It’s easy to think about the fun parts of getting that car or bike you always dreamed of. The same goes for your boat. However, one potential downside to getting all those vehicles is finding a place to store them when the weather won’t allow for any joyriding on the streets or water.
Lucky for you, you can rent a Mancave. Mancaves at Pearson Storage are storage units that have been transformed into private, safe workspaces. Each unit comes with overhead lighting, 220 and 110 outlets, compressed air outlets for air tools and welder plugs, garbage service, high-speed Wi-Fi, a big screen TV with access to 150 HD channels, and 24-hour surveillance.
Storing your vehicle for the winter isn’t as easy as parking it and coming back a few months later when the sun starts poking out from behind the clouds. If you want to keep your car, motorcycle, or boat safe while they’re not in use, you have to take care of them even in storage.
Here are some quick tips for storing all your vehicles over the winter:
Tips for storing your car during the winter
Before bringing your car to your Mancave, give it a thorough cleaning inside and out. Once the car has air-dried, you wax it to protect the vehicle’s finish. If you want, toss in a good polish of the car’s chrome to ensure it comes out of the winter looking brand new.
You’ll want to fill up your car’s gas tank and add a fuel stabilizer before bringing it in for storage, as well. Fill the tank, add the stabilizer, drive it around for 10 minutes or so, and then store it for the winter.
Even if it’s not exactly the time, change the oil and filter before storing it. It’s a good proactive step to protect against corrosion. You should also check your coolant and top it off.
While your car won’t be driving, you can still do some damage to the tires while the car is in storage. Put the car on jack stands to reduce the weight on your tires. If you leave your tires on the ground all winter, they can develop flat spots, meaning that a particular part of the tire will go flat from continued pressure.
It’s also a good idea to remove the battery before storage. If a car battery loses its charge, it could freeze, which could in turn render it useless. If you do remove the battery, store it in a heated living space to ensure it’s good when you reattach it.
Tips for storing your motorcycle
Many of the tips for your car will also be true for your motorcycle. Before storing it, give it a good cleaning. Any dried bugs, dust or spotting will only become bigger issues the longer they’re on your bike.
Make sure to lubricate all the moving parts on your bike. Cover essential internal components with a light coat of oil to prevent unwanted moisture buildup. One way to do this is to remove the spark plugs and put about a tablespoon of oil into the holes. Turn the engine over and coat the cylinder walls by spinning the rear tires while the bike is in gear. Then add back the spark plugs.
Just like your car, make sure to check and fill up all the fluids for your bike before storage. The same goes for the gas. And just like your car, once you fill-up the gas tank, you’ll want to add a fuel stabilizer.
Stuff the air intake and exhaust pipes with muffler plugs. It’s a good idea to make sure to fill any open sections of the bike to prevent rodents or pests from taking up residence inside.
Tips for boat storage
Mancaves are a great option for both short- and long-term storage of your boat. If you want to store your boat between uses during the winter, rinse your boat after use. When salt water dries, it forms salt crystals that can damage the surface of your boat. A freshwater rinse can prevent that.
Make sure to flush your engine to prevent corrosion. Cover your boat, even if you’re not using it for only a day. That will protect the upholstery and other components of your boat from UV rays.
When it comes to storing your boat throughout the winter, you’ll have to winterize it. First, remove the battery and store it in a dry, warm place. You’ll also want to drain excess water from your boat, making sure to remove the bilge drain. You can get a cracked hull due to freezing if this isn’t done. Similarly, you’ll want to drain excess water from your motor, as frozen water can damage that, as well. Local boat dealers can help with that step, as it’s a tricky one.
Similar to your car and bike, fill up the gas tank and add a stabilizer to prevent moisture. You should also remove all electronics and gear and store them in your home.
If your hull was damaged at some point during the season, repair it. Leaving it as-is could lead to worsening damage even in storage.
You’ll also want to find the best kind of cover for your boat. There are plenty of options there, and all of them have different benefits and shortcomings.
Regardless of what type of vehicle you’re looking to store, Mancaves is a great option. We’ve got plenty of room for all your cars, bikes, and boats, and it’s a place where you can feel confident they are safe and sound throughout the winter.
Just bring the vehicle to us, and we’ll make sure it stays safe for as long as you need to store it. For a safe storage area for your vehicle, call Mancaves at (360) 909-3242 to reserve your spot today.