Owning a collectible car should be fun, not a headache. Whether you have a luxury car, sports car, or you buy an antique classic, you want to drive it and show it, and not deal with the other ownership hassles. One of those hassles of course is where to store it, which if you don’t have a personal garage or the space for it, is certainly on your mind. Below I will discuss finding storage for classic and high-end vehicles and what to expect from a company. I will also share my experience with the place that does classic car storage near me.
Find Classic Car Storage Near Me
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When I left my previous home with a two-car garage to move into a small condo I had no idea what to do with exotic cars, my 1965 Corvette and my 1957 Thunderbird. I had no garage anymore and I was not about to spend more to let my precious vehicles sit outside. That’s what led me down this path to find various storage solutions for classic cars.
When it comes to storage ideally you want more than just some random garage to park your vehicle. If that vehicle has value then you need a place that is safe, clean, secure, has great insurance perks, and preferably has options for both climate-controlled and cold storage. This is even more true of you only take the car out for a spin a few times a year.
How Does the Classic Car Storage Near Me Work?
Classic car storage facilities are garages that store high-end collector vehicles for a monthly or yearly fee. These businesses vary in size, price, and perks. Some are small one-level garages, while others are huge warehouses with car lifts and elevators. Then there are hot and cold options for the temperature and some even have oil and battery tending services.
At the classic car storage near me, I store two vehicles in a climate-controlled environment. I get free battery tending, free startup once a month to run for 15 minutes, and they rotate the vehicles so your tires don’t go flat. I pay a month-to-month rate which is specially discounted for 2 vehicles. The other garage space I use stores about 100 cars across two-levels outdoor parking, and is fire and earthquake-resistant.
Not all classic car storage options have all these perks. I mention them above so that you know what is possible. The more perks collector car has, the more cost though.
Some places will offer hot or cold storage. Cold storage will still be stored inside which provides security and weather protection, but no heat in the building. Of all the care required though on a classic care, for my money, the most important is a temperature-controlled storage unit.
The Benefits of Temperature Control for Classic Cars
When you own an antique vehicle you likely don’t drive it a lot. When cars are driven regularly they are at higher risk of being impacted by changes in temperature. In extremes at both the high and low end of the temperature scale, problems begin to occur. One of the greatest problems is humidity which can cause rusting as well as the paint, engine, upholstery, tires, and more. If you live closer to a body of water, then the risks are even greater.
With temperature-controlled storage, it is the same exact temperature all the time. This prevents both overheating in the summer and freezing in the winter. Classic cars are more susceptible to this because the parts are more fragile. If you have an antique vehicle that is all original and not a restoration, it is even more important to learn how to protect these unique classics.
Best Options for Classic Car Storage Near Me
Multi-Tenant Garages
Multi-tenant storage units are large buildings that park many different automobiles for many different owners. This parking spot is just like a parking garage, but for long-term vehicle storage. These come in both temperature and non-temperature-controlled options.
These garages usually have a valet that you drop your vehicle off with and then get it for you, when you want to drive it. While that is super convenient and a nice perk, you can’t get your vehicle outside of the and some require you to contact ahead with them to schedule your times.
Add-Ons and Perks Offered at Most Places:
- Choice of Temperature controlled or cold storage.
- Long-term parking with monthly or yearly agreements.
- Battery tending service to ensure your vehicle is always ready.
- Starting your vehicle once a month to run for 15 minutes to keep it healthy.
- Rotation in the lot to prevent tires from flat spotting.
- 24-hour security monitoring.
- Valet service.
- Detailing service.
- Car servicing and tuning.
- Auto transport.
Storage Units
These are small units with one or two bays, that look like garages you see at a self-storage lot. These places are described as “drive-up” units, where you pull your car right into it yourself. You can raise the handle and lower the door as you would a home garage and you are responsible for keeping the unit locked.
These small units are nice and private. You don’t need to make an appointment to get your collection of car and most places offer 24-hour availability and security monitoring. The classic car storage units near me, for example, offer both hot and cold storage units.
