Dave Edmondson, the owner of East Lancashire, very kindly answered a few questions for us about his business and working with CarStoreClub.

**“Of all the leads I have paid for I would estimate 40-50% have taken storage out with us for varying lengths of time... delivering a good ROI.”**

Scroll down to read what else Dave had to say about his own experience of using the CarStoreClub website, purchasing the CarStoreClub lead packages and the quality of the subsequent leads he interacted with…

We have been operating since April 2022, in Darwen Lancashire. Our unit is 5000ft or indoor, clean, dehumidified and extremely secure. We also offer vehicle transport utilising our HGV transporter, tyre services, replacement punctures etc, full vehicle servicing and repairs along with valeting and detailing vehicles.

Q: We are bullish for the Car Storage industry, how would you describe your own experiences, what have been your highs and lows and what do you struggle with?

Experiences in the current economic climate and push for electric vehicles have seen what I believe to be an uplift in people requiring classic and prestige storage facilities for their vehicles. Indeed, that is how the business was established. I also have a wedding car company and couldn’t find suitable, clean storage for our vehicles in the area. The main struggles are providing a facility at a price most customers can afford. The first 3-4 months of business were extremely hard to get the word out there and get customers through the door.

Q: How do you go about new business, what are your primary techniques to fill your space? 

Our go to approach for marketing is through Google search and other social channels

Q: When did you first get wind of Cars Store Club?

We discovered Car Store Club as we were looking for different ways to create more demand and find new leads. Carstoreclub.com are also advertising on Google, so we discovered them there.

Q: What first attracted you to the concept of Carstoreclub, how did you settle on testing us? 

The concept was good and seemed to have leads for people requiring storage so made sense to us to try them.

Q: How have you found the process of using carstoreclub.com? 

The process early on was more frustrating as numerous leads were there but many of the contact details were incorrect meaning the cost of the lead was wasted as there was no way you could contact them. Carstoreclub listened to feedback and continued to work on functionality and make sure all leads were double verified. There are now lots of people who have now had to verify that they are actually looking for storage and not just window shopping.

Q: Would you say that across the time you have worked with us you have recouped all the costs of buying the leads?
Of all the leads I have paid for I would estimate 40-50% have taken storage out with us for varying lengths of time and so delivering a good ROI.

Q: Having worked with us for a while now, what other improvements would you like to see? 

I think the main one would be to sort leads into nearest to me; as some are coming through from over 50 miles away

Q: Most importantly, would you recommend CarStoreClub to other car storage facilities?

Yes. It is a good platform for storage facilities and now improvements have been made it is more financially worthwhile .


large_storage.jpeg

medium_storage.jpeg

small_storage.jpeg

thumbnail_storage.jpeg

storage.jpeg

How East Lancashire Vehicle Solutions drove Business results with Carstoreclub

News

Car Storage

# Why Britain's £19 million car storage business is booming

Autocar's Mark Smyth writes about Car Store Club's latest Top 100 Car Storage Facilities report and speaks to the founders Nick and Marco


![autocar_logo.svg](https://res.cloudinary.com/the-car-store-club/image/upload/v1651672602/autocar_logo_f09fff1d87.svg)

[Read the full article on Autocar here](https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/business-dealership%2C-sales-and-marketing/analysis-how-uks-car-storage-business-now-worth-)


The managed car-storage business in the UK is now worth more than £19 million a year, with nearly 15,000 cars currently in facilities around the country.

It’s an industry that's expanding for reasons including lack of space at owners' homes, pressure to switch to an EV for daily use and the increasing popularity of affordable classics.

> Nick Pauley of [Auto Classica Storage](https://autoclassicastorage.co.uk) and former Spotify executive Marco Bertozzi have teamed up to create the Car Store Club, which works with the industry and consumers to provide information on facilities around the UK and then match an owner’s requirements to a car-storage business.

The intention is to provide proper information to enable owners to make educated decisions but also to change the popular perception of the industry.

Currently it's one of secrecy, with cars from Aston Martin, Bugatti or Lamborghini hidden beneath tailored covers in discrete locations, but the reality is quite different, according to Pauley.

