Vehicle Self Storage Units

Vehicle Storage

Do you need to store a car, truck, or SUV for a month or longer? A self storage unit or parking space is an excellent option for short-term and long-term car storage. The Storage Mall provides secure vehicle storage throughout the Northeast and Midwest. Our team of expert storage facility managers will offer you the insights you need and help you find reliable storage for cars in your area.

We are a self storage company that focuses on services our customers need, so a time commitment is optional. Whether you need short-term vehicle storage or plan to store a car for six months, a year, or longer, we will help you find a unit that fits your space requirements. Reach out to our team today to find an available unit.

Elements To Evaluate When Choosing Storage for Cars

Security

When storing a car or other vehicle at a storage facility, you want to be confident that the facility is secure. Look for electronic gate access, video surveillance, and well-lit properties. We take security seriously, and all our locations have video surveillance and PIN-coded electronic gates.

Access Hours

The convenience of accessing your car when you need it should be a determining factor when finding storage for cars. We offer extended access hours or even 24-hour access at most of our locations. This allows you to remove or store your vehicle at any time, without worrying about the facility being unavailable.

Local Weather

The weather in your area will play a significant role in which type of storage for cars you decide to rent. If you live in an area with harsh storms, keeping your car in a storage unit may be the safest option. Storing your vehicle inside helps to make sure that your engine will have less weather-related damage, like cracks and seal leaks. If your area has mild weather year-round, search for outdoor storage solutions.

Vehicle Insurance

Before storing a vehicle, check with your insurance carrier. Many insurance companies offer coverage primarily written to protect your car while in storage. Such off-road coverage can provide significant savings over road insurance coverage.

Types of Self Storage Units for Vehicles

Many of our locations offer indoor, outdoor, and covered storage for cars. Here is more information about our storage facility units:

Indoor Storage for Cars

Drive-up storage units provide an indoor, garage-like storage space for cars. With varying unit sizes, you can store anything from a compact car to larger pickup trucks or commercial cargo vans. These units range in size from 10×20 to 10×30 or larger. Because of the protection they offer, drive-up access units are ideal for long-term storage for cars, including classic or sports vehicles, especially in areas with harsh weather conditions.

Outdoor Car Storage

If you live in an area with mild weather or prefer a more affordable self storage solution for your vehicle, outdoor car storage is a great option. Many of our self storage locations offer outdoor parking units or spaces that can easily accommodate cars of all sizes; they can also be used as boat storage facilities. Find a location near you to inquire about outdoor storage options.

Covered Car Storage

With a roof protecting your vehicle from the sun and other elements, covered car storage falls between indoor and outdoor storage. This option is more affordable than indoor storage but also provides better protection against sun, snow, hail, and other elements that could damage your vehicle. If you don’t live in an area with harsh weather or intense storms, try outdoor, covered storage for cars.

Indoor, Climate Controlled Car Storage

Indoor, climate-controlled vehicle storage is a specialized option that provides a secure space for vehicles, protecting them from environmental factors that can cause damage. This premium type of storage is especially ideal for classic cars, sports cars, motorcycles, convertibles, and other high-value vehicles that require careful maintenance. Indoor, climate-controlled storage maintains a consistent temperature, preventing extremes that can harm vehicles. This also helps to keep humidity levels low to prevent rust, mildew, and mold growth. Indoor storage protects cars from dust, debris, and exposure to sunlight, which can fade paint and damage interiors.

Checklist for Storing a Vehicle in a Storage Center

For owners of classic, antique, vintage, sports, and racing cars, storing a seldom-used car in a unit is often a viable option. Whether your car is an expensive one you display at auto shows and parades or an everyday car with sentimental value, learn how to properly prepare it for storage. Proper preparation and storage will extend the life of your vehicle and keep it looking like new and running in top condition. When preparing your vehicle for storage for cars, keep the following checklist handy so it runs optimally and continues to look like new when it’s time to take it out of storage. Gather the tools and supplies that you may need before you get started.

