Keeping Your Car In Good Running Order While You’re Away
Maybe you have a convertible that you love to drive in the summer, but now winter has arrived. Or perhaps you’re going to leave town for a job or an extended vacation. Maybe you are in the military and are being deployed overseas.
Whatever the reason for your time away from the vehicle, you’ll need to put it in storage. If you just let your vehicle sit on the street or in a garage for an extended period, you may return to a dead battery or worse yet a damaged engine, ruined tires and a rat’s nest under your hood.
Here are essential steps to take before you store a vehicle. They will preserve the life of the engine and ensure that your car starts when you return to it.
Use an all-weather car cover if you cannot leave your car in a garage.
In Outdoor Car Storage At A Self Storage Facility
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This car storage option is great if dont have enough space at home and live in an area with a mild climate. Renting outdoor storage is also more affordable than indoor or covered car storage at a self storage facility.
Pros
- Self storage facilities that offer vehicle storage are easier to find
- Some facilities may even offer covered outdoor storage
- Cheaper than indoor storage at a self storage facility
Cons
- Exposes your vehicle to the elements and pests
- Access hours may be restricted
Before You Store
- Find a storage facility with good security measures in place
- Get a weatherproof cover to help protect your car
- You will need to have proof of insurance and registration for your car
- Change out the cars oil, fill up the gas tank, and remove the battery
- Check the tire pressure and add air, if necessary
Need vehicle storage for a classic car? Extra Space Storage has secure storage facilities across the nation that offer outdoor, covered, and indoor storage solutions. Find car storage near you!
Long Term Vehicle Storage
Youll need a long term storage solution when youre traveling for at least a few months up until a year and beyond. Unlike short term travelers, you might be renting your place out or putting your things into storage, so leaving your vehicle in the garage isnt possible.
Contrary to what you might think, you actually have a lot of options for long term vehicle storage, depending on your comfort level, the value of your vehicle and how much youre willing to spend.
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Is Working On A Car In A Storage Unit Allowed
No,;unfortunately working on a car in a storage unit is prohibited. Working on cars on site creates issues with oil and fluid spills.;Lack of electricity, noise, smoke, and odors are all factors that affect other customers. Get all engine maintenance done off-site before storing your vehicle in a storage unit.
The Track Country Club
Kogan wouldnt reveal his planned expansion locations, but nearby, in Maricopa, Arizona, Matt Williams and his partners are putting the finishing touches on the first phase of the Apex Motor Club, a private, On-Track Storage Facility.
Williams enterprise focuses on removing the pain points from track adventures. We felt like if we could commoditize driving so that it didnt have to be a whole weekend, or three-and-a-half hours of trailering a car, we might have a hit on our hands, Williams says. One of the things we found to be important to people as far as making it convenient was storage.
Two-car garages in phase one of the private club start at $295,000, and increase from there based on locationthe 24 Formula 1-style units right in the hot pit of the initial two-mile track come at a significant premium. And this is before factoring in the cost of membership. These range from a $30,000 lifetime initiation fee plus $5000 in annual dues, which entitles a member to 200 days per year of track time, to a $75,000 initiation fee and $10,000 in annual dues, and comes with 275 days per year of track time.
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Your Car Insurance And Registration Need To Be From The Same State
Vehicle registrations and auto insurance can be tough to navigate, and you may find yourself asking: Can my car be registered in one state and insured in another?
No, your car cannot;be registered in one state and insured in another.;Generally, your car should be both registered and insured in your state of legal residence.;If you have recently moved, you have some time to switch your car insurance policy .
This article describes some of the common scenarios for having a car registered and insured in different states and explains how to switch your insurance when the time comes. If you need to make a switch, read our round-up of the best car insurance companies and compare quotes using the tool below.;
Your Vehicle Storage Size Guide
If youre like most vehicle owners, you probably dont know the dimensions of your car off the top of your head. You probably also dont have a laser-calibrated vision of what 10 feet looks like compared to, say, 8 feet or 15 feet. Have no fear. Use this size guide to determine the correct storage space size for your vehicle.
