You need a safe and secure way to store your vehicle long-term. You’ve already contacted the insurance company, who have agreed to reduce your premium to reflect its storage status. But now you need to figure out how to safely stow it away until you return. If you own a car like a Honda HRV in Los Angeles, you’re probably worried about the effects of heat on your vehicle while you’re away. So how can you best protect it from weather, pests, and thieves?
This is a big concern for military families who sometimes have to relocate on short notice overseas and can’t take their vehicle along. It’s also a major challenge for expats or people taking extended trips overseas. You don’t have to sell your vehicle if you’ll be away for several months or more. There are a few easy tips that can make your car storage process much more relaxing.
Protection from the Weather
Depending on whether you expect hot sun or rainy windstorms, there are a variety of car covering options available to you. In sunny California, make sure you look for something that has UV protection. This will help protect your windows and preserve the paint job of your car. If you don’t have an indoor location to store your vehicle, and you’ll be away during a rainy season, look for a water-resistant option that can help slough the moisture away from your vehicle. Mold can grow quickly on vehicles that aren’t being driven. A good covering can help prevent this.
Choose a car covering that has loops and velcro, or some other kind of fasteners. You may have to add some off-the-shelf mini bungees to your set up to get it just right. You should aim for a medium tight fit between cover and car. There should still be enough room for wind to move through safely, but it should come down far enough to protect the full body of the vehicle from inclement weather and stray falling tree branches. Use the bungees to pull the cover tightly around the wheel hub, or to hook the edges down under the chassis.
Even if you have a garage, it’s still a good idea to cover up your vehicle. Keep the dust away and protect it from pests.
Protection from Thieves
Many people who leave their cars long-term also choose to rent out their homes. Sometimes, you can broker a deal with your renters to look after your vehicle while you’re gone. If you have house sitters and they will be driving your car, make sure they are insured or add them to your insurance. If you don’t own your car, it’s worth a call to the dealership. For instance, a new Honda Civic lease in Los Angeles might have a clause about financial culpability if any damage is done to your vehicle while you’re away. Most dealerships are happy to help you protect your investment, so just reach out and see what they advise.
It’s also helpful to simply have someone in your home while you’re gone, to give the appearance of activity. Thieves are attracted to vacant homes and repelled by busy neighborhoods.
If you are forced to leave your car unattended in a visible, semi-public area like a friend’s driveway, you should look for something like the Club. This is a steel mechanism that locks your steering wheel in place. It requires a key to unlock, which you can give to a friend or keep for yourself. This device doesn’t prevent the thief from starting the car or breaking in, but it does make it impossible to turn the wheel and drive it safely. You can pick one up at most hardware stores or online.
Ask a Friend to Drive It
One great solution is to simply loan your vehicle to a friend while you’re gone. That, or ask them to swing by and drive it to the grocery store once a month to keep the engine lubricated. If you choose to loan your Honda HRV in Los Angeles to a friend, make sure you check on your permits and parking permissions. Some neighborhoods have zip code specific limitations, and if you’re loaning your vehicle to a friend outside your area, they may have trouble finding parking. Another thing to consider is insurance. Only choose a reliable friend to use your vehicle. Make sure you communicate with them about who will cover insurance, who is allowed to drive the vehicle, and who is responsible for gas and upkeep. Don’t let the convenience become an argument that ruins a friendship.
If you’re asking someone to simply drive your car once in a while, create a clear channel for communication. You could ask them to add it to their calendar for the same day every month. Another option is to sweeten the deal by buying them dinner after they’re driven your car. Make it easy for people to help you.
Consider Selling
You may have already decided that storing your vehicle is the best solution for your upcoming trip. This is definitely a great choice for people who have invested in a new car, or who don’t wish to purchase a new vehicle when they return. However, there are some benefits to selling your car before you leave.
Selling your vehicle can put some extra money in your pocket which can help fund your trip. Rather than having to figure out safe car storage, instead, you could sell your car and have some extra cash. If you’re going to be traveling for more than six months, it’s worth considering whether you will need your car when you return. For instance, will you be living in the same neighborhood? Could you commute by public transport when you return? Might you have another child and need a different vehicle?
Before you sign a new Honda Civic lease in Los Angeles, look into the future and see if there are any major trips planned. Save yourself the hassle of canceling a lease, arranging safe storage of your vehicle, and the wasted money of paying storage fees. Whatever you choose, make sure it works for your budget and your family. You don’t have to let anxiety about car storage ruin your trip.
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