Whether you’re
storing your vehicle in a storage unit to keep it out of the elements, or an
outdoor parking spot for the most cost-effective option, these tips will help
you to ensure you have the best experience possible.
·
Keep
as little fuel in your vehicle as possible. Gasoline and other fuels break down
over time and your vehicle may not run efficiently when you try to run it on
old fuel. When you go to retrieve the vehicle, bring a gas can with you and pour
enough fuel into it to get to a gas station to fill it back up.
·
If
you are storing indoors, put an old blanket or sheet of cardboard underneath
the vehicle to catch any fluids that might be leaking to avoid clean-up when
you go to leave. If you find your vehicle has leaked a lot of oil after storing
it for a while, make sure to top up the oil to an appropriate level before
running the vehicle and causing possible engine damage.
· fRemove
the battery. Batteries sitting for extended periods of time, especially in
freezing temperatures, will be harmful for your battery, and may never hold a charge
again. Take the battery home to a warm location and make sure its charged up
before you go to retrieve your vehicle. If you leave the battery in the vehicle
for a long time, it will almost certainly be dead when you go to get your vehicle.
·
Maintain
insurance on your vehicle. Storage facilities are not responsible to thefts or
damages to your vehicle. Make sure your insurance company is aware that the
vehicle is being stored and proper coverage is on the vehicle. Do not leave
valuables, keys, or the title to the vehicle, inside the car. Put those in a separate
safe location.
·
Do
you have an older set of tires you can put on the vehicle? If you’re storing
for a very long time, say a year or more, it may be a good idea to put an older
set of tires on the vehicle for storage so you don’t get flat spots on your
good tires.
·
Park
directly in the center of the parking spot, pointed straight. This way you can
reduce the chance of others scraping up or opening a door against your vehicle.
·
If
you can’t remove the battery, consider removing the fuse to your fuel pump to
reduce the chance of theft.
Trust
Gopher State Storage in Saint Paul to have a fine place to store/park your car,
truck, SUV, boat, ATV, snowmobile or trailer. We are located conveniently near
downtown St. Paul, close to Interstate 35, close to Roseville, Oakdale, Little
Canada, Minneapolis, and more. We have storage lockers, parking spots, long
term and short term options with some of the most affordable storage prices in
the Twin Cities, Minnesota.