Preparing for Deployment: How To Safeguard Your Vehicle While Away
USS Carl Vinson | Photo: Ryan Fletcher / Shutterstock.com
For military personnel, preparing for deployment involves managing numerous details—both personal and professional. One key consideration that’s often overlooked is what to do with your vehicle while you’re away. Deployments can last for several months, and leaving your car parked on the street or in an unsecured lot poses significant risks, including theft, vandalism, and weather-related damage.
Opting for long-term vehicle storage ensures that your car stays protected and well-maintained during your deployment, offering peace of mind. Here’s why choosing professional car storage is the best option and how you can prepare your vehicle for storage.
The Risks of Street Parking or Leaving Your Car Unattended
When military members deploy, many choose to leave their cars parked on the street, in driveways or in open lots. While this might seem convenient, it comes with considerable risks, especially when the vehicle is left unattended for months:
Theft or Vandalism: An unattended car parked in an open area is more susceptible to theft, break-ins, or vandalism. Without regular monitoring, your car could be damaged or stolen.
Weather Damage: Sun, rain, and other harsh weather conditions can take a toll on your vehicle’s exterior and interior. Prolonged exposure may cause wear and tear that could be expensive to fix upon your return.
Mechanical Issues: Vehicles that sit unused for long periods can develop issues like a dead battery, flat tires, or engine deterioration. Cars need to be driven regularly to stay in good working order, which is difficult to achieve during a deployment.
The Benefits of Long-Term Vehicle Storage for Military Personnel
Long-term vehicle storage provides a safe and reliable solution to protect your car from the risks of being left unattended while you’re deployed. Here are a few benefits of choosing a professional storage facility:
Protection from the Elements: Your vehicle will be stored indoors or in a covered area, shielding it from sun, rain, and other harsh weather conditions that could cause damage over time.
Regular Maintenance: Many storage facilities offer vehicle maintenance services, such as starting the engine periodically, checking tire pressure, and maintaining battery health. This ensures that your car will be in good condition when you return from deployment.
How to Prepare Your Car for Storage Before Deployment
Before placing your vehicle in long-term storage, there are a few steps you should take to ensure it’s ready for an extended stay:
Clean and Detail Your Car: Wash and clean your vehicle inside and out to remove dirt, dust, and debris that could damage the paint or interior while in storage.
Fill the Gas Tank: Fill your gas tank to prevent moisture buildup inside the tank. You might also consider adding a fuel stabilizer to prevent gasoline from degrading over time.
Check Tire Pressure: Make sure your tires are properly inflated to prevent flat spots from developing while your vehicle sits idle.
Cover Your Car: Use a breathable car cover to protect your vehicle from dust and debris, even if it’s stored indoors.
Why Military Personnel Should Choose AAAA for Car Storage
At AAAA, we understand the specific needs of military personnel preparing for deployment. That’s why we offer secure, long-term vehicle storage that ensures your car is well-protected while you’re away. We’re also proud to offer all Military personnel a discount on their storage.
Our storage solutions include maintenance services like battery checks and tire inspections, so you can be confident your vehicle will be in excellent condition when you return. Additionally, we offer military discounts, making vehicle storage not only convenient but affordable for service members and their families.
Conclusion
As a member of the military, your deployment requires careful planning, including decisions about what to do with your vehicle. Rather than leaving it unprotected on the street or at home, long-term vehicle storage provides a reliable solution for safeguarding your car. With AAAA’s comprehensive services and military discounts, you can deploy with peace of mind, knowing your vehicle will be well taken care of.
Let us take care of your car while you serve—explore our long-term storage options today!