Add-Ons and Perks Offered at Most Places:
- Choice of Temperature controlled or cold storage.
- Long-term parking with monthly or yearly agreements.
- Privacy of having your own unit that only you can access.
- Drive on the garage, where you load and unload your own vehicle.
- Automatic garage door lifts.
- Strain your vehicle once a month to run for 15 minutes to keep it healthy.
- Rotation in the lot to prevent tires from flat spotting.
- 24-hour security monitoring.
Before Storing a Classic Car…
When you determine that you want to put away or sell your antique vehicle for the long term, there is some up-front maintenance to complete first. Before I put my cars away I like to ensure the following items are completed:
- Any outstanding repair work is completed.
- A tune-up has been done and the engine is in good condition.
- The exterior is hand-washed, detailed, and has a sealant on it.
- The tires are properly inflated to the right PSI (If storing the car yourself consider putting it on stands).
- The interior is detailed, and vacuumed and all the upholstery is treated with leather conditioner or vinyl protectant.
- For storing it yourself, remove the battery once it is parged in long-term place.
Security Measures in Classic Car Storage
When it comes to classic car storage, the security of your prized possession is paramount. Owners and collectors of classic cars, exotic cars, and collector cars understand that these vehicles are more than just a mode of transportation; they are valuable assets that require the utmost protection. In this section, we’ll explore the various security measures employed by car storage facilities to safeguard your cherished vehicles.
Advanced Security Systems: The First Line of Defense
Modern car storage facilities utilize a range of advanced security systems to ensure the safety of the vehicles stored within their premises. These systems are designed to deter theft, vandalism, and any unauthorized access. Here are some examples of the types of security systems used:
- Surveillance Cameras: High-definition cameras are strategically placed around the facility, providing comprehensive coverage of all garage spaces and parking spots. These cameras are often equipped with motion sensors and night vision capabilities, ensuring round-the-clock surveillance.
- Alarm Systems: State-of-the-art alarm systems are installed to alert facility staff and local authorities in case of any breach. These systems are typically connected to each storage unit, providing an added layer of security.
- Access Control Systems: To control access to the facility, advanced access control systems are employed. These may include keycard or biometric scanners, ensuring that only authorized clients and staff members can enter the storage areas.
- Gated Entry: Many car storage facilities have gated entries that require a code or a security check for entry. This adds an additional barrier against unauthorized access.
The Crucial Role of 24-Hour Monitoring
- Constant Vigilance: The importance of 24-hour monitoring in classic car storage cannot be overstated. Continuous monitoring ensures that any suspicious activity is detected and addressed immediately, providing peace of mind to car owners.
- Immediate Response: In the event of an incident, the presence of 24-hour monitoring means that the storage facility can respond quickly. Whether it’s a potential break-in or a fire hazard, immediate action can prevent damage to the stored vehicles.
- Professional Staff: Facilities often employ trained security personnel who patrol the premises and monitor surveillance feeds. Their presence acts as a deterrent to potential intruders and ensures a quick response in case of emergencies.
- Remote Monitoring: Many storage facilities also offer remote monitoring services, allowing car owners to access live feeds of their vehicle’s location. This feature adds an extra layer of reassurance, as owners can check on their cars at any time.
In conclusion, when choosing a classic car storage facility, it’s crucial to consider the costs and the security measures in place. Facilities that offer advanced security systems and 24-hour monitoring are the best options for ensuring the safety of your valuable vehicles. Remember, the cost of storage often reflects the quality of security and services provided, making it a worthwhile investment for the protection of your classic car.
Classic Car Storage Near Me – Conclusion
If you don’t have the option of a private building or residential garage, then a classic car storage unit is the next best option. This is critical to keep your vehicle in the best possible shape and protect it from rain, wind, snow and hail.
A better approach is to consider a climate-controlled unit, where you can also defend against humidity. This is what I have learned from the owner of classic car storage near me.