If you’ve been a vehicle owner for quite some time, then you already know that taking care of it is at times like taking care of a child or animal, meaning that it comes with lots of responsibilities.
One of them is to properly store it, regardless of the reason. It doesn’t matter whether you’ll do it because you want to “prepare it” for the winter, or simply because you want to ensure it’s in top-notch condition; what matters is to carefully think things through as far as this is concerned.
After all, your vehicle is valuable and not something that you acquire every day, hence, you need to do whatever is in your power to safeguard it the right way. If you’re searching for some guidance when it comes to this, then just take a look at the hacks that will help you store your vehicle.

The Link Between First-Class Storage And Vehicle Value

There’s a common misconception (even among seasoned vehicle connoisseurs) that appearance and mileage are the ones that negatively impact the vehicle’s value. Although they do make an impact to a certain extent, storage also plays a critical role.

So, what does it mean? It means that if your vehicle is parked outside all the time, it will inevitably feel the consequences of it, meaning that it won’t be in good condition for a long time.

There are a number of reasons why vehicles of all types go through downfall when they aren’t properly stored (or at all):

• They deal with sun-damaged paint and sunlight
• Battery failure
• Pest infestations
• Rust & corrosion
• Fuel deterioration
• Various sorts of mechanical problems

On the flip side, vehicles that are stored the way they’re supposed to experience a complete opposite, such as:

• Their exterior stays healthier for a very long time
• Do not need to deal with rust
• Not as many mechanical issues in comparison to those that aren’t well-stored
• Their value is boosted

When you compare these two outcomes, it’s easy to see that every vehicle type can only benefit from the right storage. It doesn’t matter whether you’ll choose Sparefoot truck storage or any other; what matters is to opt for the one that’s going to safeguard and maintain your vehicle. Of course, before you pick one, first be sure it has everything that’s necessary for these purposes.

Location, Location, Location

You may not perceive it as that crucial, but in fact, storage location is one of the most important factors of this entire process. Bear in mind that not every location provides the same quality in terms of protection.

Certainly, one of the best options when it comes to this is an indoor garage storage. How come? Well, that’s because it can effectively safeguard your vehicle from:

• Sun exposure
• Thieves
• Various external elements
• Severe temperatures
• Animals
• Falling debris

Even if your garage isn’t in top-quality condition, it’s still a better option than leaving your vehicle outside. Another superb option is the carport, because it offers solid vehicle protection, yet leaves the sides open.

Even though it’s designed to protect your vehicle from UV rays, keep in mind that it may not be the most effective when it comes to maximum weather protection. But still, it’s a good alternative if the first one isn’t available.

If your only option is to put your vehicle outside, then you need to implement certain measures to ensure it is shielded properly. There’s no need to remind you how detrimental the weather can be, so do whatever is necessary to make sure it isn’t harmed in any way.

Your Vehicle Should Be Clean Before It Is Stored

Lots of people have the tendency to skip this step, or to do it poorly, which is surely a huge mistake. You cannot store an untidy and dirty vehicle. For starters, you should start with the exterior.

If you want to get rid of dirt, bird droppings, and other things that have been inhabiting your vehicle for a certain amount of time, then it’s time to treat it to a deep clean before you store it. By doing so, you will prevent:

• Rust
• Oxidation
• Clear coat damage
• Permanent stains

Once you’re done with the exterior, it’s time to move on to the interior because, at the end of the day, you’ll spend a lot of time in it, and you do not want to be surrounded by mess and chaos. Therefore, you should:

• Get rid of all the food and garbage
• Thoroughly clean surfaces
• Vacuum seats and carpets

Don’t Forget The Battery!

Just like many other things, batteries do not last forever. In fact, over time, they’ll drain, particularly if you do not utilize your vehicle frequently. This is an issue that’s actually pretty common.

If you want to keep the charge relatively stable, then you should opt for a smart battery maintainer. It’s going to ensure your battery doesn’t overcharge. For multi-month storage, you should get rid of the battery and put it in a dry environment.

The whole point of this is to prevent premature battery failure, which is necessary for a long-term value.

The Importance Of Proper Tire Care

When a vehicle sits for a very long time, this can result in flat spots or flattening. If you want to prevent this from happening, then you need to resort to tire inflation because it will help you slow down flattening.

Another thing that you can do is to employ jack stands because they are perfect for eliminating weight from your tires, and, at the same time, keeping flat spots at bay.

Engine Protection

There’s no need to remind you how essential engine health is for the overall health of your vehicle. That’s why you need to change the oil as often as possible, because if it’s too old, it’s going to corrode engine components.

It doesn’t matter whether you are using your vehicle often or sporadically; the reality is that every vehicle deserves the proper amount of care, and storing is one of the most effective weapons for these purposes.