile investment for many reasons. First, enclosed parking structures are usually maintained by 24-hour security or completed secured by gate with access available only to those who pay to store their vehicles in the structure. Enclosed parking structures keep your car safe from the weather, theft and accidental damage that can result from being parked on the street or even in your garage.

States like Michigan offer vehicle storage for your traditional or classic vehicle to be kept safe throughout the winter season. This is very important if you want your car to be protected from the winter conditions that are prevalent in Michigan from around Thanksgiving to Easter, sometimes longer. Remember, no matter how you choose to keep your car safe, some form of vehicle storage is the best thing you can do for your car when it isn’t in use. Keeping your car safe maintains a longer life.

If you are looking for quality vehicle storage in Michigan, remember that vehicle storage facilities may fill up quicker as the winter months approach and it would be a good idea to get your vehicle storage unit selected and pay at least a deposit and a month or two of the rent to ensure that you will have a place to put your vehicle before the snow and other in climate weather comes.

Simply Self Storage – What Could be Easier than Simply?
Simply Self Storage is the largest privately owned self storage company in the United States and Puerto Rico. We own and/or operate over 228 facilities with over 16.1 million square feet of storage space.

RV, Vehicle and Boat Self Storage

Posted by on Monday, December 28, 2009. Leave a Comment

People have many reasons for wanting to use self storage for things like boats, 4-wheelers, RVs, cars, motorcycles and small recreational vehicles like ATVs, and jet skis. Some people lack the space at their homes or apartment buildings to store these vehicles or they’re using available space for other items. Others choose to store things like an extra car in self storage, where it’s available should they need it, while securely stored and protected from the elements.

Sometimes the security offered at a self storage facility is much better than the security available when parking on the street in certain areas. And some people even use self storage as a convenient place to park when they work in cities, or areas where parking is limited and more expensive than the monthly fee at the self storage facility.

Regardless of the reason for using self storage for vehicles and boats, there are some good things to do before storing them to ensure that when you’re ready to use them again, they’ll be in tip-top condition.

The type of vehicle storage you choose will depend mostly on your budget, how protected you want the vehicle to be from the elements, and how much security you want. An outdoor storage unit is the least expensive, but also the least protected from both the weather and would-be thieves. As long as the storage facility has excellent security and good lighting for its outdoor units, security may not be an issue. But the vehicle will be exposed to the outdoor elements, even if the unit has a roof or a carport over the top, or is an open, garage-type structure.

These outdoor units are best for vehicles that are large, like RV storage, vehicles that aren’t very valuable (you wouldn’t want to store that classic show car in outdoor storage, for instance) or that aren’t going to be put in long term storage. Many facilities even have hook ups for RVs in each unit.

You can also find vehicle storage in a drive-up garage space that offers a garage-type door over each unit, rather than being open. Drive-up storage costs more than outdoor storage but offers protection from the elements (though probably not the temperature, unless it’s a climate control storage unit) and more security.

A drive up indoor storage unit will cost the most, as it’s most likely a climate control unit that won’t go below 50 or 60 degrees, or above 80 degrees. This offers the most protection for your vehicle or boat.

When you’re storing a vehicle that’s not going to be used frequently, such as long term storage of a classic car during the winter months, you’ll want to follow good storage preparation practices to make sure that your vehicle comes out of storage in the same condition it went in.

For most vehicles, a thorough cleaning is the first step. You want to clean both the inside and the outside of the vehicle thoroughly. Make sure that the engine is tuned up and that you’ve applied lubricant anywhere rust could possibly form. Make sure engine parts and moving parts are thoroughly dry when they should be, and lubricated otherwise. Any water left in the engine area can cause problems.

Also, don’t just dust and vacuum the interior, but do a detailed cleaning. Even the smallest crumbs left in the vehicle can attract vermin, even in indoor storage. Make sure the tires are properly inflated, and in some cases you’ll even want to put wooden planks or other material on the floor to drive the vehicle onto to protect it further, as well as to protect the floor. All vehicles should be cleaned and prepared in this manner, and boats should be dried especially well before storage to avoid damage.

Be aware that vehicle self storage, whether indoors or outdoors, is for running vehicles only. Your self storage facility will likely not allow you to store a vehicle that must be towed in, as they don’t allow you to work on a vehicle while in self storage. Because of the fluids, fuels and chemicals used when working on engines and other parts of vehicles, this is prohibited.

Also, you’ll want to check your vehicle storage often to make sure that the tires remain inflated at all times. Also, for boat storage, RV storage and vehicle storage, you’ll probably need to show proof of ownerships and insurance, and make sure that the vehicles display valid license plates the entire time they’re stored.

Simply Self Storage – What Could be Easier than Simply?
Simply Self Storage is the largest privately owned self storage company in the United States and Puerto Rico. We own and/or operate over 228 facilities with over 16.1 million square feet of storage space.