“I have a lot of conversations with people about the idea that car storage is a luxury,” he said. “Actually it's a necessity nowadays, because there are so many new homes that have gone up where the garage is so small that you can reverse a car in but you can't physically get out of it.”

Some are finding a solution in self-storage facilities. hile these don't offer the range of services of a managed car storage business, there are advantages, said Rennie Schafer, chief executive of Self Storage Association UK.

“People generally use a self-storage unit to store their vehicles for convenience and security,” he said. “Usually the self-storage facility is located close to their home so they can easily access their vehicle.

"While some vehicle-storage sites require notice to get your vehicle out, with self-storage you can turn up and access your vehicle whenever you want, as it's in a dedicated space for your vehicle that only you have access to.”

Self-storage is often cheaper, too. Some professional storage facilities cost thousands of pounds a year according to figures in the new Top 100 Car Storage Report.

[Compiled by the Car Store Club, this report is the first of its kind to look at facilities around the UK.](https://carstoreclub.com/pages/1/the-top-100-uk-car-storage-facilities)

![Master 3 image PDF.jpeg](https://res.cloudinary.com/the-car-store-club/image/upload/v1638897528/Master_3_image_PDF_1085c32643.jpg)

The report said the average period a car is stored is 12 weeks and the average cost is £167 per month, with the cheapest a facility in south Wales at £75 per month and the most expensive one in London at £650 per month.

Costs are also heavily dependent on the services offered. Many offer more than just storage: battery conditioning, tyre management, maintenance, detailing and car transportation, to name but a few.

Regardless of the costs, many facilities are full and looking to expand their capacity.

“There’s definitely been more interest in the last few years,” said John Prewett, owner of Car Locker in South Wales, which offers that unbeaten monthly fee. “People just don’t have the space. We’ve had to increase from one to three buildings over the past five years, and we’re looking at adding another in 2023.”

It’s not just lack of space driving the market: restrictions on vehicles in cities and the 2030 ban on sales of new ICE cars are also pushing up demand, said Tim Earnshaw, founder and MD of Windrush Car Storage, which has facilities in London and the Cotswolds.

“Collectible cars have always been popular, and while there's a cycle of ownership (buy, store and sell down the line), having a special car is always something people will enjoy,” he said. 
“With the looming ICE ban, some are buying the last of the analogue cars to save and enjoy. Plus, modern classics are now attainable and many owners want to ensure they are preserved.”

In some cases, it's the purchase of an EV that's responsible for an owner choosing to put their ICE car into storage.

> “There are going to be a lot of people who go out and buy something electric like a Volkswagen ID 3 or whatever [for their daily runaround] but also say 'I want to pop this [classic] away and take it out for the occasional weekend, a long trip or weekend away',” said Bertozzi.

Equally, as EVs gain in popularity, some firms are also seeing a trend towards EVs themselves being stored.

“EVs are already seen as a plaything, and we store a number of prestigious EVs used solely for fun, and we also have the odd EV-converted classic and numerous hybrid supercars,” said Earnshaw.

Whether it’s an expanding collection, lack of space, a weekend plaything or the love of a car that's part of the family, the managed car-storage business appears to be thriving.

Whatever the reason to store a car, it looks as though those 15,000 spaces might not be enough to satisfy demand in the years ahead.

It’s not only about [supercars](https://autoclassicastorage.co.uk/supercar-storage/)

Professional car storage isn't all about Ferraris or Bentleys: it’s often about the cars that people aspired to own when they were young, such as hot hatches, a BMW M3 or a Porsche 911.

As people get older, they gain the disposable income to own the car they've always wanted, but they don’t have the space for it and don’t want to leave it parked on the driveway or the road.

[“Cars evolved into something that was an aspirational thing to have when you were a teenager,” said Pauley. “Now a lot of these people have reached the point in life where they've got disposable income and they've got cars, but they've also got a family and no space for the cars. It all puts pressure on a storage industry that used to be all about storing high-end prestige cars and now is equally about storing a weekend-warrior car.”](link)

That certainly seems to be the case at many of the facilities we spoke to, with Prewett saying his firm stores everything from basic family runarounds to cars at the top end of the collectible scale.

