Car Storage - Your Car in Self Storage

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It's starting to get colder outside which makes it a little more challenging and not so fun to drive your summer car around town or on a long country drive. And with November just around the corner, many people will soon be putting their summer car in storage for the winter.

Tips for Using Car Storage

Whether you're a long-time pro at winter car storage, or a newbie storing your vehicle in self-storage for the first time, here's everything you need to know about car storage from start to finish, including some not-so-obvious vehicle storage tips!

What to do before your car is in storage:

Before you put your car into storage, take the time to do the following:

  • Check your local weather forecast and find a dry day to store. 
  • Contact your insurance company before you store. Cars are expensive assets, and your insurance agent is in the best position to make sure you are totally covered while your car is in storage.
  • Thoroughly wash your vehicle. This will help wash off any salt and dirt which will help with rust prevention and prevent scratches.
  • Do an oil and filter change.
  • Check the antifreeze.
  • Make sure the tires are inflated.
  • Pick a dry, dark location for storage...like the self storage units at Storage Solutions - they work like a charm!

If you have never physically put your car into storage or it's been a while, check out our helpful video on how to store your car in a self-storage unit!

What to do while your car is in storage:

When putting your car in storage, and while it is in storage, here are a few little tricks you can employ:

  • Place a plastic sheet under the car and carpet pieces under the tires.
  • If you are worried about flat spots on your tires, put the vehicle on a jack stand –this is pretty fancy though.
  • Close all of the windows to the car.
  • Unhook your car battery while it is in storage.
  • Put a plastic bag over the air inlet and exhaust pipes to keep out dust and bugs.
  • To keep your car from getting a stale smell, you can put baking soda in select spots (the kind you buy for your fridge with the cardboard cutouts).
  • Talk to a mechanic about whether it makes sense to come by and turn on the car every now and then. Some people have told us that unless you get the engine warm and burn off the water vapours, then you are doing more damage, but it’s best to ask the professionals.

Vrrrooooommmmmmm, time to take your car out of storage:

  • Charge the battery.
  • Make sure you remove the baking soda boxes if you put them in (don’t want them to spill while you drive).
  • Check the floor for leaks.
  • Check the tires for pressure.
  • Check the fluid levels for safety.
  • If you did the plastic bag over the air inlet and exhaust pipe, ensure that is also removed.
  • And always check that your brakes work! Take the car out very slowly and give them a few pumps to make sure.
  • Check out our helpful video on taking your vehicle out of storage.

We hope these vehicle storage tips and tricks are helpful!

Check out our blog for other helpful advice, like Tips for decluttering your car and our Car storage page for FAQs.

We also share advice, tips, and tricks (and provide a good laugh too) on social media, so make sure to like or follow us on Instagram & Facebook

Storage Solutions - Your Local Car Storage Self-Storage Facility!

We hope you'll keep Storage Solutions in mind for your car storage, motorcycle storage, and really, all your self storage needs! Both our Milton self storage location & Woodstock self storage location offer drive up units, wide aisles, and security. Our Woodstock storage facility also offers indoor heated storage units. Our facilities are also fully fenced and brightly lit.

The key reasons why customer's chose us as a car storage solution is because we make renting storage easy, affordable, and secure! You can even rent a self-storage unit for your car right from our website. BTW - You can also pay online too.

Still have questions? Text, call or email us - we’re happy to find answers for you and help you with your car storage needs...and really all your self storage needs!

Your friend in self-storage,

Storage Solutions


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amer hashem (Milton)
a month ago

Very reliable storage. A good solution to park your car and keeping it protected from all weather conditions. Although a bit remote location.. but the price and the service was worth it.


Riley Rogozynski (Woodstock)
a week ago

I went in to find out some information on storage units for when I move in a couple weeks and was happily surprised by the customer service I received. I had looked at a few other storage facilities in Woodstock but their customer service was terrible compared to Jared's from Storage Solutions. He was professional and understanding of my needs and was ready to help anywhere he could. I will definitely be spreading the word to any of my friends looking for units!


Jennifer Sibbitt (Milton)
a week ago

Staff are very friendly and helpful. The facility is well maintained, clean and secure. I highly recommend Storage Solutions!


Janet Kennedy (Woodstock)
2 weeks ago

Great rates for a clean, secure, well lit place. Really good staff and a company that cares. New facility and the competitors are pretty tired looking and charging the same rates (if not a bit more).


Abeer Nauman (Milton)
a day ago

Very friendly staff. Always great service. Would highly recommend.


Lindsay Munro (Milton)
4 months ago

My husband and I recently relocated from the US and needed a place to store all of our belongings while we secured a new home. The folks at Storage Solutions advised us on the right size unit for our needs, at the right price. They were kind and helpful with all of our "first-timer" questions. We were very confident in the security of the place, and had absolutely no issues. I would highly recommend and use them again if needed.


Ashley Kelly (Milton)
a month ago

Been storing office and personal items for years. Have had various size units. Prices are great and staff has always been helpful.