If you’ve just acquired a luxury car, you’re probably wondering how to store such a valuable asset. Traditional car storage solutions might leave it vulnerable to theft, environmental damage, and depreciation.
Luxury car storage, on the other hand, offers more than just a parking spot, but a suite of protective services. From climate-controlled environments to advanced security, it’s the shield your investment needs against the ravages of time and risk.
Understanding Luxury Car Storage
With the average high-end luxury vehicle costing upwards of $100k in 2023, it’s crucial to invest in a safe and secure environment for your investment. These facilities offer amenities such as:
- Superior security
- Meticulous maintenance
- Precise climate control
- Networking opportunities
Luxury storage can include annual membership dues of roughly $5,000-$8,500 as well as monthly rental fees of $400 to $1,000. But you get what you pay for.
Luxury car storage that doubles as a social club can protect your investment and introduce you to fellow luxury car owners.
Comprehensive Security Measures
When it comes to safeguarding high-end vehicles, luxury car storage facilities offer specialized services that go beyond the basics of traditional storage. These facilities are designed with enhanced security measures to protect your investment from the following: a) theft, b) vandalism, and c) accidental damage like dings, scratches, or dents from other vehicles.
Expert Care & Maintenance Services
While a traditional storage facility may simply offer space to park your vehicle, luxury car storage employs professionals to protect your vehicle from:
- Battery drain
- Tire degradation
- Fluid leaks and corrosion
- Pest infestation
- Weather-related damage
Luxury car storage facilities are staffed by experts who understand that high-end vehicles often require:
- Specific oils, fluids, and parts
- Specialized care for sensitive electronics (to ensure they remain in working order)
- Custom paint jobs and interior finishes that require specialized cleaning products
These high-end storage facilities may also offer specialized services such as:
- Regular detailing
- Clear bras
- Custom vinyl wraps
- Ceramic coatings
- Battery tender services
Performing preventative maintenance while your vehicle is in storage helps mitigate wear and tear and protects the car from dust and rust. Note that if a car sits idle for too long, the condition of your tires can decline, the battery can deteriorate, and fluid quality can plummet.
Fortunately, some luxury storage facilities offer vehicle maintenance runs where a staff member periodically drives stored vehicles to ensure mechanical components remain in working order and fluids are properly circulated.
Climate-Controlled Conditions
A climate-controlled environment is crucial for the long-term preservation of your luxury vehicle. These facilities maintain optimal temperatures of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity levels between 40 and 50% to prevent any damage caused by environmental extremes.
Storing a luxury car without the right temperature and humidity levels can lead to several potential issues, including:
- Corrosion of specialized alloy components.
- Deterioration of high-end leather interiors.
- Damage to custom paint finishes and detailing.
- Degradation of performance tires.
- Draining of premium audio system batteries.
- Breakdown of synthetic motor oils and specialty fluids.
- Warping of carbon fiber elements.
- Malfunction of sensitive electronic systems and navigation screens.
- Mold growth in hand-stitched upholstery.
- Fading or cracking of exotic wood trims.
Community and Networking Opportunities
Many luxury car storage facilities offer more than just a place to store your vehicle; they also host exclusive events and networking “mixers” for fellow car enthusiasts and collectors to attend. These events can include:
- Driving experiences (such as track days, scenic tours, and test drives of new models).
- Car shows
- Social gatherings.
- Learning opportunities (such as workshops and product demos).
Pros and Cons of Traditional Car Storage
Traditional car storage options, such as carports and public parking garages, offer a budget-friendly solution for storing vehicles. However, these options may fall short when it comes to luxury cars. Here’s a closer look at the advantages and limitations:
Traditional Car Storage Facility Cost
The average cost of storing a car in a traditional facility varies widely based on geography, with prices ranging from $45 to $450 per month.
- Advantages: These storage solutions, like uncovered outdoor parking or standard storage units, are wallet-friendly and set at competitive prices on platforms like Neighbor.com, a storage marketplace.
- Limitations: They often lack the specialized care that many luxury vehicles require.
Choosing the Right Car Storage Option for Your Needs
When it comes to safeguarding your luxury car, here’s how to ensure you make the best decision for your vehicle: Start by examining:
- Your car’s condition and history.
- The make, model, and year.
- Any special care it has received.
Luxury car storage is about the care and keeping of vehicles that may require more attentive storage solutions. If your luxury vehicle has any of the features below, you should seriously consider upgrading to luxury car storage:
Types of Cars That Require Luxury Car Storage
Cars with Custom Finishes
Custom finishes and materials, such as custom paint jobs, custom leather interiors, and unique trims can be sensitive to extreme temperatures and fluctuating humidity levels.
Cars with High-performance Parts
High-performance components, such as specialized engines and suspension systems, may require a temperature-stable environment and regular maintenance to remain in optimal condition.
High-Value Cars
If you own one of the most expensive cars in the world, your luxury vehicle will be a target. Thankfully, luxury car storage often includes heightened security protocols such as biometric access, 24/7 monitoring, and individual security systems to ensure these prized possessions are well-protected.
Making a Decision About a Luxury Car Storage Facility
When considering storage for your luxury car, it’s essential to delve beyond basic amenities and assess how a facility will cater to the unique needs of your high-end vehicle. Here are some questions to ask when deciding on a facility:
- Does the facility offer bespoke services such as concierge-style handling, transportation arrangements, or custom maintenance schedules?
- Are the security measures up to the standards required for high-value vehicles, including private surveillance and vetted personnel?
- How does the facility manage micro-climate control to ensure your specific vehicle’s materials and components are preserved?
- Does the facility have trained professionals with experience handling luxury cars who can provide the necessary care and attention?
- How accommodating is the facility with your schedule? Can you access your vehicle as needed, and are there any restrictions?
- What level of insurance does the facility provide, and how are liabilities handled in the event of damage or loss?
- Can the facility provide testimonials or references from clients with similar vehicles?
- Are there any member-exclusive benefits, such as private events, networking opportunities, or partnerships with luxury brands?
Final Thoughts
As you consider the best way to preserve the value of your luxury car, remember that the right storage solution is vital. Neighbor, a peer-to-peer self-storage marketplace, offers a selection of secure, luxury car storage (like this listing).
Explore the offerings on Neighbor to find a storage space that’s tailored to high-value vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Store a Luxury Car?
Adding car lifts to a garage is the best way to increase parking space and properly store a luxury vehicle. Ensure the garage’s ceiling height is a minimum of 10 feet to maximize the potential of the car lift.
Should I Put My Car on Blocks for Storage?
Blocking your car during storage is unnecessary if you use modern radial tires. Therefore, putting your luxury car on blocks for storage is not recommended.
What Size Storage Unit Is Best for a Car?
For a car, you will need a minimum storage unit size of 10’x15′. However, a 10’x20′ unit is recommended for most cars. Depending on the size of the car, a 10’x20′, 2025 or 2030 unit may be necessary. Be sure to measure the length and width of your car carefully before making a purchase.
