Vehicle Storage. All kinds of vehicles get stored for the winter, ranging from a convertibles reserved for sunny days to a car or truck. Because cars and trucks were made to be driven regularly, storage or any prolonged period of non-use can really take its toll. Vehicle storage.

Storing Vehicles

The standard fundimental definition of vehicle is "anything on wheels or that can be put on wheels that needs to be stored." The individual/consumer side of the vehicle storage business includes RVs, boats, fifth wheels, trailers, pop-up camping trailers, box trailers and automobiles. On the commercial side, it includes small cranes, commercial trucks of any nature, landscape trailers, 45-foot construction trailers, church buses and small business vans. Facilities have also had an Indy racing team store their support vehicles as well as a TV satellite truck. These are examples of some more non-traditional storage requirement.

Some vehicle storage facilities offer full valeting and full maintainance by qualified technical staff. This includes all inspections, storage, repair, servicing and valet.

Remember! - These rule apply for automobiles but can be adapted to any vehicle.

Keep the fuel fresh. When gasoline sits, it can break down and form gum and varnish, which will clog a fuel system. What's more, any moisture left in the system can cause rust. The solution: Add a container of fuel stabilizer to the gas tank, then fill the tank to the top right before putting into vehicle storage facilities. The short drive home from the gas station will circulate the stabilized fuel throughout the system, keeping the gas fresh and the system safe until the vehicle is ready to ride again.

Don't let the cooling system freeze while in the vehicle storage facility. Drain the system (including the radiator) and refill it with a rust-inhibiting antifreeze.

Change the oil. It's important to remove any acid, moisture and other contaminants from an engine by changing the oil and filter before putting it into vehicle storage supplier. It's okay to use the same-viscosity oil as usual, as long as the oil contains corrosion protection.

Avoid flat-spotting the tires. A vehicle that sits for a long period of time can ruin a set of radial tires. The best way to save those expensive tires is to store the vehicle up on jack stands (if your vehicle storage supplier supports this). Some people also may want to remove the vehicle's wheels and tires or let some air out of the tires to reduce strain on the shocks and other suspension components.

Keep the battery alive. When a battery loses its charge over time, it can freeze and explode. To avoid a dangerous mess, hook up a battery charger/maintainer, which will keep the battery properly charged, no matter how long the vehicle sits.

Protect the paint. Give the vehicle a good washing before it's put away for the winter to remove any road salt or grunge, and be sure to dry it thoroughly, too. Then apply a protective coat of wax. Finally, slip on a breathable cloth car cover. (Plastic covers will trap condensation and provide a fertile breeding ground for rust, sometimes available from your vehicle storage supplier)