Car Storage

Car Storage Unit Sizes

Car Storage at San Clemente Self Storage- Benefits

• Fully Enclosed Storage Unit
• Protects Your Car From The Weather
• Discounts for Pre-Payment of Rent
• Military Discounts
• Great Location- Rancho San Clemente Business Park
• One of the Cleanest Storage Facilities in Orange County
• Modern Security System - Extensive Interior and Exterior Cameras for Surveillance and 24-Hour Activity Recordings
• Electronic Key Pad Gate Entry System - Individual/Personal Code
• Professional Management Team
• Beautiful Facility - With Ocean and Golf Course Views

Preparing Your Car for Auto Storage

• Rent a fully enclosed storage unit: Weather, dirt, dust, temperature changes, and moisture can cause rust and deterioration to your car and its components. A dry, fully enclosed storage unit can protect your car from these elements.
• Get a good disc lock for your storage unit: Disc locks cannot be cut with bolt cutters, unlike padlocks.
• Always put a car cover on your vehicle: This will protect it from dust and dirt. Make sure the material of the cover is breathable.
• Read your owner's manual for instructions on car storage. It may have very important information. For example, some recommend leaving the battery in your car but disconnecting the negative terminal. Others may recommend removing your car battery.
• Clean all battery terminals and wiring: Consider putting felt washers on the battery terminal posts to prevent corrosion and spray electrical connections with a protectant.
• Fill up your gas tank: A full tank of gas will keep moisture out of the gas tank, where rust could occur against metal.
• Put a fuel additive in your gas tank: Gas can go bad and turn into a “varnished goo” or gum and clog up fuel injectors and carburetors. The addition of a good fuel stabilizer can keep your gas fresh for a long time. You should then drive the vehicle for around ten miles so the additive can adequately circulate.
• Change the vehicle's oil and oil filter a day or so before storing the vehicle. This will help to avoid corrosion that can be caused by used oil. Make sure to drive the vehicle for a few miles so the oil can circulate through the engine.
• Have all necessary repairs completed before putting your vehicle in storage. This will avoid possible worsening of the vehicle's problems.
• Get a tune up: Make sure all of your plugs, wiring, and hoses are in good shape. Oil and other fluids can go bad like gas. So make sure your all of your fluids are fresh and clean. The last thing you need is old “thick dirty” oil in your engine.
• Get your car detailed:
• A good wash, wax, and interior cleaning will do more than just make your car look good -- it can protect your car’s paint, tires, and interior during storage.
• Make sure that the mirrors are wiped clean. Leaving dirt and other residue on the mirrors can lead to corrosion.
• The interior of the vehicle should be vacuumed and free of all trash and other debris such as food crumbs and pet hair.
• All carpets and upholstery should be cleaned and all stains removed -- don't forget the carpet in your trunk.
• Air freshener will help remove all odors and keep your vehicle smelling fresh.
• Inflate your tire pressure: Extended periods of storage can cause your tires to get flat spots if it is not moved. Putting your car on jack stands will stop this problem. If you do not wish to put your car on jacks, inflate your tires to their highest levels -- this will lessen the effects of deflation, should it occur.
• Lubricate hood latches and door locks: Use a dry lubricant that is graphite based.
• Take special care of the spark plugs. After you pull the spark plugs, add a teaspoon of engine oil to each of the cylinders, to prevent rust, then put in new spark plugs.
• Spray a lubricant, like WD40, on the engine's exposed metal surfaces. This will provide a protective film.
• Take a good look at the brake fluid to make sure it is clear. If it isn't clean, flush it out and refill. Dirty brake fluid can rust the braking system.
• Check other vehicle fluids to make sure they are not dirty, such as transmission fluid and steering fluid.
• The blades of the windshield wipers should be removed. Cotton cloth can be put under the wipers to stop potential scratching.
• If you have a convertible, the top should be left up during storage. The top should also be treated with silicone or similar.
• Slide a drip tray beneath the car: If there is fluid loss, you will be able to monitor it and there will be no damage to the storage unit.
• Use cotton cloth to seal all engine openings. This will absorb moisture and deter insects and rodents from getting in the engine.
• Use cotton cloth over other openings on the vehicle, such as the exhaust pipes.
• Do not apply the parking brake during storage. Parking brakes can sometimes rust and get attached to the brake drum.
• Windows should be rolled up and vents should be closed.
• For cars with manual transmissions, put the gear in neutral.
• Use wheel blocks to keep car from rolling.
• It is a good idea, if possible, to start the engine at least once a month and let the engine run for a while. Remember to open the door of the storage unit while the engine is running to ensure proper air circulation and ventilation. If you have time, take a quick drive.

What to Do When Re-Starting Your Car