This phenomenon is also apparent at Windrush. “We store everything from Ford Capris to the latest supercars with valuable classics in-between,” said Earnshaw. “It’s not about the value of a car, it’s the owner’s passion for it, and if they love their cars, they're willing to pay for it to be cared for at the highest level.”

![autocar_logo.svg](https://res.cloudinary.com/the-car-store-club/image/upload/v1651672602/autocar_logo_f09fff1d87.svg)
[Read the full article on Autocar here](https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/business-dealership%2C-sales-and-marketing/analysis-how-uks-car-storage-business-now-worth-)


large_DSC_0293.jpg

medium_DSC_0293.jpg

small_DSC_0293.jpg

thumbnail_DSC_0293.jpg

DSC_0293.jpg

Why Britain's £19 million car storage business is booming - Autocar

CarStoreClub.com in Autocar

How To...

Car Tax

# How To SORN and UNSORN Your Car

If you don't intend to insure your car due to it not being used for a period of time you will need to tell the DVLA you’re taking your vehicle off the road, for example if you’re keeping it in a garage or a storage facility. 

This is sometimes called a ‘Statutory Off Road Notification’ (SORN).

![DSCF4993.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/the-car-store-club/image/upload/v1634924400/DSCF_4993_93f26b2dcf.jpg)


Funnily enough, ‘how to unsorn your car’ is a question we get asked quite often.

It’s sometimes quite cost effective to SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) your vehicle while it’s in long term storage.

Sorning your car, or making a SORN, is basically the correct way to take your car off the road whilst not being legally obliged to pay to insure it.

This can have obvious financial benefits whilst your car is laid up however the down side is that you may not be racking up your ‘no claims’ bonus.

Either way, if you made a SORN for your vehicle prior to storage there will no doubt come a time to un-SORN it too.

As tricky as unsorning your car sounds, its actually quite easy.

All you need to do is tax it!

Simple as that.

This is what the Gov.uk website says in full…

Your SORN is automatically cancelled when you tax your vehicle again or it’s sold, scrapped or permanently exported.

Read all the info on ‘When you need to make a SORN” It also confirms how to unsorn your car too.

You should perhaps also check that your MOT and car tax are still current. And make sure you insure your classic vehicle too before heading off into the sunset.

>  You can use the GOV.uk site to check the status of any car so long as you have it’s registration. Use the link below:

https://www.gov.uk/get-vehicle-information-from-dvla

Remember, you don’t need to physically unsorn your car:

- Taxing your car will cancel any SORN
- If you need an MOT, you can only drive the car if it’s to a garage for a pre-booked MOT
- You must insure and tax your car before you drive on the road

Remember also that, since the introduction of Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE) in 2011, your classic car must remain insured while not being used unless you make a SORN. You can apply to make a SORN here.

![DSCF5027.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/the-car-store-club/image/upload/v1634924408/DSCF_5027_17b2af65f2.jpg)


Caveat…

Obviously the government has been known to alter vehicle, driving and road tax laws every now and then, so always check the Gov.uk website if you are in any doubt.

Start here  – [https://www.gov.uk/browse/driving](https://www.gov.uk/browse/driving)

large_DSCF4941.jpg

medium_DSCF4941.jpg

small_DSCF4941.jpg

thumbnail_DSCF4941.jpg

DSCF4941.jpg

How To SORN and UNSORN Your Car

Winter Car Storage

# How to Store Your own Classic Car at Home over Winter

You’re planning to put your classic car in storage for the winter. The steps outlined below should help to ensure your vehicle stays safe and in good condition until spring.

During the cold winter months moisture and salt are your cars worst enemy. They speed up corrosion and mould, attacking bodywork and interiors.

So, this guide aims to explain the basics of preparing your vehicle for winter car storage, and to break the process down into small actionable steps.

Armed with this handy 'How to' guide you will be able to confidently hibernate your classic car over the winter. 

Even if you don’t have expert knowledge of vehicles and their inner-workings.

