How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Self-Storage in Cincinnati
Do you have more vehicles than there is room for in your garage? Does your business have extra fleet vehicles but no room in the yard for them? Is it time to store your boat or RV because it’s out of season?
We have five locations in Greater Cincinnati for outdoor parking storage, whether you need spots for a few months or more than a year. Parking areas can handle cars up to Class A RVs and anything in between.
Choose the outdoor vehicle storage location closest to you, and then see what’s available.
● Amelia
● Colerain
● Eastgate
● Harrison
Keep reading to learn more about how to prepare your car, truck, SUV, boat, RV, or trailer for self-storage in Cincinnati. We want you to have the best results when storing your vehicle.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Storage
Short-term vehicle self-storage in Cincinnati requires less intensive preparation than long-term storage. That’s because your vehicle might not be inactive for long periods of time. Short-term storage generally means three months or less. Long-term storage is anything beyond that.
For short-term storage, start by thoroughly cleaning your vehicle inside and out. Remove any personal belongings, trash, and loose items. Top off essential uids like oil and coolant to ensure optimal performance when you retrieve your vehicle. Consider using a car cover to protect the exterior from dust, pollen, snow, ice, and debris.
You‘ll need to take additional steps to preserve your vehicle's condition for long-term storage. Deep clean your vehicle and wax the exterior to protect the paint. Change the oil and lter to prevent engine damage from sitting idle for several months. Fill the gas tank to minimize condensation and add a fuel stabilizer to prevent fuel deterioration. Disconnect the battery to avoid draining and potential damage.
Whether you're storing your vehicle for a short or long period, choose a secure storage facility for your vehicle's safety. Proof of vehicle ownership as well as proof of insurance coverage on all vehicles are required prior to storing a vehicle with us at any of our locations.
We’ll dive deeper into the steps you need to make sure your vehicle stays in top shape during its stay at our self-storage area in Cincinnati.
Thoroughly Cleaning Your Vehicle
Cleaning your vehicle inside and out can prevent a buildup of gunk and corrosion on the outside, as well as smells on the inside.
Begin with the exterior of your vehicle, washing it as you normally would from top to bottom. For storage, pay close attention to the undercarriage, wheel wells, and fenders. Remove any dirt, grime, and salt buildup that could cause corrosion over the long term. Wax your vehicle to provide an extra layer of protection against the elements. A well-waxed surface will help repel water and dust before you cover your vehicle.
In the cabin, remove the mats and clean them separately. Vacuum the carpet, seats, under the seats, and every nook and cranny to remove dirt and debris easily and effectively.
Clean the hard interior surfaces, such as the dashboard, center console, and door panels, with a suitable cleaning product designed for vehicles. Pay special attention to any spills or stains, as these can attract mold and mildew while causing odors if left for long periods. If your vehicle has leather seats, condition them to prevent cracking and fading in long-term storage.
Don't forget about the engine bay. Clean the engine compartment to remove dirt, grease, and debris. This will help prevent corrosion and make it easier to identify any potential issues. Consider applying a protectant spray to the engine components to further shield them from the elements.
Definitely clean the undercarriage. If there is any road salt or debris under there, you don’t want these items to cause corrosion of any vital parts.
Limiting Rust & Corrosion
Cleaning the outside of your vehicle ahead of self-storage in Cincinnati represents the rst step to limiting rust and corrosion. But there are a few other steps you can take to keep your vehicle’s metal parts in top shape.
Apply a rust inhibitor spray to metal surfaces, such as brake calipers, suspension components, and the exhaust system. These specially made sprays create a protective lm that repels moisture.
Lubricate hinges, locks, and other moving parts like the trunk with a silicone-based product to limit rust and to have a smooth operation after you get your vehicle out of storage.
Your local auto parts store will have the correct products you need to make this happen. You can also research the best products online and order them through local stores.
Maintenance Checks
Perform a thorough maintenance check in storage to ensure your vehicle doesn’t degrade over time. Start by inspecting the tires for signs of wear, uneven tread, and proper ination. Low tire pressure can lead to at spots and damage to the tire's internal structure. Additionally, check the tire pressure in the spare tire to ensure it's ready for use if needed.
