Parking Your Car for the Long Haul? A Storage Guide for Willard, Utah

Leaving a car parked for several months requires more preparation than simply turning off the engine and locking the doors. Batteries gradually lose their charge, tires need attention, and fluids can deteriorate during extended periods of inactivity. A car that runs perfectly before storage may need unexpected maintenance if those issues are ignored.

At Aspen Springs Storage & RV, we offer storage options in Willard for owners who need a dedicated place to keep an extra vehicle. Our property at 216 W 750 N offers car parking and larger drive-up units, with access near I-15 and Highway 89. If you're storing a car for several months or longer, a little preparation beforehand can prevent unnecessary wear and make returning it to regular use much easier.

How Long Can a Car Sit Without Being Driven?

A car can remain parked for an extended period, but the amount of preparation it needs depends on how long it will be unused and its mechanical condition. A vehicle parked for a couple of weeks usually doesn't require the same preparation as one stored for six months. As the storage period increases, battery condition, tire pressure, fuel quality, and maintenance requirements become more important.

Modern vehicles also have electrical systems that may continue drawing power when the ignition is off. Depending on the car, that gradual drain can leave the battery unable to start the engine after a prolonged period. Before storing your car, review the owner's manual for instructions related to long-term parking. Some vehicles, particularly hybrids, electric cars, and models with specialized batteries, have storage requirements that differ from those of conventional gasoline-powered cars.

Clean the Car Before Putting It in Storage

Washing your car before storage removes contaminants that would otherwise remain on the paint and exterior surfaces for months. Pay attention to dirt around the wheel wells, lower body panels, and areas where road residue collects. If the car has been driven on treated roads, cleaning the underbody according to the manufacturer's recommendations is especially important. Dry the vehicle thoroughly before storing it, particularly around door seals and exterior trim. Existing paint chips or damaged seals are worth addressing before the car sits unused.

Clean the Interior and Remove Personal Items

Vacuum the seats and carpeting, wipe down interior surfaces, and remove food or trash. Even small food remnants can attract pests, while damp fabrics may develop odors during extended storage. Check the trunk, glove compartment, and areas beneath the seats for forgotten items. Remove valuables and anything that could leak or deteriorate while the vehicle is parked. If you've recently cleaned the upholstery or carpeting, allow it to dry completely before closing the vehicle for storage. Trapping moisture inside the cabin can create problems that are difficult to notice until the car is used again.

Change the Oil and Check Other Fluids

Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and other vehicle fluids should be evaluated before long-term storage. The work required depends on the car's maintenance history and how long it will remain parked. If an oil change is due or the vehicle manufacturer recommends changing the oil before extended storage, complete that service beforehand. Used oil contains contaminants, and postponing overdue maintenance offers little benefit.

Check for existing leaks and inspect fluid levels according to the owner's manual. A vehicle with a coolant or oil leak should be repaired before storage rather than left unattended for several months. Don't assume every fluid needs to be replaced simply because the car will be parked. Follow the maintenance schedule and address items that are due, overdue, or specifically required for storage.

Prepare the Fuel System

Fuel preparation is particularly important for gasoline-powered cars that will remain unused for months. Gasoline changes during storage, and its condition depends on factors such as fuel composition and the storage environment. The manufacturer's recommendations should determine whether a fuel stabilizer is appropriate and how much fuel should remain in the tank.

If a stabilizer is recommended, use a product compatible with the vehicle and follow its instructions. Some procedures require operating the engine after treatment so stabilized fuel reaches the appropriate parts of the system. Complete fueling and any required engine operation before bringing the vehicle into storage. Our facility rules prohibit storing flammable materials separately, and engine operation inside an enclosed storage unit presents a serious exhaust hazard.

Protect the Battery During Long-Term Storage

A discharged battery is one of the more common problems owners encounter when retrieving a car after several months. Even with the engine switched off, some vehicle electronics continue using small amounts of electricity. Over time, this can drain the battery enough to prevent the car from starting. Depending on the vehicle, the manufacturer may recommend disconnecting the battery, removing it for appropriate storage, or using a compatible battery maintainer.

Should You Disconnect the Battery?

Disconnecting a conventional 12-volt battery may reduce electrical drain, but it isn't appropriate for every vehicle. Some models require specific procedures to preserve electronic settings or avoid system problems. Check the owner's manual before disconnecting anything. If you're unfamiliar with the electrical system, a qualified technician can advise on the appropriate method.

A battery maintainer can be useful when an approved power source is available. Don't assume a storage unit or parking space includes electrical access, and don't use extension cords or charging equipment without the facility's permission. For electric and hybrid vehicles, follow the manufacturer's instructions for both the high-voltage battery and the auxiliary battery. Battery charge recommendations vary by model, and high-voltage components should never be disconnected through improvised procedures.