A 10 x 15 storage space is good for compact cars, such as:
- VW Golf
- Toyota Corolla
- Most 2 door sports cars
A 10 x 20 storage space is ideal for storing several commonly used vehicles, such as:
- Toyota Tundra
- Most other sedans and mid-sized hatchbacks
A 10 x 25 storage space is good for most bigger vehicles, such as:
- Larger crew cab trucks
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Is A Vehicle Storage Unit Different Than A Regular Storage Unit
If you opt to store your car at Life Storage, youll have three different options: a parking space, covered outdoor parking, or an actual storage unit.; Parking spaces are outside and have no walls or roofs. Select locations offer covered outdoor parking, though this isnt a guarantee. Check with a;local storage facility;to see if covered outdoor parking is an option. If you choose to rent an indoor self storage unit, you can use either of our typical 10 x 15 or 10 x 20 options so long as it has the appropriate garage-style door and access.
Can I Change A Car With Outstanding Finance
Before you can change a car that has outstanding finance payments left to pay, you will need to settle the finance.;
Settling car finance early might seem like a daunting task, but youve actually got a couple of options open to you and its not as tough as you might first think. You’ll need to do a little bit of quick maths and collect some paperwork but, fear not, well help you every step of the way.
There are 3 options available to you:
For each option in this guide, youll need your cars settlement figure. This is essentially the total amount of money you will need to pay the lender to end your agreement with them, including any fees. Your lender is required by law to supply this to you within 12 days of requesting it, and you should always make sure to get it in writing.
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Option 3: Swap Or Part Exchange Your Car To Settle The Finance
Switching cars, even when you are paying for them monthly, is actually quite easy and it doesn’t matter whether youre on a Personal Contract Purchase or Hire Purchase agreement. Youll still need to get that finance settlement figure from your lender and make sure the V5 certificate is in your name.
You’ll also need to get a valuation for your car. We make this super easy with our Sell Your Car tool! Enter your registration number and a few extra details here and we will sort you out with a price in mere minutes.;
Next take your cars valuation and subtract the settlement figure provided to you by your lender. This is the amount of equity available in your car. If you end up with a positive figure, you can use this amount of money as a part exchange for your next car! If its negative, youll actually need to pay that amount of money on top of your new cars price.
One more thing – if you are paying your current car finance by Direct Debit, it is a really good idea to check when your payments come out of your bank account, since your settlement figure will lower each time you make a payment and you dont want to end up shorting yourself on the value of your car.
Looking to get started with a switch? Enter your current registration number here to find out how much your car is worth, then hunt down your dream car using our used car search.
Have fun!
What If I Split My Time Between States
Can your car be registered in one state and insured in another if you split your time between states?
You may be a snowbird and spend your winters in one place and summers in another. You may commute between states for work. You may live in Kansas City.
In these cases, having your car registered in one state and insured in another may not be as much of an issue.
If you’re frequently driving in multiple states or have a vacation home you frequently visit, discuss the particulars with your insurer. The best thing you can do is accurately inform your car insurance agent of your situation and work out a personalized solution.
Failing to inform your auto insurance carrier of your multi-state status is a bad idea. It may save money in the short term, but when it comes time to file a claim, the truth will come out.
You dont want to pay into an insurance policy for years only to have your claim denied when you need it most.
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Is It Safe To Drive With A Gas Can In Your Car
Valerie Johnston
At some point in your life, you may run out of gasoline while you are driving your car. When this happens, most people fill their gas tank up with the red plastic gas cans. But are these actually safe to carry around in your vehicle? What about if it is empty? We will look at these different situations in this article.
Do not drive with an empty or full gas can in your vehicle, even if it is located in your trunk. You will be exposed to the fumes and it is a potential fire hazard. If you absolutely need to transport a gas can, tie it to the roof rack of your vehicle and make sure it is empty.
Storing A Car While Living In A Large City
If youve moved to a large city where public transportation is easily accessible, you might find that you dont need a car on a regular basis. In this case, renting auto storage can be a great option. If you do plan to use your car on a semi-regular basis, outdoor storage might work as well and could save you money.
Suggested Car Storage Solution:;Indoor, Outdoor, or Covered
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Q: Can A Car Fit In A 10×10 Storage Unit
A: The only modern car that can fit in a 10 by 10 storage unit is the smart fortwo, which comes in about 9 ft. in length. Most small classic cars, even the diminutive early Mini Coopers, are too large for 10 by 10 storage units. Opt for a 10 by 15 for smaller cars, or 10 by 20 or larger to fit the majority of classic and collector cars.;
Store Your Vehicle In Trusted Nyc Self
Car collectors and those who want to protect their investment in a vehicle have a great solution with Treasure Island Storage. Youre getting a terrific value when you need to store your automobile with us. Our climate-controlled, drive-up car storage units are available at most of our facilities in New York, and you can also rent a low-cost unit for your motorcycle so it stays in prime condition throughout the year.
