Vehicles are so much more than mere modes of transportation. Ask any car or bike enthusiast, and they’ll certainly let you know that driving is more than a means is a way of getting from Point A to Point B, and that’s why they take such great care of their “toys.” After all, when you put thousands of dollars into something, you should want to treat it well and be sure that it’s always in pristine condition.
If you’re one of those drivers who keeps a dust rag in your back pocket to wipe blemishes off the hood of your vehicle every time you get out of your car, you know how important it is to have the proper storage for your vehicle. When you put extra money and care into turning your car into your vehicle, you have to do all you can to protect your investment from the elements and bad actors. Continue reading to get some vehicle storage tips that will help to extend the life and luster of your vehicle.
1. Car and motorcycle covers are the best way to protect your vehicle on road trips.
When people think about road trips, they tend not to think about all they’re potentially putting their vehicle through, due to excitement over the journey ahead. However, as you drive through the U.S. and stopping at national parks to see landmarks like the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, or the Capitol Reef National Park, you should drape your car with a car cover to protect it from dirt, bird droppings, and the elements. Sure, you’re excited about the trails and hikes you’ll enjoy, and can’t wait to take your car on a scenic drive, but you need to plan for car care just as much as you map out which trails and cliffs you’ll be enjoying.
The red rock formations and canyons of the American west are beautiful scenes to behold, but you don’t want to bring the red dirt home on your vehicle. If you have a new vehicle and want to keep that pristine paint job looking wet, you should bring your car cover with you to protect against scratches and dirt.
2. Off-site storage units are a great idea for vehicles you rarely use.
If you’re a weekend warrior (or monthly warrior), your bike is taking up space in your garage or driveway that could be used for your other vehicles. Many military people who are getting ready for an overseas deployment put their bikes in climate-controlled storage units for the duration of their tours. If you’re not a frequent rider, a great way to save some space and have peace of mind about the security of your bike is to put it in storage.
When trying to find the right facilities for your motorcycle storage needs, you must search high and low to find the safest and most reliable one. Different companies offer different unit sizes, designs, and different facilities vary in climate control.
How much storage space you’ll need depends on what else you plan to put in storage outside of your bike. Even with your motorcycle in a storage unit, it’s still wise to put a motorcycle cover on it until the next time you’re ready to hit the road and burn some rubber.
3. Protect your driveway with surveillance cameras.
Not every house comes with a garage large enough to park vehicles in, leaving many people to have to leave their cars in their driveways or on the side of the street. There’s always a chance that a carjacker will get tempted by the sight of your car sitting in plain view, but you can protect it with a state-of-the-art surveillance system.
Many surveillance systems today come with IP cameras that allow for remote access from a computer or mobile device as long as you have Wi-Fi. With up to 1080P resolution and the ability to monitor your cameras using a mobile app, you can keep an eye on your vehicle no matter where you are.
4. If you’re storing your vehicle for an extended period of time, you must prep it.
One of the things about car and motorcycle storage that people tend to miss is that you have to prep your vehicle if you’re going to be storing it for any length of time. For instance, you should fill your gas tank with high-octane fuel and treat the fuel to keep it from gelling. You should also top-off fluids such as motor oil, transmission fluid, and brake fluid to ensure your vehicle is in prime condition to hit the road. Furthermore, even if you plan on putting your vehicle in a storage unit, you should still drape it with a cover to protect the paint job.
Experts suggest that you take you to start your car and take it for a short drive every couple of months to keep the engine and all its many parts functioning properly and to keep the many moving parts from locking with each other. One thing every car enthusiast knows is that if you take great care of your automobile, it will do the same in return for you.