We hope you find our Winter Classic Car Storage guide useful. We’d love to hear any of your tricks and tips in the comments section below.

![DSC01566.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/the-car-store-club/image/upload/v1634139868/DSC_01566_59d022e44d.jpg)


## 1. Get your classic car serviced – have the fluid levels checked.

Our first recommendation for Winter Classic Car Storage is always this: seriously consider getting your car serviced by a good local dealership or trusted independent garage.

Explain to them that you’ll be storing your classic car for several months, typically October to April.

The garage will most likely prescribe the ‘topping up’ (or changing for new) of all the basic fluids such as petrol, oil, coolant and brake fluid, as well as changing the oil filter.


## 2. Get your classic vehicle valeted inside and out.

Get your classic car valeted inside and out. Make sure your classic is completely dry (especially carpets) before you put any kind of cover over it.

Take your classic car for a short, spirited run (15-20mins) just after cleaning to dry the brake pads and other hard-to-dry areas.

Spending the extra time to do this will avoid any rust building up during winter storage from any dirt or grime built up on the car.


## Step 3. Check for rubbish under seats and in the seat, door and glove pockets

Check for hidden litter in your classic car – especially anything perishable or edible – which could rot or attract unwanted attention.

It’s obvious when you think about it, as part of your winter classic car storage routine. But you’d be surprised what we find.

Check in and under:

- Car seats
- Car seat pockets
- Boots & Hoods
- Spare wheel compartments
- Door pockets
- Glove compartments.

## Step 4. Fill the fuel tank with fuel.

Fill the fuel tank to the brim with a premium grade fuel. This helps avoid condensation building up in the tank. If you’re worried about the fuel going off, you could try adding some fuel stabiliser to help. 

**[Read: Everything you need to know about E10 and E5 Petrol](https://carstoreclub.com/blog/25/e10-petrol-everything-you-need-to-know)**

## Step 5. Park up with the bonnet facing out.

When you store your classic car over winter for example, try to park in your secure, designated space with the bonnet facing out.

The good majority of classic cars (a fair few don’t!) have their batteries at the front, and even if they don’t, there may be points under the bonnet that let you connect to the battery.

It’s far easier to revive, jump-start or tow a classic car with a dead battery (or towing eye) if it’s is easy to access!

## Step 6. Attach your classic car’s battery to a fit-for-purpose battery conditioner.

There is no real need to unattach and remove the car’s battery – although many car owner forums will have you do just that.

It is a good idea to keep the battery maintained and charged using a good 12v or 6v car battery conditioner.

You’ll be delighted when you classic fires up happily after a long rest – we use and recommend CTek battery conditioners.

## Step 7. Leave your handbrake off and the classic car in gear (or in ‘P’ for park). Check your tyres and adjust the pressures.

Leave your classic car either in ‘Park’ if it’s an automatic or in first gear with the handbrake off – this will help prevent your brakes seizing over time.

You may feel more comfortable, if there is a slight incline for example, placing wheel chocks in front and behind each tyre to prevent the classic car from rolling away.

Check the pressure and condition of each tyre and make a note of these details.

It’s often recommended that taking the wheels off your classic car. Placing them flat on the floor, whilst putting the car on axle stands. However, this is can be unnecessary, potentially hazardous and certainly laborious for short lay up.

If you’re worried about your tyres developing flat-spots while in storage you should either:

- pump the tyres up to 50psi; this will avoid flat spotting (remembering to deflate when it’s time to drive away) or
- roll the wheels and therefore the tyres every 30 days or so.

## Step 8. Leave a window open slightly for internal air circulation.

Leave a small gap, enough to get your little finger through it, in the driver’s side window.

This vent will allow air to get into the car thus avoiding any condensation build-up. Rot can sometimes occur due to excess moisture developing inside the car. Potentially ruining interior leather or other internal materials and finishes.

## Step 9. Put a bung in the exhaust pipe(s) and cover air intakes, cover with a soft indoor classic car cover.

Depending on where you’re going to store your classic car, certainly over winter, you may want to consider putting some wire wool in a Jiffy bag and plugging that into the exhaust.