Keep Your Classic Car Safe With Vehicle Storage

Posted by on Monday, December 28, 2009. Leave a Comment

Owning a classic car is a statement to that world that you have a thing of beauty that is valuable and deserves to be protected. Many classic car owners take pride in showing off their cars in competitions and classic car strolls where many classic car owners get together and parade down the avenue in style. No matter what kind of classic car you own, it’s an investment that you want to protect and keep in tip top shape.

Keeping your classic car safe with vehicle storage is the best way to take care of your classic car when you do not have space in your garage and you need to protect your classic car from the elements such as rain and snow. Vehicle storage comes in a variety of options but one of the most popular vehicle storage options is to store your vehicle in an enclosed parking structure.

Enclosing parking structures that offer vehicle storage for your classic car can be expensive for the length of time that you use them but they are a worthwhile investment for many reasons. First, enclosed parking structures are usually maintained by 24-hour security or completed secured by gate with access available only to those who pay to store their vehicles in the structure. Enclosed parking structures keep your classic car safe from the weather, theft and accidental damage that can result from being parked on the street or even in your garage.

Another way to keep your classic car safe with vehicle storage is to store it in an underground parking facility. Underground parking is an excellent place to store your classic car when you are not driving it and want it to be safe from the elements. One of the main advantages of underground storage is that your classic car is not on the street but safely parked in a designed space underground. Underground parking facilities are comparable in cost to enclosed parking structures but sometimes are not manned by 24-hour security. Underground security can also be a risk for flooding damage if applicable.

No matter what, keeping your classic car safe with vehicle storage is the only way to make sure that your classic car stays in the great shape you have it in. Of course, the free way to store your classic car is in your own garage. This vehicle storage is free and gives you the opportunity to view and drive your classic car at any time. If you decide to use your garage, be sure to get a protective covering for your classic car so that it does not get any accidental damage there also.

Many classic car enthusiasts belong to clubs and groups that are a good source for vehicle storage ideas. Sometimes these clubs can get group discounts for different venues and vehicle storage. Class car clubs are great ways to show off your classic car at local and regional events where classic cars are being showcased. Likewise, these groups can often get a discount on thing such as vehicle storage because they purchase in bulk and pass the savings along to their members.

Storage sheds are another way to store your classic vehicle. Unlike your garage, a storage shed can be constructed exclusively for your classic vehicle or if you are renting storage shed space, your classic car may be the only car in the shed. The nice thing about storage sheds is they can be designated just for your car and not other items that might damage your classic car like paint, tools or other objects.

Warehouses are also great places for vehicle storage of your classic car. Many warehouses provide a safe place that is climate-controlled, secured by keyed or gated access only and large enough to ensure that your classic car is not bumped, damaged or disturbed by other people who also have storage space there. Some warehouses even have special options they offer to people who are planning to store cars of all types for an entire season such as all winter or summer or even the whole year. These features include winterizing such as oil changes or periodic vehicle starts to keep engines from remaining idle too long.

Remember, no matter how you choose to keep your classic car safe, some form of vehicle storage is the best thing you can do for your car when it isn’t in use. Keeping your classic car safe maintains an even longer life.

Simply Self Storage – What Could be Easier than Simply?
Simply Self Storage is the largest privately owned self storage company in the United States and Puerto Rico. We own and/or operate over 228 facilities with over 16.1 million square feet of storage space.

Vehicle Storage: You’Re Garage Or A Rented Storage Facility

Posted by on Friday, December 25, 2009. Leave a Comment

Leaving a vehicle unattended for a long period of time can create problems when you try to drive it again. Rust and corrosion can form on the body or inside critical components, goo can clog the fuel system, sludge can form in the engine oil, mildew can grow in the interior, and constant sunlight can slowly fade the paint and deteriorate vinyl, leather, and rubber parts. That’s why if you need to store your vehicle, whether for the winter or because it can’t be driven for an indefinite period of time, certain precautions and storage locations should be taken before you put it into storage.

The best place to store a car is out of the weather, preferably inside a building that’s cool, dark, and dry. Many might initially believe that their garage is the best place to store the vehicle but take a few factors into consideration such as is the vehicle to be stored going to prohibit other cards from being stored in the garage? Is there any activity in your garage such as the kids bringing their bikes in and out or do you have any animals that go in the garage. What else do you store in the garage and is it an entryway into your home where people will be bumping into your vehicle?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes then it may be in your best interest to rent a storage unit to place your vehicle in where it will be nice and safe. Most individuals over the age of 17 years old own a car here in America, and if they do not, they strive to make that a reality. Cars have changed with the times, and so have all of the bells and whistles that come with modern automobiles. Families typically have 2-3 cars or more, depending on the number of teenagers living in the household at the time. Of course there are other reasons why people might own more than one vehicle besides the necessity of each parent having their own car to get them to work or to school. Car enthusiasts are buying up the muscle cars that they remember from their youth and restoring them to their previous luster. Collectors go in search of that perfect fixer upper and then spend a great deal of time and money restoring it.

