When it comes to protecting your vehicle during long-term storage, proper preparation is essential to avoid damage and ensure it's road-ready when you need it again. At Gorilla Storage, we offer secure and flexible storage solutions, whether you're looking for car storage near me, caravan storage near me, or storage units near me. Follow our expert tips to keep your car, caravan, or other vehicle in top condition while it's in storage with us.

How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Storage

1. Clean Your Vehicle Thoroughly

Before placing your vehicle into long-term car storage, make sure it’s clean both inside and out. Any dirt, road salt, or grime can cause paint damage or corrosion if left on the surface for too long. Inside, clean the carpets and seats to remove dust and crumbs that could attract pests.

Cleaning Tips:

• Wash and wax the exterior to protect the paint from dirt and moisture.
• Clean the wheels and undercarriage to remove road salt and mud.
• Treat leather seats or vinyl surfaces with appropriate conditioners.
• Remove any food items or perishables to prevent bad odours or rodent infestations.

By storing your freshly cleaned vehicle at Gorilla Storage, you can ensure it remains in pristine condition until you’re ready to use it again.

2. Change the Oil and Fluids

Changing the oil and filter before storing your vehicle is critical to removing contaminants that could damage your engine over time. For long-term self-storage, also top up or change essential fluids like:

• Coolant/antifreeze
• Brake fluid
• Transmission fluid
• Power steering fluid

Proper fluid maintenance prevents moisture build-up, which can lead to corrosion in the engine and other components.

3. Maintain Tyre Health

Flat spots can form on your tyres if your vehicle is left stationary for too long. To avoid this, inflate your tyres to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure before placing the vehicle into car storage or caravan storage. For longer-term storage, consider using jack stands to relieve pressure on the tyres altogether.

At Gorilla Storage, we provide convenient access to your stored vehicle so you can perform maintenance checks, including tyre care, whenever necessary.

4. Use a Battery Maintainer

If a vehicle is left unused for months, the battery can drain. To prevent this, you can either disconnect the battery or use a battery maintainer to keep the it charged throughout the storage period.

5. Fill the Fuel Tank and Add a Fuel Stabiliser

Filling the fuel tank before storage prevents moisture build-up, which could lead to rust in the fuel system. Adding a fuel stabiliser helps prevent the fuel from breaking down and causing damage to the engine. Be sure to run the engine for a few minutes after adding the stabiliser to ensure it circulates through the fuel system.

6. Cover Your Vehicle

Even when storing your vehicle in one of our secure, climate-controlled storage units, using a breathable cover adds an extra layer of protection against dust, dirt, and other potential hazards. For outdoor storage, use a weatherproof cover to shield your vehicle from UV rays, rain, and debris.

At Gorilla Storage, our clean, dry units offer excellent protection from the elements, but a high-quality car cover ensures maximum defence for your vehicle.

7. Choose the Right Storage Facility

Selecting a reliable storage facility is essential to keeping your vehicle safe. At Gorilla Storage, we provide secure storage solutions with 24/7 CCTV monitoring and gated access to ensure your vehicle is well-protected. Whether you're looking for car storage near me or caravan storage near me, we offer top-tier storage facilities in the West Midlands area.

8. Check Your Insurance Coverage

While your vehicle is stored at Gorilla Storage, it’s a good idea to check with your insurance provider to ensure you have coverage for long-term storage. Some policies may require additional protection, so it’s worth verifying your insurance status before storage.

Our team can offer guidance on insurance options to make sure your vehicle is fully protected.

9. Seal Openings to Prevent Pests

Small animals can cause serious damage if they get inside your stored vehicle, chewing wires and upholstery. To avoid this, block any entry points like exhaust pipes or air intakes with steel wool or rodent-repellent products.

At Gorilla Storage, our clean, pest-controlled storage units significantly reduce the risk of any pest issues, offering extra peace of mind for our customers.

10. Plan Regular Maintenance Checks

Even if your vehicle is in long-term car storage, it’s a good idea to check on it periodically. Start the engine occasionally to keep it lubricated, maintain battery charge, and ensure everything stays in working order.

We provides flexible access to your storage unit, making it easy for you to carry out regular maintenance checks as needed.

Why Choose Gorilla Storage?

• Climate-controlled units to protect your vehicle from extreme temperatures.
• Flexible access, so you can visit your vehicle whenever necessary.
• A variety of storage sizes to suit all vehicle types, from cars to caravans.

By following these tips for your vehicle storage needs, you can be confident that your car, caravan, or other vehicles will remain in excellent condition while away from home. Whether you're looking for car storage, caravan storage, or storage units near me, our secure and accessible facilities offer the perfect solution.

For more information about our vehicle storage options, contact our self-storage facility today. Our friendly team is here to help you choose the best storage options for your needs.