As well as the exhaust pipe(s), also check for any other inviting access holes and cover them too so that nothing can crawl in and make a home for itself over the winter.

## Step 10. Check your classic car every 30 days minimum.

Ideally (but not essential for shorter periods), you’ll go and check on the car monthly. During this check, you should:

- Check the battery conditioner is happy.
- Look over the car to ensure it is generally in good shape.
- Check in the boot, under the bonnet and so on.
- Check the tyres haven’t deflated.

Start the vehicle periodically, run it for 15-20 minutes or better still, take it for a quick drive until it’s up to temperature.

Remember to follow the rules in Step 11 should you decide to take the car out of storage.

## Step 11. Leave a visible checklist of reminders.

Be sure to keep Step 11 in the forefront of your mind whilst preparing your classic car for winter storage.

> IMPORTANT: Leave a short checklist of reminders on the drivers seat for when you come to take your classic car out of storage.

If there happens to be a nice sunny day, and you do decide to take the car out for a spin, give your car a good check through.

Be sure you have unattached the battery conditioner. That you have deflated or inflated your tyres to regular running pressures. And you’ve removed any objects protecting exhausts pipes and air intakes.

And lastly, before you drive off, you’ll want to check all your ancillary functions are working correctly:

- Ensure lights, headlights, fog lights, brake lights and indicators are all in working order.
- Let the car warm up gradually.
- Drive cautiously, test the brakes gradually and listen out for anything unusual.
- Take a phone with you and maybe start with a short 20-minute circular route.
- Make a note of anything you feel uncomfortable with and speak to your local garage.

## A note about SORN

Finally, finally, if you made a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) for your vehicle prior to storage now is the time to un-SORN it.

[Read: How to SORN and then unsorn your car…](https://carstoreclub.com/blog/49/how-to-sorn-and-unsorn-your-car)

You should also check that your MOT and car tax are still current.

[**You can check you tax and MOT status here**](https://vehicleenquiry.service.gov.uk/?locale=en)

- Taxing your car will cancel any SORN.
- If you need an MOT, you can only drive the car if it’s to a garage for a pre-booked MOT.

Remember that, since the introduction of Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE) in 2011, your classic car must remain insured while not being used unless you make a SORN. 

[**You can apply to make a SORN here**](https://www.gov.uk/make-a-sorn)

## How to store a classic car over winter - Summary

We want you to keep your classic car safe and in good condition over winter, and therefore it’s always best to take a bit more time and get the the basics of preparing your vehicle for winter storage right.

Following these steps may also save you a big recomissioning garage bill come the spring!

[![Find the best car storage facilities near you](https://res.cloudinary.com/the-car-store-club/image/upload/v1637838642/Macbook_Pro_2018_Mockup_e382760833.png)](https://carstoreclub.com/)

And if you’re looking for a great car storage facility near you, please check out our **[Car Storage Locator Here](https://carstoreclub.com/)**

large_DSC01502.jpg

medium_DSC01502.jpg

small_DSC01502.jpg

thumbnail_DSC01502.jpg

DSC01502.jpg

How to Store a Classic Car at Home Over Winter

Storage Facilities


# What is Dehumidified Car Storage?
 
Universally accepted as the optimum car storage solution, dehumidified car storage is the term often used to describe the perfect, climate-controlled, car storage environment.
 
A climate controlled car storage environment has the correct amount of moisture in the air to protect cars whilst in long term storage.
 
That environment is neither too dry, nor too damp or humid.
 
> Dehumidifiers work within a car storage facility to maintain a constant (low) level of humidity in the air.
 
This safe humidity level for dehumidifed car storage is typically between 40% and 60% RH. 

More on ‘RH’ or Relative Humidity later.

Dehumified car storage or climate-controlled car storage solutions come in to their own when the temperature outside fluctuates excessively.

And, it’s also not enough to just heat a premises. As we’ll discuss later in this article heat is as much a hazard to your car as the cold and excessive moisture in the air.


Typically, in the United Kingdom, from late October to late March temperatures can change dramtically.

It’s these differences in temperature that can cause issues for cars left unchecked for long periods in car storage facilities.