With convenient locations in New York, Treasure Island Storage is guaranteed to be the top choice for self-storage near you. Simply find your local facility and stop by. Our team of storage associates will show you around and help you reserve the unit you need. Contact us today!
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Rv & Boat Storage Unit
Selected units can be an indoor or outdoor type for storing an RV or a small boat, depending on their dimensions. If you choose a bigger unit, you can have more room to store extra equipment and accessories, spare parts, tires, or seasonal gear.
As a complement to our indoor storage units, many of our locations also offer parking spaces for rent in various sizes, so you can find one thats just right for a taller vehicle or a boat with fixed mast. Keep in mind that all vehicles, regardless of type, must be insured while in storage and, if driveable, must be kept in roadworthy condition.
Outside Long Term Vehicle Storage
These days, weve found that in-city long term vehicle storage is the way to go for us. These spaces are usually marketed for RV and boat owners who dont have the space to park their vehicle for the winter. Because the average car, truck or SUV is much smaller than the typical motorhome or trailer, the price is usually far less as well.
Tip: ;We look for a place close enough to the airport that either a taxi ride wont break the bank or a friend wont disown us for asking for a ride. We also look for someplace secure that is gated and has secure access. In the past few years weve also ensured that the RV storage lot has a gravel or paved lot to minimize rodent issues.
We also ensure that the car is spotlessly clean inside before we leave and we try to wash the vehicle right before we drop it off . This year we also unhooked the battery since last year we got back to a dead battery and had to have someone jump start our car. Weve never bothered to cover our vehicle since Id rather deal with fading than other issues like a tarp rubbing in the wind. Since we wont be around to look after it we leave someone in town as the contact point.
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Interstate Travel With A Firearm
The most important thing you need to know is that vehicle handgun laws vary greatly from one state to the next. Your concealed carry permit was issued by the state, not the country, which means it may not be recognized in another state. It is your obligation to follow all laws set forth by any state that you enter or travel through, no matter how briefly you may be visiting.
Understanding state-by-state CCW reciprocity is an important first step in determining how you can travel with your firearm. If youre going from one state to another that recognizes your permit say, from Alabama to South Carolina you can bring your handgun with no problem. However, if youre passing through a state where your permit is not honored, you will be breaking the law if youre doing anything other than simply passing through.
Regardless of if you possess a permit, you should know the state-by-state gun laws before traveling with your gun. According to the Firearm Owners Protection Act of 1986, which is an amendment to the Gun Control Act of 1986, travelers may pass through restricted states with their guns, but only if they are unloaded, in a locked case and kept in an inaccessible location, with the ammunition stored separately. The law states:
How To Store Your Car
A car cover is just the start when putting your car away for the winter or a long break.
Everyone thinks of a car cover when it comes to storing a car. That’s just the beginning.
Need to store your car for the winter, a school year or a deployment? Here’s how to do a good job of it without standing on your head or disassembling your car.;
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What Size Storage Unit Is Right For A Car
If you are looking to store your car in an enclosed storage unit, you will need to decide which size unit is right for your vehicle. Below are the drive up/outdoor storage unit sizes commonly available at U-Haul storage facilities and the types of cars they can typically store:
- 10 x 20 Sedans, Motorcycles or other recreational vehicles
- 10 x 25 Sedans and small SUVs and pickup trucks
- 10 x 30 Large pickup trucks, SUVs and cargo vans.
- View this storage unit size guide to get a better understanding of all the unit sizes and what fits.
Removing Your Car From Self Storage
When removing your car from its storage unit, do a full check on all assets of your car. Check tires for cracks or flat spots and make sure tire pressure looks okay. Look at the undercarriage and exhaust pipe to check for signs of pests. Make sure to remove any socks or rags from the exhaust pipe before starting your car. Replace any necessary fluids and reattach the car battery. Start the car and let it run for a few minutes, making sure the car cover is off, and the storage unit door is open. When you start driving your car out of the unit, gently test the brakes. Take things slowly for the first few minutes to make sure everything is in working order.
By following these tips for storing your car in a storage unit, you will ensure that your car stays in perfect working order no matter how long its stored. To find a drive-up storage unit near you, check out our list of storage locations. For more storage tips,
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