Car & Vehicle Parking: Complete Guide to Automobile Storage Solutions
Finding the right storage for your vehicle protects your investment whether you are storing a daily driver during deployment, protecting a classic car, or need parking for a seasonal vehicle.
Finding the right storage for your vehicle protects your investment whether you are storing a daily driver during deployment, protecting a classic car, or need parking for a seasonal vehicle. What storage option works best for your situation, and how do you prepare a car for extended storage? With over 20 storage facilities, our team has helped thousands of customers find secure parking solutions for cars, trucks, SUVs, and specialty vehicles. This guide explains everything about car storage so you can protect your automobile with confidence.
What Is Car Storage?
Car storage provides secure parking spaces or enclosed units specifically designed for automobile storage. Options range from outdoor parking spaces to covered carports to fully enclosed units that protect your vehicle like a private garage. These storage solutions offer security features like gated access, video surveillance, and monitored entry that provide significantly better protection than street parking.
Car storage solves various problems for vehicle owners. Deployed military personnel need secure storage while serving overseas. Collectors protecting classic cars or seasonal vehicles like convertibles require safe spaces during off-season months. Extra vehicles that do not fit in home garages, cars owned by college students away at school, or vehicles waiting for repairs all benefit from dedicated storage facilities.
Types of Car Storage Options
Uncovered Outdoor Parking: The most economical choice, uncovered car parking provides a designated parking spot in a secure, gated facility. Your vehicle sits exposed to weather but benefits from facility security features including gated access and surveillance cameras. This option works well for daily driver vehicles being stored temporarily and for owners prioritizing affordability while maintaining security.
Covered Parking: Covered car storage offers a roof structure that protects your vehicle from direct sun, rain, and weather while allowing airflow on the sides. This middle-ground option prevents sun damage to paint and interiors, protects from bird droppings and tree sap, and reduces temperature extremes inside the vehicle. Many car owners choose covered parking for its balance of protection and value.
Enclosed Indoor Storage: Fully enclosed units with four walls and a door provide maximum protection, essentially giving your car its own private garage. These spaces protect from all weather, dust, and potential vandalism while maintaining more stable temperatures. Enclosed storage makes perfect sense for classic cars, luxury vehicles, sports cars, or any automobile you want to keep in pristine condition.
Car Storage for Different Vehicle Types
Daily Driver Storage: Standard cars including sedans, coupes, and small SUVs fit easily in 10x15 or 10x20 enclosed units or standard parking spaces. Daily drivers being stored during deployments, extended travel, or temporary relocations typically need basic covered or uncovered parking unless the vehicle has particular value or sensitivity.
Classic Car Storage: Vintage automobiles, classic cars, and collector vehicles deserve enclosed storage at minimum, with many owners choosing climate controlled options. Classic cars often have original paint, chrome, and interiors that require protection from weather, temperature fluctuations, and humidity. Classic car collectors use our enclosed units to preserve their investments year-round.
Luxury and Sports Cars: High-end vehicles including luxury sedans, sports cars, and exotic automobiles warrant enclosed storage to protect expensive paint finishes, premium interiors, and advanced electronic systems. These vehicles often represent significant investments that enclosed storage helps preserve.
Seasonal Vehicles: Convertibles, motorcycles, and vehicles used only during certain seasons benefit from covered or enclosed storage during off-months. This protection prevents unnecessary wear from weather exposure during periods when you are not driving the vehicle.
Extra Vehicles: Families with more vehicles than garage space, car enthusiasts with multiple project cars, or anyone with an extra automobile they do not drive daily can use car storage to free up home parking while keeping vehicles secure and protected.
Preparing Your Car for Storage
Proper preparation ensures your vehicle remains in excellent condition throughout storage. Start by thoroughly washing and waxing the exterior, paying special attention to removing any dirt, salt, or contaminants that could damage paint over time. Clean the interior completely, vacuuming carpets and removing any food items or trash that could attract pests or create odors.
Fill the gas tank completely and add fuel stabilizer to prevent fuel degradation, varnish buildup, and tank corrosion. A full tank also prevents moisture accumulation inside the tank. Change the engine oil before storage. Used oil contains acids and contaminants that can corrode engine components during extended sitting periods.
