5 Reasons to Store Privately Store Your Classic Car
The day you purchased your first car ranks right up there with, well, your wedding day, your kids actual birth days and your special anniversaries – right? Not necessarily in that order (of course). Once the orgasmic feeling wears off, you realize that you never thought it through about where you could safely and securely store your car. During the justification process of “Why I should buy this car RIGHT NOW”, you checked off the “home storage” box – a convenient solution at the time, but a decision that seems illogical right now.
Now the car is at your home, tightly tucked away in your garage – next to the lawn mower, snow blower and kids’ bikes. You come home from work and see the neighborhood kids on the car, in the car and next to the car. Someone posts a photo on Facebook and Instagram. You hope your insurance company doesn’t see it.
There is a misnomber that cars only need storage in parts of the world with sub-zero and/or snowy weather. Weather extremes from heavy rain and hail conditions to hot, sunny desert conditions can also incur damage to cars. Let’s not forget calamities like tornados, hurricanes, strong winds, falling trees, leaves and power lines. Valuable cars need storage 24/7 in every part of the world.
Storage Options
There are many collector car storage options in Cleveland. However, all storage facilities are not created equal. Here are the most common choices:
- Home Garage
Protects your car from the elements, is convenient, cost-free and secure. Downside: takes up valuable garage space that could be used for an extra freezer, lawn mower, snow blower and kids’ bikes. Car exposed to damage from kids, bikes and other cars. - Home Storage: Shed
Can be constructed next to your home or in the backyard. Protects your car from the elements and can be locked up. Can be expensive to build and maintain, is exposed to theft and may require HOA and city approval. - Car Trailer
Protects your car from the elements. May be able to store multiple vehicles. Saves garage space and can be locked up. Traveling with your car is easier with a trailer. Can be expensive to build and maintain, is exposed to theft and may require HOA and city approval. - Private Car Storage Facility
Protects your car from the elements, have ample space, offer car maintenance services, protects your investment, are cost effective and out of site from HOAs and neighbors. Most private storage vendors are climate-controlled with radiant heat and alarm + sprinkler systems. Easy access. Protects your car from the elements, saves garage space, has easy access and is less expensive than indoor or private storage. Downsize: no climate control, minimal security, crowded space, limited access and exposed to extreme weather and pests.
Factors To Consider When Researching Storage Facilities
Before searching for storage venues, determine the value of your car. Your thought process should include the car’s age, condition and uniqueness. Do you have a collector, one-of-a-kind car, or a common car? Is your car in good to excellent condition, or in need of restoration? Is it difficult to replace? How you answer these questions will dictate the type of storage your car needs.
- Storage Location
While some Cleveland-based classic auto storage facilities are right in your neighborhood, other facilities may be located in industrial parkways or in urban or rural locations. Some of the off-the-beaten-path facilities may offer valet or transportation services. Decide how far away and often you are willing to drive and visit the storage location. - Access To Car
Some Cleveland-based collector car storage facilities allow the convenience of immediate access to your car, while other facilities offer limited access requiring up to 48 hours notice. Whereas some venues allow car owners to work on their cars while stored, other venues prohibit such access. - Security
Again, the value you place on your car will determine the level of security required for your improper storage conditions often cause more harm to cars than damage incurred through driving. A highly-valued car in good to excellent condition requires a climate-controlled venue with radiant heat. This combination prevents temperature and humidity fluctuations, which can create interior and exterior moisture damage. - Additional Services
Some storage venues offer a variety of services such as fuel removal and disposal, trickle battery maintenance, battery preparation / disconnect and premium detailing services — from washes to paint restoration. Whether or not those services are of important will depend – again – on the type of car you have and the value you place on it.