Preparing Your Vehicle for Long-Term Storage

Whether you’re storing your car, boat, caravan, or motorbike, preparing it properly for long-term storage is essential. By taking the right steps to protect your vehicle, you can prevent damage, mechanical wear, and pest infestations. When done right, your vehicle will be in excellent condition and ready to go when you need it again.

At U-Lock Self Storage, we offer secure, monitored indoor facilities designed specifically for vehicles. Whether you’re putting your car away for safety or storing your boat during the off-season, our vehicle storage solutions provide a safe and reliable environment. Below, we provide essential tips to ensure that your vehicle stays in top condition during long-term storage.

The first step in storing your vehicle is selecting the right storage facility. A secure, well-maintained storage unit is key to ensuring your vehicle is kept safe from the elements, theft, and damage. Here’s what to look for in a storage facility:

• 24/7 Surveillance: Choose a facility that offers round-the-clock surveillance, so you can have peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is always being monitored. At U-Lock Self Storage, we provide 24/7 CCTV monitoring, ensuring your vehicle is always under watch.
• Gated Access and PIN-Coded Entry: Security is paramount, and ensuring that only authorised personnel can enter the facility is essential. Our PIN-coded access allows only those with permission to enter the premises, protecting your vehicle from potential security breaches.
• Individually Alarmed Units: To further safeguard your vehicle, make sure your storage unit is individually alarmed. At U-Lock, every vehicle storage space has its own alarm system, which adds an extra layer of protection against theft.

Cleaning and inspecting your vehicle before storing it is critical to prevent issues like rust, mould, and rodent infestation. Here are a few important steps:

• Wash and Wax Your Vehicle: Thoroughly wash your car, boat, or caravan to remove any dirt, grease, and salt that might promote rust or corrosion. After washing, apply a coat of car wax to provide an extra layer of protection against the elements. This will help preserve the paint and finish, preventing weathering during storage.
• Vacuum the Interior: For vehicles such as cars and caravans, it’s essential to clean the interior as well. Vacuum the floors, seats, and any storage compartments to remove dirt, dust, and food particles. This will also help prevent pests, such as rodents, from making a nest inside the vehicle.
• Inspect for Leaks or Maintenance Issues: Before storing your vehicle for an extended period, perform a detailed inspection for any leaks, cracks, or other damage. Make sure to repair anything that needs fixing, such as windshield cracks or oil leaks, to prevent further damage over time.

Once your vehicle is clean, it’s important to take steps to maintain the engine and electrical system, as these are the components most likely to suffer during long-term storage.

• Top Up Fluids: Ensure all fluid levels (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, etc.) are topped up. This helps prevent corrosion and ensures the engine is properly lubricated. For boats, make sure that the coolant is at the correct level to prevent freezing.
• Change the Oil: If necessary, change the engine oil before storing your vehicle. Fresh oil prevents moisture from forming in the engine and keeps the internal components lubricated.
• Disconnect or Remove the Battery: If you’re storing a car, caravan, or motorbike for several months, it’s advisable to either disconnect or remove the battery to avoid drainage. For boats, ensure the battery is charged and topped off before storing it. If the battery is left connected, it will drain and may not start when you need it.
• For Boats: After you’ve cleaned the engine, flush it with fresh water to remove any saltwater, which could cause corrosion. Add a fuel stabiliser to the tank to prevent fuel breakdown during storage, and check the exhaust system for any blockages.

When storing your vehicle, protection from weather and pests is key to maintaining its condition. Here’s how you can safeguard your vehicle from the elements:

• Use a Breathable, Weatherproof Cover: A good-quality, breathable cover is essential for keeping your vehicle protected from dust, dirt, and weather elements. A breathable cover allows moisture to escape, preventing rust and mildew from forming. Avoid using plastic tarps as they trap moisture inside, which could damage your vehicle.
• Seal Entry Points: If you’re storing a boat or caravan, make sure all entry points are sealed to prevent pests from getting inside. Check for cracks or gaps in windows, doors, or vents, and use weatherstripping or covers to block off these areas.
• Tyre Protection: If storing a vehicle for a long time, protect the tyres from developing flat spots by using tyre covers or placing the vehicle on blocks. This is especially important for caravans or vehicles with heavy loads.

If you need to access your vehicle while it’s in storage, it’s important to ensure that it is easy to reach.

• Store Keys Safely: Keep your keys in a secure but accessible location. Make sure you have a spare set of keys stored safely at home or with someone you trust.
• Check on the Vehicle Periodically: Even though your vehicle is in storage, it’s a good idea to check on it occasionally to ensure it remains in good condition. If possible, start the engine once every month or two and run it for a few minutes to keep the battery charged and fluids circulating.
• Document Vehicle Condition: Take photos of your vehicle before storing it so you have a record of its condition. This will be useful in case any damage occurs while in storage.

If you’re ready to store your car, boat, caravan, or motorbike, explore U-Lock’s dedicated vehicle storage options. With secure, flexible storage units designed for vehicles and round-the-clock monitoring, we provide peace of mind knowing your vehicle is stored safely. Book your storage unit online today or contact us for more details.