Check Tire Pressure and Condition

Tires continue supporting the vehicle's weight while it sits in storage. Extended parking can contribute to temporary flat spotting, and existing tire problems may become more noticeable when the car returns to the road. Before parking, inflate the tires to the manufacturer's recommended pressure for the intended storage conditions. Use the vehicle's tire information placard or owner's manual rather than the maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall. Inspect the tread and sidewalls for damage, cracking, or uneven wear. Tires that are already in poor condition should be evaluated before the car is stored.

Should You Lift the Car Off Its Tires?

Some owners consider raising a vehicle onto stands during extended storage, but that isn't automatically necessary or appropriate. Incorrect lifting can damage suspension components or create a serious safety hazard. The correct approach depends on the vehicle's design and the manufacturer's instructions. For most owners, inspecting the tires, maintaining proper pressure, and following the manufacturer's long-term parking recommendations is a better starting point than attempting to lift the car.

Avoid Parking Brake Problems

Leaving a parking brake engaged for an extended period can create problems on some vehicles, particularly if moisture contributes to corrosion around the brake components. The appropriate storage procedure depends on the braking system and whether the car has a conventional manual brake or an electronic parking brake.

Consult the owner's manual before changing how the vehicle is secured. If the manufacturer permits parking without the brake engaged, use appropriate wheel chocks on a suitable level surface. Never leave a vehicle unsecured or rely on an improvised arrangement. A car must remain safely stationary throughout the storage period.

Choosing Between Outdoor Parking and an Enclosed Storage Unit

Once the vehicle is mechanically prepared, the next decision is where to keep it. Outdoor parking is a practical choice for many extra vehicles. It provides dedicated space without requiring the car to fit through a storage unit doorway, although the vehicle remains exposed to outdoor conditions.

An enclosed storage unit offers greater protection from direct precipitation, sunlight, and airborne debris. The vehicle must fit inside the unit, including adequate clearance around the doors and sufficient room to enter and exit safely. At our Willard facility, we offer car parking and larger drive-up units. Available unit sizes include 10x20, with larger configurations reaching 12x45. Owners considering enclosed vehicle storage should confirm the specific unit's interior dimensions, door clearance, and vehicle storage requirements before renting.

Measure Your Car Before Selecting a Space

A car's advertised length and width don't tell you everything about how it will fit into a storage unit. Measure the vehicle's full length, including any accessories that extend beyond the body. Account for mirrors, overall height, and the space needed to open a door once the car is parked.

A 10x20 unit provides a nominal 200 square feet of floor area, but that doesn't guarantee every vehicle will fit comfortably. Larger SUVs, trucks, and vehicles with accessories may require additional room. Our storage unit size guide explains common unit dimensions and offers a useful starting point for comparing spaces. Confirm the actual usable measurements before selecting an enclosed unit for a car.

Car Storage at Our Willard, Utah Facility

Our Willard property is located at 216 W 750 N, near Exit 315 from I-15 and the connection with Highway 89. This location is relevant for vehicle owners in Willard, Perry, and nearby communities who need dedicated parking outside their homes. We offer RV, car, and boat parking, along with drive-up storage units for other storage needs. Our facility also has fenced and gated access, security cameras, and online rental and payment options. Customer access hours are from 4:30 AM to midnight every day. This provides flexibility for owners who need to inspect or retrieve their vehicles outside regular office hours. 

What to Check While Your Car Is in Storage

Long-term storage doesn't mean a car should be forgotten until the day it's needed again. If you can visit periodically, inspect the vehicle for signs of leaks, tire pressure changes, moisture, or pest activity. Look underneath the car for new fluid stains and check that any protective cover remains properly positioned.

For outdoor storage, use a vehicle-compatible cover if appropriate. It should fit securely without trapping moisture or rubbing excessively against the paint. Avoid starting the engine briefly just to let it idle. Short periods of idling may not bring the engine and other components fully to operating temperature, and running a vehicle in an enclosed storage space is dangerous. If the manufacturer recommends periodic operation, follow the prescribed procedure in a safe, permitted location.

Getting Your Car Ready to Drive Again

When the storage period ends, inspect the vehicle before returning it to regular use. Check the tires for pressure loss and visible damage. Look underneath the vehicle for leaks, examine the battery's condition, and confirm that essential fluid levels are within the manufacturer's specified ranges.

If the battery was disconnected, reconnect it according to the proper procedure. Any required electronic system resets should be completed before driving. Test the brakes carefully and watch for unusual sounds or warning lights. If the car has been parked for an especially long period, arranging a mechanical inspection before a substantial trip is worthwhile. A vehicle that starts successfully isn't necessarily ready for highway driving. Tire condition, brakes, fluid systems, and other safety components still need to be in suitable working order.

A Better Place to Keep Your Car Between Uses

Long-term car storage works best when the vehicle is prepared before parking and checked during the months it remains unused. Cleaning, battery maintenance, tire inspections, and attention to existing mechanical problems all reduce the chance of unpleasant surprises later. At Aspen Springs Storage & RV, our Willard facility offers dedicated car parking and larger storage units near I-15. If you're comparing vehicle parking arrangements in northern Utah, you can explore storage options from Aspen Springs Storage & RV to review our locations and identify a suitable space for your car.