Top 5 Tips for Storing Your Car, Boat, or RV Safely

Published on 12/20/2024

5 Tips for Storing Your Vehicle

A car, boat, or RV is more than just a machine. It’s freedom. It’s weekends on the lake, long stretches of open road, or quiet nights under the stars. But when the time comes to store it, whether for the season or a longer period, the responsibility is more than simply parking it and walking away. These vehicles demand care, preparation, and protection to ensure they’re ready for the next adventure. Follow these five tips to keep your vehicle safe during storage.

1. Clean Thoroughly Before Storing

Neglecting cleanliness before storage is a costly mistake. Dirt, salt, and debris can wreak havoc over time. Left unchecked, they damage surfaces, corrode metal, and even attract pests.

• Cars and RVs: A detailed wash removes surface grime, while a coat of wax adds a layer of protection against the elements. Inside, crumbs and spills should be cleared to prevent unwanted visitors. Vacuuming carpets, wiping down surfaces, and airing out interiors ensure freshness upon return.
• Boats: Exposure to saltwater accelerates corrosion. A thorough rinse with fresh water, combined with a deep cleaning of the hull, prevents buildup and prolongs the boat’s lifespan.

Cleanliness doesn’t just preserve appearances—it prevents long-term damage and costly repairs.

2. Protect the Engine and Fluids

An idle engine is vulnerable. Fluids degrade, systems dry out, and engines seize without the proper attention. Preparation is key to preventing damage during storage.

• Change the Oil: Contaminants in old oil can corrode internal parts over time. Fresh oil safeguards the engine against wear.
• Add Fuel Stabilizer: Gasoline left sitting can break down, leading to clogs and poor performance. Stabilizer prevents fuel from deteriorating and keeps the system clean.
• Drain Water Systems: Boats and RVs with plumbing must have their systems drained before storage, especially in colder climates where freezing can cause significant damage.

Addressing these details ensures that engines roar to life when the season returns.

3. Cover and Shield Your Vehicle

Time is unforgiving to exposed surfaces. Even in covered spaces, dust, moisture, and sunlight can take their toll. Proper coverings protect vehicles from these hidden dangers.

• Use a Weatherproof Cover: A snug, weatherproof cover acts as a shield against dust, UV rays, and moisture. Whether it’s a car, boat, or RV, this extra layer prevents fading, cracking, and rust.
• Protect Tires: Tires bear the weight of the vehicle, even during storage. Proper inflation reduces wear, while tire covers block UV rays that can cause cracking.
• Seal Openings: Windows, vents, and other entry points are invitations to pests. Properly sealing these areas ensures an undisturbed interior.

Every layer of protection extends the life and quality of the vehicle.

4. Disconnect or Maintain the Battery

A battery left connected slowly loses its charge. Over time, this leads to frustration—and replacements that could have been avoided.

• Disconnect the Battery: For extended storage, disconnecting the battery prevents slow drainage and prolongs its lifespan.
• Use a Trickle Charger: When regular use of the battery is desired, a trickle charger maintains its charge without overloading it.

With the battery properly cared for, the vehicle will be ready to run at a moment’s notice.

5. Choose the Right Storage Space

Not all storage spaces are created equal. Choosing the right environment determines how well a vehicle weathers its time away.

• Indoor Storage: The gold standard for protection. Indoors, vehicles are shielded from weather, pests, and vandalism. Climate-controlled units add another layer of care, preventing temperature and humidity extremes from damaging sensitive materials.
• Covered Outdoor Storage: A compromise between cost and protection. While it doesn’t offer the complete enclosure of indoor storage, it keeps vehicles out of direct sunlight and precipitation.
• Uncovered Outdoor Storage: For those on a tighter budget, uncovered options are available, though these require heavy-duty covers to compensate for exposure.

At Red and Blue Storage, tailored options provide the right level of protection for every need.

Store Your Vehicle With Red and Blue Storage

A car, boat, or RV deserves more than a parking space. It deserves care. Every layer of preparation, every precaution taken, ensures that these vehicles remain ready for the road, the water, or the next great escape.

Red and Blue Storage offers secure, accessible storage solutions designed to protect your investment. From indoor units to covered spaces, every option is built with safety in mind.

Call (225) 577-5526 today to reserve your space today!