![DSC01559.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/the-car-store-club/image/upload/v1634139868/DSC_01559_a35cac7975.jpg)


### Why is the Level of Humidity Important when Storing Cars?
 
There are two (ok, three) variables that need to be considered when managing a dehumidified car storage environment.
 
Humidity and Temperature (and Condensation)
 
### 1. Humidity
 
The term “humidity” refers to water vapour in the air.
 
The amount of water vapour that air can hold depends on its temperature.
 
When metal or other material surfaces are cold enough, they allow condensation of water vapour from the indoor air.
 
The collected moisture, if left uncontrolled, can (and will) corrode steel, rot wood and allow mould growth.
 
### 2. Temperature
 
We don’t want extremes of temperature whilst storing cars over long periods of time.
 
At either end of extreme temperature the degrading effects on a car can be devastating.
 
Wood, metal, leather, fabric, rubber. These are all at risk of degradation in extreme temperatures.
 
Dry heat can cause leather to dry out and rubber seals and hoses to do much the same.
 
Extreme cold can cause metals to shrink. Car batteries can lose charge, air pressure in tyres can drop and fluids like oil will become thick.
 
So, there is a balancing act to making sure your dehumidifed car storage environment is neither too hot nor too cold.
 
### 3. Condensation
 
Condensation forms on any cold surface that is below the Dew Point Temperature of the air.
 
Which brings us nicely to Dew Point and Relative Humidity (RH).
 
 
### What is Relative Humidity?
 
Relative Humidity is the critical measure when storing cars in a dehumidified facility.
 
Relative Humidity (RH) defines the ratio of actual vapour in the air to the maximum amount the air could hold at that temperature – [**Read more about relative humidity here**](https://www.schoeck.com/en-gb/humidity-temperature-condensation-control)
 
RH is expressed as a percentage.
 
### What is the Dew Point? And How to Control it.
 
When the air temperature cools in an indoor environement, that’s when problems can arise.
 
And it’s all down to the Dew Point.
 
As air cools it holds less and less moisture until it reaches a point where the air is fully saturated ie. 100% RH.
 
This is the dew point – [**Read more about dew Point from the Met Office here**](https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/learn-about/weather/types-of-weather/temperature/dew)
 
If any object in this environment, is at a temperature below the dew point of the air, then moisture is given up by the air as condensation.
 
Condensation then manifests as water droplets on surfaces.
 
If left, this water can lead to rust on tools, damp paperwork, mould or mildew on interiors and so on.
 
The solution?
 
Simple.
 
We must reduce the dew point to a level below the temperature of any part of the environment and its contents and keep the RH% level constant.
 
In short we need to maintain a target relative humidity level in a dehumidifed car storage environment.
 
### What is the Target RH% Level for Dehumidified Car Storage?
 
So, the aim is to arrive at a stable environment somewhere between 40% and 60% RH. Independent of outside temperature.
 
This is because rust and corrosion on bare metal all but stops below 60% RH.
 
And because leather and wood (and rubber) can dry and become brittle and crack below 40% RH.
 
So, 50-55% Relative Humidity is an ideal target for climate controlled car storage environments.
 
### How do You Measure Relative Humidity in A Climate Controlled Car Storage Facility?
 
Certain car storage facilities have chosen to install desiccant dehumidifiers.
 
Desiccant dehumidifiers introduce a low level of heating that supports the dehumidification process.
 
The heat generated from the unit is transferred via ducting in the ceiling to the rest of the facility.
 
This warm air helps to dry stored vehicles that may still have some moisture from rain or valeting.
 
The dehumidifier unit has a built in humidistat which is set to 50%.
 
The humidistat works in the same way as a regular thermostat and is always measuring the RH% in the air.
 
So, maintaining a constant level of moisture in the dehumidified car storage facility becomes automatic.
 
Most facilities will regularly check the levels with our wall-mounted humidity indicators.