Check the engine oil, coolant, brake uid, and power steering uid levels. Top off any uids that are low to prevent damage to the vehicle's components. It's also advisable to change the engine oil and lter before storage to protect the engine from corrosion and sludge buildup. Working on vehicles in a storage unit is prohibited per our rental agreement.
When the vehicle is in self-storage, disconnect the battery to prevent the battery from draining the electricity. Clean the battery terminals to avoid corrosion for short-term storage. If you plan to store the vehicle for an extended period, remove the battery from the vehicle completely.
Fuel & Engine Prep
Your vehicle is a complex piece of machinery, especially with the engine. Prepare the engine rst by lling the gas tank to near capacity to minimize condensation and oxidation within the tank. Add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank to prevent fuel deterioration and gumming when it sits for long periods of time. This additive helps maintain fuel quality and ensures a smooth start-up when you retrieve your vehicle.
We highly recommend an oil change before putting your vehicle in storage. Fresh oil provides optimal lubrication and protects engine components from corrosion and sludge buildup. Synthetic oil is often the best because it lasts longer and has cleansers.
To further safeguard your engine, run the vehicle for a short period to circulate the fresh oil and fuel stabilizer throughout the engine. This adds an extra layer of protection to the engine parts.
Protecting Your Vehicle Inside and Out
We highly recommend a sturdy yet breathable car cover designed to shield your vehicle from the elements. Choose a breathable cover that allows air circulation to prevent moisture buildup and mildew. Ensure the cover ts snugly to minimize movement. The cover should be secured using a zipper or velcro. Consider covering the tires and wheels, too.
For long-term storage, elevate your vehicle to reduce tire pressure and prevent at spots. Jack stands or parking blocks can lift the tires off the ground. This simple step can signicantly extend the life of your tires. Think about using wheel chocks to secure the vehicle's position and prevent it from rolling.
While a sturdy, tight-fitting car cover can keep a lot of pests out of your vehicle, there is one more thing you can do. Plug the exhaust pipe with steel wool and then secure it with tape to limit the ability for something to crawl in the exhaust system.
You’ve seen food-grade silica gel inside of products to absorb moisture. We recommend specially designed silica gel packs made for cars to reduce humidity levels inside the vehicle. Moisture can lead to mold, mildew, and corrosion in the cabin, which can ruin the interior upholstery. Place moisture absorbers in strategic locations throughout the interior to keep the air dry and protect your vehicle's components.
Ensure the cabin air lter is clean, check for refrigerant leaks, and run the AC on a cool setting for a short period before putting your car, truck, SUV, or RV in self-storage in Cincinnati. Doing this can minimize foul odors in the cabin.
Security Measures
Choose a reputable storage facility with excellent security, such as restricted-access gates, recording cameras, and secure fencing. All ve of our facilities have controlled access, requiring a unique code to get in the gate.
Remove any valuable items from the interior. This includes personal belongings, electronics, and aftermarket accessories. Consider using a steering wheel lock or brake lock as an added security measure.
Think about installing a vehicle tracking device. These devices allow you to monitor your vehicle's location remotely, providing extra peace of mind. This would be a separate device from your vehicle’s GPS that would connect to a smartphone.
Long-Term Storage Tips
Here are some other tips for long-term self-storage for your vehicle.
● Periodically check on your vehicle, at least once per season, to make sure it’s still in good condition. Look for leaks or pests.
● Check the battery voltage even if you disconnected the battery cables. Extreme temperatures can cause the battery to have a lower charge over time.
● Occasionally, engage the parking brake and release it to prevent the brake pads from seizing.
● Think about engine fogging to coat the internal components of the engine with a protective lm to prevent rust and corrosion.
● Apply a light coat of rust inhibitors to the brake rotors to make sure they stay in top form.
● Think about rodent repellent in or near the engine compartment to prevent pests from chewing on electrical wires.
● Do not excessively start the engine because it can actually do more harm than good. Only start the engine to recharge the battery or as you prepare to move the vehicle.
Talk to Us About Vehicle Self-Storage in Cincinnati
Circle Storage has ve convenient locations for vehicle self-storage in Cincinnati. Contact us to see what’s available. We may also have move-in specials or deals to help make your storage costs easier. We’re one of Cincinnati’s largest, independently owned and operated self-storage companies.