The Ultimate Car Storage Guide

Where To Store Your Car

If you are looking for a new home for your car that you no longer regularly use, then it may be time to investigate getting a car storage unit. Whether you are going overseas for a while, need somewhere to store your luxury car, or just no longer drive around anymore, finding a secure place to store your vehicle is incredibly important.

Storage facilities often offer units that are car accessible that you can use to store your cars, trailers, and boats. For an affordable price you can leave your vehicle for days, or even years, in a secure and accessible environment while allowing you the peace of mind you deserve.

If you are left wondering, can a car even fit in a storage unit? Then you will be glad to know that our storage facilities offer a wide range of sizes that can fit even large 4WD cars.

How To Prepare Your Car For Long Term Storage

If you plan on leaving your car in storage for more than a month it is important that you prepare it properly to ensure it continues to run smoothly once it is back on the road. The first thing you can do is ensure your car is appropriately clean before leaving it in a confined space. Otherwise, the smell may be hard to get rid of and debris can cause permanent damage to the paint work on your car.

It is also important to take care of the car mechanics by lubricating the bonnet, boot and door seals, cracking the windows for ventilation, replacing the oil and coolant, adding engine oil to the cylinders, leave minimal fuel in the tank, placing a rag into the intake and exhaust pipes to protect from bugs, and placing rags between the windscreen wiper and windscreen to avoid sticking and marks.

Once you have driven into the storage unit you need to put your car into park and either use a tire stopper to prevent it from moving or alternatively remove your tires altogether. Use oil drip trays or thick cardboard under the car to catch any oil leaking onto the concrete. Engaging the hand brake for long periods of time can cause it to fuse, so it is best to leave it disengaged - so long as you properly prevent the car from moving with other methods. The last step you should consider is removing your car battery so that it does not drain, at a minimum it should be disconnected.

Frequently Asked Car Storage Questions

How safe will my vehicle be in storage?

Your car will be extremely safe in storage as it is protected from outdoor elements like sun, wind, debris, rain, and hail. The chance of any malicious activity like vandalization and theft is minimised since it is being kept in a facility with 24-hour camera surveillance within a locked storage unit. A storage unit is the safest solution for storing a car, a luxury leisure car, or just any vehicle that is not getting use.

Do I need climate control for vehicle storage?

Vehicle storage does not generally require climate control since storage units are mostly a static temperature and remain dry, meaning there will be no moisture causing damage. Loxon storage units also have built-in airflow openings between the wall and the roof to help regulate the temperature. Consistent temperature is key to car storage, by keeping your car in a storage unit you are able to maintain its temperature and avoid moisture.

Is working on a car in a storage unit allowed?

You are not usually permitted to work on your car while it is being stored in a unit. Vehicle storage is for vehicles that you would like to keep but have no place to store. For more details on what is permitted for your storage unit be sure to contact your local storage manager and enquire regarding special allowances.

How long can you leave a car in storage?

You are able to leave your car in storage for as long as you require. Though if you plan on storing your vehicle for more than a month, you will need to properly prepare it to protect the paint and engine components, so everything is still able to run smoothly when you next take it for a drive.

How can I preserve my car battery when not in use in storage?

There are a few measures you are able to take to help preserve your car battery while your car is not in use. Since your car is being stored in a secure unit with its own security, you are able to disengage your cars security system. Leaving the security system turned on drains the car battery.

However, the simplest way to preserve your car battery while in storage is simply by driving the car for at least 30 minutes once a week. This allows your car battery to sufficiently recharge and ensures your car will have enough energy to crank the engine when you need it.

If driving the car is not an option, you can also consider disconnecting the negative battery terminal which causes key-off battery drain. Make sure you consult a professional whenever making changes to the engine within your car.

Do I need insurance if my car is in storage?

It is not recommended that you cancel all of your car insurance when storing your car, it is instead best if you talk to your insurance company about dropping your coverage down to just comprehensive. Having some car insurance coverage on your car while it is in storage keeps you from having an insurance coverage lapse on your record that will affect your insurance rates in the future.

Can a car fit in a 10x20 storage unit?

The size of the storage unit you require will of course depend on the size of your vehicle. For most vehicles you will need a unit that is either 3x5, 3x6, or 3x9 metres in size. 3m x 6m storage is the most similar to a one-car garage, meaning it should accommodate a majority of vehicles.

How much does it cost to store a car?

Car storage units at Loxon Storage are paid per calendar month to make it more cost effective for the customer. The monthly cost for a unit depends on the unit size, location of the storage facility, and the level of plan chosen.

Car Storage With Loxon Storage

Loxon Storage is an easy, secure, and affordable way to store your car or ute. For storage enquiries contact us today or locate your closest facility.