  • Supplies: You may require a tire gauge, plastic drop cloth, cotton cloth, mothballs, mouse traps, plastic bags, duct tape, fuel stabilizer, WD-40, desiccant sacs, a jack, and jack stands. You may also need a large wood block for the battery and thin wood trim pieces for under the windshield wipers. Verify that you have adequate amounts of each type of fluid on hand to top off all of your fluids.
  • Cleaning: Thoroughly clean your vehicle inside and out. Wash and use a soft cloth to polish the entire exterior of the car, buffing out all imperfections, then apply a good coat of wax; this will protect the body from corrosion. You may want to have this professionally done. Wipe the mirrors clean. Dirt and residue left on mirrors for long periods can cause rust and corrosion. Remove all trash and debris from the interior of the car. Vacuum it thoroughly to remove pet hair and food crumbs, and you can use a stain remover to scrub away any stains from the carpet and upholstery. Use an air freshener spray to remove odors from inside your car. Remove any items from the trunk of your vehicle, and don’t neglect to clean the carpet in the trunk area as well.
  • Repairs: The second necessary step is to verify all necessary repairs are complete before placing your car in a vehicle storage unit to prevent further deterioration. Change the oil one to two days before storing it. Used oil contains acids, moisture, and other combustion byproducts that will cause engine corrosion, especially when the car sits for long periods. Drive your car for several miles after the oil change and before storing it to allow the oil to circulate throughout the entire engine. Pull the spark plugs and add about a teaspoon of engine oil inside each cylinder. Then replace the spark plugs; doing this will coat the inside of the cylinders to prevent rust. Seal off all engine openings using an absorbent cotton cloth. This will absorb any moisture to protect the engine. It will also deter bugs and mice from getting inside. Use a cotton cloth to fill openings in the exhaust pipes and other spaces. Write this on your maintenance checklist to remind yourself to remove the cotton cloth before driving your car again after taking it out of storage. Spray the exposed metal surfaces of your engine with a good lubricant such as WD-40 to prevent rust. WD-40 will quickly evaporate, forming a protective film on the car body, hose clamps, coils, and other parts.
  • Gasoline: Fill the gas tank to prevent moisture and air from entering it. If you are storing your car in a poorly ventilated unit where gas fumes may create a problem, keep the gas tank only half full. Add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank. Drive the car around for about 10 miles after adding the fuel stabilizer to allow it to circulate throughout the system. Neglecting to add a fuel stabilizer can cause the gas to break down, forming gum and varnish when it deteriorates.
  • Brakes: Check the brake fluid color; it should be clear. If the brake fluid is brown and looks dirty, it needs to be flushed and refilled with new fluid. When brake fluid gets old, it contains moisture, which can rust the brake system. Verify that the brake, clutch, and master cylinders are all filled with brake fluid. Brake fluid absorbs water quickly. Annually bleed the brake and clutch fluid to purge the system of contaminated brake fluid.
  • Transmission: Flush the transmission fluid, steering fluid, and engine coolant if they appear dirty to prevent corrosion in their systems. If these fluids are clear, top them off to prevent air and moisture from entering, which can cause damage.
  • Convertible Tops: Convertible tops should be stored with the top left up. When the convertible top is left down for long periods, it can develop large creases or rip after months of neglect. Treat the convertible top with silicone or other lubricants. Desiccant sacs can be placed on the car’s floor. This will keep moisture and humidity from damaging the top.
  • Tires: Tires can deteriorate when stored for long periods. They can develop dry rot and flat spots. Avoid using products to give your tires a shine, as they can dry them out and increase dry rot. Over-inflate the tires slightly to prevent flat spots. Have the tires checked for leaks and repaired before storage. Tires with an “H” rating or higher will do best in storage.
  • Battery: Refer to your owner’s manual for care instructions. Some car specialists may suggest removing the battery and placing it on a wooden block, so the battery won’t be drained. Others suggest leaving the battery in the car but disconnecting the negative (-) terminal of the battery. You can also leave the battery intact in the car to prevent voltage spikes; such spikes can cause significant damage to components. A storage switch can be found on some vehicles. After flipping this switch, the battery shuts off, preventing it from draining.
  • Final Details: Roll up the windows and close the vents to protect your car against moisture and from bugs and mice getting inside. Check hoses for bulges and cracks, and have them replaced if they show extensive damage. Exhaust pipes can be protected from moisture and pests by placing a plastic bag over the opening and sealing it with duct tape. Remove the blades from your windshield wipers and place thin wooden strips or white cotton cloth under them to prevent scratching the windows. Park the car on a plastic sheet or jacks. Make sure the emergency brake is off to prevent it from sticking. Cover your car with a tarp to keep it safe from dust. Set mothballs around the outside of the car and mouse traps to keep pests away.
  • Visiting Your Vehicle: Visit your car in the storage facility at least once a month, start the engine, and let it run for a few minutes. Make sure that you leave the door to your storage unit open when running the engine for proper ventilation. When possible, take your car for a quick drive to get all the parts moving.
  • Reviving the Car After Storage: When you are ready to remove your vehicle from the storage facility, open all the windows to air out your car. Remove the cotton cloths placed in all the pipe openings. Remove the plastic bag from the exhaust pipe. Check all of your fluids. Reinstall the battery and make sure it is fully charged. You can then take your car out for a drive.

Find Storage for Cars today at one of these locations:

Michigan

New York

New Jersey

Delaware

Missouri

Wisconsin

Illinois

Kansas

Montana

Look for Reliable Storage Facility Locations

The Storage Mall offers secure, climate-controlled storage for a variety of items. Whether you are looking for boat storage facilities or storage for cars, furniture, clothing, and more, we have you covered. Our storage facility locations have units of varying sizes to accommodate your needs. Contact our team today to learn more about our prices, sizing, and availability.