Check tire pressure and inflate to manufacturer recommended levels, or slightly overinflate to account for gradual air loss during storage. For storage periods exceeding a few months, consider placing the vehicle on jack stands to prevent flat spots from developing on tires. If this is not practical, move the vehicle slightly every few weeks if possible.
Disconnect the battery or connect a battery tender/trickle charger to maintain charge. Dead batteries are the most common issue when retrieving stored vehicles. A battery tender automatically maintains optimal charge without overcharging, ensuring your car starts immediately when you are ready to drive again.
Place dryer sheets, mothballs, or commercial rodent deterrents inside the vehicle to discourage pests. Block the exhaust pipe and air intake with steel wool to prevent rodents from nesting in these areas. For enclosed storage, consider using a breathable car cover for additional dust protection. Never use plastic covers that trap moisture.
Car Storage Security and Protection
Security represents a critical consideration when storing vehicles. At our facilities, car storage areas feature multiple security layers. Gated access with personalized entry codes means only authorized individuals can enter the property, and the system logs all entries and exits for security records.
Security cameras monitor storage areas 24/7, recording all activity and deterring potential theft or vandalism. Well-lit facilities improve security and visibility, particularly important if you need to access your vehicle during evening hours. On-site management during business hours provides immediate assistance and another security layer.
For enclosed storage, you provide your own lock for the unit, giving you complete control over who can access your vehicle. The combination of facility-level security and your personal lock creates comprehensive protection. Many insurance companies recognize secure storage facilities and may offer reduced rates for stored vehicles compared to street parking.
Car Storage Costs and Considerations
Car storage pricing varies based on storage type, vehicle size, and location. Understanding cost factors helps you choose the best option for your situation and budget.
Uncovered parking typically ranges from $50-125 per month for standard passenger vehicles. This economical option works well for temporary storage needs or vehicles that normally park outside anyway. Location affects pricing, with urban facilities generally costing more than rural locations.
Covered parking runs approximately $100-200 monthly, offering weather protection for a moderate premium. The cost difference often justifies itself through reduced washing frequency, protected paint and interiors, and avoided sun damage over time.
Enclosed storage ranges from $150-350+ per month depending on unit size and location. This premium option provides maximum protection and makes sense for classic cars, luxury vehicles, or automobiles you want to maintain in pristine condition.
Storage duration sometimes affects pricing, with facilities offering discounts for long-term rentals or annual prepayment. Month-to-month agreements provide flexibility for whatever storage duration your situation requires.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does car storage cost per month?
Car storage typically ranges from $50-350+ monthly depending on storage type and location. Uncovered parking starts around $50-125, covered spaces run $100-200, and enclosed units range $150-350+. Premium climate controlled storage costs more. Contact our facilities for current pricing and availability.
Do I need insurance for stored vehicles?
Yes, most facilities require proof of insurance for stored vehicles. Your standard auto insurance typically covers cars in storage. For vehicles not being driven, consider reducing coverage to comprehensive-only, which often significantly reduces premiums while maintaining protection against theft, fire, and weather damage.
Do I need registration for car storage?
Yes, you need valid registration for your vehicle to be stored. Alternatively, a Planned Nonoperational period can be registered with the DMV to satisfy this requirement.
Can I start my car periodically during storage?
Access policies vary by facility. Many allow you to visit and start your vehicle during facility hours. Starting the car monthly for 10-15 minutes helps maintain battery charge and circulates fluids, though this is less important if you are using a battery tender and have properly prepared the vehicle for storage.
How long can I store my car?
You can store vehicles as long as needed with month-to-month rental agreements. Some customers store cars for a few months during deployments or extended travel, while others store classic cars or seasonal vehicles for years. There is no maximum storage period.
Find Your Car Storage Solution
Whether you are protecting a classic car, storing a daily driver during deployment, or need parking for a seasonal vehicle, the right car storage solution protects your investment and provides peace of mind.
Ready to rent car storage? Check availability and pricing for covered, uncovered, and enclosed vehicle parking at our storage facilities. Our team will help you determine the best storage type for your vehicle, explain preparation requirements, and answer questions about security and access. Reserve your car storage space today.