[**Looking for Dehumidified Car Storage - Use our Car Storage Facility Search Engine here**](https://carstoreclub.com/)

[![Find the best car storage facilities near you](https://res.cloudinary.com/the-car-store-club/image/upload/v1637838642/Macbook_Pro_2018_Mockup_e382760833.png)](https://carstoreclub.com/)


large_DSC01552.jpg

medium_DSC01552.jpg

small_DSC01552.jpg

thumbnail_DSC01552.jpg

DSC01552.jpg

Find out exactly what Dehumidified Car Storage is and how it helps with storing your car.

What is Dehumidified Car Storage?

Vehicle Maintenance

# How to Prepare a car for long term storage

What to consider when preparing your car for long term storage with a professional storage facility. 

Below are our our recommendations when faced with the first-tiome prospect pf leaving your car with a professional vehicle storage facility.

This step-by-step pre-storage process is both for customers who’d like to prepare their own cars for storage and also a great help for the facilities who you've trusted to look after your vehicle.

It must be said that any car storage facility worth their salt will caryy out the vast amjority, if not more, checks on your vehicle. They will be able to answer any reservations you may have and will put you at ease.

![DSCF9695-Edit.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/the-car-store-club/image/upload/v1634902599/DSCF_9695_Edit_73123ad94f.jpg)

However, to put you the customer in thedriving seat, following these common-sense guidelines will help to keep your car in the best possible condition whilst laid up and out of regular use.

## Step 1. Have your car serviced at a reputable garage.

Our first recommendation when asked about preparing a vehicle for long term storage is always this; get your car serviced by a good local dealership or trusted independent garage.

Explain to your garage that you’ll be storing your car for several months.

Your garage will most likely prescribe the ‘topping up’ (or changing for new) of all the basic fluids such as oil, coolant and brake fluid, as well as possibly suggesting that you change the oil filter.

If your car is on a managed service whilst with your chosen facility, they will likely keep an eye on any leakage from underneath the car and report back. 

This should include, as we’ll discuss later, losing pressure from the tyres, loss of any ancilliary functions eg. headlights, indicators, washer jets etc.

## Step 2. Remove all non-essential items (and rubbish) from inside the car.

Please remove any items from the car that do not belong with the car. Your chosen facility cannot accept responsibility for personal belongings stored inside a vehicle and will no doubt ask you to remove any bags, bottles, boxes, jackets, shoes, glasses, glasses cases, aftershaves, perfumes, sweets and so on.

They will also likely not accept responsibility for any car parts that are not attached to a car in the correct manner. These are typically  left in a car at your own risk – they may ask you to remove any car-parts that are placed in such a away that might interfere with the safe driving of the vehicle.

Please do definitely check for hidden litter in your car – especially any fluids, perishables or edibles – which could rot under a seat or in a door pocket or in the glove box.

It’s obvious when you think about it, but whilst preparing a vehicle for long term storage you’d be surprised what storage companies find left inside cars.

So, do please check both in and under, the following:

- 	Car seats and in the gaps between the seats and back cushions
- 	Car seat pockets
- 	Boots & Hoods
- 	Spare wheel compartments
- 	Door pockets and storage cubby holes
- 	Glove box and other compartments

## Step 3. Clean and dry your car inside and out.

It is entirely possible that your chosen facility will carry out the valeting of your car however, it is our recommendation that, if possible, your car should go in to storage clean and dry. Inside and out.

If you can, do take particualr care to ensure your car is completely dry inside* especially if you've had your car's carpets wet-vacced and in older vehicles do check the spare wheel compartment within the boot space.

If the storage company believes that your car may be damp inside, increasing the risk, over time, of mould attacking the interior due to excess moisture, then they will no doubt will advise a course of cleaning and drying which may come at extra cost.

This will likely include, as a precaution, the car either sitting in a sealed air-chamber or a dehumidified unit for a minimum of 48 hours prior to being put away.

*Facilities will likely use a damp meter during the induction process to test the moisture content of the car.

## Step 4. Fill the fuel tank with fuel.

On your way to the facility it is usually best to fill the fuel tank to the brim with a premium grade fuel - [see our post on E10 fuels](https://carstoreclub.com/blog/25/e10-petrol-everything-you-need-to-know).

