Car Storage


Whether it’s rare and expensive or just a used jalopy with sentimental value, your vehicle can easily be stored in San Clemente Self Storage, but requires specific considerations. If you want your vehicle to look and run its best, you will want to store it properly.

The spot where you store your car should be fully enclosed to protect it from the elements. The argument for keeping it inside is probably pretty obvious: imagine the damage rain, heat, and powerful Santa Ana winds can do, not to mention the risk of theft or vandalism if the vehicle is kept out in the open. You also do not have to worry that your car will be in an accident if it is stored in self storage. Because even an average car represents a good-sized investment, selecting a car storage facility near you allows you to look in on it regularly or take it for a ride, while freeing up the space in your garage.

Storing your car may also represent significant insurance savings. Several insurance agents sell special policies just for vehicles in storage, often at a substantially reduced rate than if the car were being driven regularly.
Car Storage at San Clemente Self Storage

Car Storage San Clemente:

GET YOUR PERSONAL CAR STORAGE UNITS AT SAN CLEMENTE SELF STORAGE, YOUR PREMIER PROVIDER OF INTERIOR CAR STORAGE IN SAN CLEMENTE. WE OFFER FULLY ENCLOSED, DRIVE UP STORAGE UNITS (WITH ROLL UP DOORS), RANGING IN SIZES FROM 10’X15’ TO 15’X35’. YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE WHO WILL HAVE ACCESS TO YOUR FULLY-ENCLOSED STORAGE UNIT.


Car Storage Unit Sizes

Most cars and SUV’s will need a minimum storage unit length of 20 feet. Our most popular car storage unit sizes are 10’x20’, 10’x25’, and 10’x30’. Small and compact cars can typically fit in storage units measuring 15 feet deep (or more).

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

Here are some San Clemente Car Storage tips to help get your car ready for storage. When a car is not being used for an extended period of time, a number of problems can occur due to its dormancy. Using these tips may not only get your car better prepared for auto storage, but should also help your vehicle operate correctly when you get it out. Since these are general guidelines, you may want to also consult a mechanic or other automobile expert to determine the best way to store your particular vehicle.

  • 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

When a vehicle has set for a long period of time, its oil may have dripped all the way down into the oil pan. Starting it in this condition could cause considerable wear and tear on your engine. What you need to do is get your oil back up into the engine's valve train and get it lubricated. Here is one way to do it. Pull your spark plug leads (or disconnect the coil or positive distributor lead) and crank your motor over a few times so that oil can get back up into valve train. The point is that you do not want the engine to fire up. You just want to get the oil flowing again. Once you have done this, it is time to start your car

.If you need car storage in San Clemente, we offer the cleanest and best solution, please give us a call today at 949-366-1133 and let San Clemente Self Storage protect your car from the elements. And, if you are thinking about storing a boat inside a storage unit to protect it from the elements, please check out our Storage Tip article on "Boat Storage".