It seems that there is often a need for a car storage unit that serves as an extra garage for all of these spare vehicles. This is a growing trend in the industry and is beginning to catch on. There are many reasons why people choose to rent or use a car storage unit. For instance, if a household has more cars than will fit in their garage, or if they do not have a garage at all, a nearby car storage unit can be used to hold one or more of their vehicles. A car storage unit can also serve as an excellent holding area for tractors and trailers when they are not in use.

In large metropolitan areas, parking on the street or in public parking garages can be very expensive. In large cities, parking is a huge expense. Renting a car storage unit is a much more economical way of storing your vehicle, especially when you only use your car to drive outside of the city. Another reason that people might rent a car storage unit is that it serves as a place to store their snow plows, riding lawn mowers, dune buggies and RVs during off season or cold months.

In addition, a car storage unit is perfect for business men and women who will be traveling for extended periods of time and want to maintain the safety and security of their vehicles while they are away. It is best to keep the vehicle out of harms way. There is less worry for you in the long run, and the cost of a car storage unit is worth the peace of mind that you will feel. Military personnel are another sector of the population who can benefit from the use of a car storage unit to keep their cars and trucks safe and secure until they are home again.

The benefits of using a car storage unit fully outweigh the price that one would pay for the rental of the space, and it is easy to see why classic and antique car collectors will go the extra mile to keep their investments safe. A car storage unit is secure and affordable, especially when you consider the cost of the vehicle itself.

Simply Self Storage – What Could be Easier than Simply?
Simply Self Storage is the largest privately owned self storage company in the United States and Puerto Rico. We own and/or operate over 228 facilities with over 16.1 million square feet of storage space.

Vehicle Storage: What You Need To Know

Posted by on Wednesday, December 23, 2009. Leave a Comment

You’ve saved your money over the years and have finally put yourself in a position where you can now afford to purchase the car you’ve always dreamed about. This is a special purchase. Although you are purchasing the car of your dreams, this $80,000 vehicle will not be your day to day ride. This car will serve as your joyride vehicle, so to speak. Since you will only be driving this expensive car on certain occasions during the summer months (who joyrides in the winter?), you will certainly need to have a reliable and effective vehicle storage strategy. The purpose of this article is to alert you, the reader, to the various types of vehicle storage strategies so you can determine which strategy fits your vehicle best.

Indoor vehicle storage is probably the safest and most effective vehicle storage strategy. The most common form of indoor vehicle storage comes in the form of garage storage. Simply out, you store your prized possession in your garage or the garage of a friend, neighbor, or family member. This strategy probably offers the most security and is also the most common of the vehicle storage methods. However, in the unlikely event that you do not have your own garage nor can you borrow someone else’s garage for a few months, you can find storage facilities in your local area that can and will provide what is usually affordable vehicle storage areas. The best providers of these services will usually offer some sort of indoor vehicle storage services. Most vehicle storage providers will also usually provide engine starting services for free although some may charge a small fee. Regardless of whether it is free or not, you should always ensure that engine starting services are included. This will almost always save you money in the long run since the vehicle will be ready to roll almost immediately once the beautiful summer months and associated cruising weather rolls around.

The most important this to do while preparing your vehicle for storage is to clean it inside and out. Be sure to wash and wax the vehicle on a dry, sunny day prior to putting into vehicle storage for the winter. Cleaning the underbody is usually overlooked by most people but is critical! Dirt and debris left anywhere on the car will retain moisture. Moisture, as you probably already know, causes ugly and always damaging rust. This is obviously not a good thing so be sure your car is thoroughly cleaned prior to putting it into vehicle storage. Otherwise, you could be in for a rude awakening when it comes time to take it out of storage!

Cleaning the car thoroughly inside is just as important as cleaning the outside of it. Be sure there are no crumbs or wrappers left in the car. Leaving such bits of food and such behind can have to pretty ugly consequences. You may notice when you take your car out of vehicle storage that these crumbs and such have grown mold and that is just terrible. The other negative effect this can have is the attraction and introduction of rodents such as mice and rats. You really do not want to take your car out of storage only to find you have a family of rodents living in it! Prevent this from happening by cleaning the inside of your car thoroughly before putting it into vehicle storage.

Ensuring the internal components do no rust while your vehicle is in storage is also critical. Removing the spark plugs and adding a bit of oil to the cylinder will usually prevent the pistons, the cylinder walls, and the valves from rusting. Regular motor oil will work for this task but I strongly recommend fogging oil from a marine supply store or automotive supply store in your area. Once you’ve added the oil, turn the engine by hand a few times to make sure the oil you’ve added coats everything important. You will then want to add so anti-seize to your spark plugs before you reinstall them. You should also always ensure you have a full tank of gas before putting your car into vehicle storage for an extended period of time. This reduces the amount of condensation that develops in your fuel system.

Last but not least, you should always disconnect the battery completely. You should always disconnect the negative cable first, and then the positive cable. Instead of leaving the battery sit all winter, attach it to a trickle charger so the battery retains its charge throughout the vehicle storage period.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this article. If you follow these tips prior to (and during) vehicle storage, your ride should be in tip top shape when it comes time to take it out of storage.

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