The reason for this course of action is to help avoid any condensation building up in the tank over long periods of non-use.

If you’re worried about the fuel going off whilst the car is in storage, adding some fuel stabiliser will help to keep the fuel in good order.

![DSC01460.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/the-car-store-club/image/upload/v1634139865/DSC_01460_1433565037.jpg)

## Step 5. Check your tyre pressures.

Please visually check your tyres for any obvious pressure differences as well as any obvious tyre damage.

It’s quite likely your tyre pressures will have been checked during the pre-storage service too, and facilities will likely also make a note of each tyre and wheel’s condition during the induction process.

It’s a good idea to check the tyre pressures a week or so before your drop off date and make a note of these details and any differences on the day of storage.

## Step 6. Use of a fit-for-purpose battery conditioner.

Obviously, we recommend keeping your cars main battery charged using a 12v or 6v (whichever the manufacturer recommends) battery conditioner whilst in storage.

However, with batteries and electricity there is always the possibility of failure and potentially the risk of fire.

Therefore, if your chosen facility intends to let use your own battery conditioner please let them know in advance and be sure to see that it has been PAT tested within the last 12 months.

Your chosen facility can most likely provide battery conditioners to their customers for a small weekly or monthly fee – some ‘Premium Storage‘ service providers include battery conditioners as part of their service.

## Step 7. Use of a fit-for-purpose car cover.

It is another good idea to keep your car covered during storage and we recommend the use of clean, soft, breathable car covers. We can and do provide these to our customers for a small weekly fee and our Premium Storage service provides a soft cover as part of the service.

However, if you intend to use your own cover please be sure to that it is a clean and soft ‘indoor cover’ in good condition. Importantly, please be sure it is NOT an outdoor, waterproof style cover as these will likely trap moisture between the underside of the cover and on the surface of the car body work.

![DSC01390-Edit.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/the-car-store-club/image/upload/v1634139864/DSC_01390_Edit_e57c23e522.jpg)

## Step 8. A note about SORN

If you don’t intend to drive your car at all during storage then it’s probably wise to SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) your vehicle after it has been dropped it off or collected.

[**You can read all about SORN and UnSORN here**](https://carstoreclub.com/blog/49/how-to-sorn-and-unsorn-your-car)

Remember that, since the introduction of Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE) in 2011, your car must remain insured while not being used unless you [make a SORN](https://www.gov.uk/make-a-sorn)*

And, you will most probably have checked whether your car requires an up to date MOT* or whether the cars tax is due already on the booking form, but if not you can check both MOT and Tax status of your car here - some facilities will look after this process for you - always ask to check

- Taxing your car will cancel any SORN.
-  If you need an MOT, you can only drive the car if it’s to a garage for a pre-booked MOT – most storage facilities will be happy to organise the MOT for you whilst your car is in storage.

## Step 9. Insurance

If you’re intending to keep your car’s insurance in place during storage, and we highly recommend that you do (please see your chosen car storage facilities Terms and conditions), then you may be asked do give your insurance company the storage facilities contact and address details and possibly their insurance policy details too.

*At the Car Store Club we will not provide customers with any physical storage facility's address details*.

And that's it.

Except for one thing.

## Step 10. Leave it to the Experts

Not all car storage customers have the luxury of time to prepare their car for long term storage. And that’s usually ok. That's why we've created the car storage facility search engine so you can find a trusted facility that understands your needs and can look after you and your vehicle in the way you'd like.

[![Find the best car storage facilities near you](https://res.cloudinary.com/the-car-store-club/image/upload/v1637838642/Macbook_Pro_2018_Mockup_e382760833.png)](https://carstoreclub.com/)

All car storage customers will have (and do have) unique requirements and the storage facilities are, of course, usually more than happy to organise for any car to be prepared for storage on their clients behalf once it has been delivered.


large_DSCF9683.jpg

medium_DSCF9683.jpg

small_DSCF9683.jpg

thumbnail_DSCF9683.jpg

DSCF9683.jpg

Preparing a car for long term storage. Use our useful checklist to get your vehicle safe and ready for long term storage. 

How to Prepare a Car for Long Term Storage