Uncovered vs Covered Car Storage: The Pros and Cons, Explained
When most people buy a vehicle, they don’t typically give much thought to storage. After all, you’ll likely park it outside your home or apartment. There are several reasons you might need vehicle storage.
Maybe your job will take you overseas for a time. Maybe you own a vintage car. Maybe you just own a vehicle you don’t use.
There are two main types of car storage: covered car storage and uncovered car storage. Keep reading as break down both types and the uncovered vs covered car storage pros and cons.
Covered Car Storage
Covered car storage actually has a few variations of its own. There are simple covered parking spaces, which are basically like massive, multi-vehicle carports. There are shared enclosed units, which function more or less like a car warehouse.
Then, there are private enclosed units where your car sits in its own little space.
Covered Car Storage Pros and Cons
Covered car storage offers several benefits. Your car avoids the trials of weather and sun exposure. For vintage cars, you can even find climate-controlled units that help preserve them even better.
You also enjoy the added security of keeping your vehicle in a closed lot or even in a locked private unit. The best car storage lots even offer active video monitoring. These options help ensure your car is still there when you return for it.
The major negative of covered car storage is the cost. A private unit will cost you more than a shared unit, which will both cost you more than a covered parking spot. A private climate-controlled unit will cost you the most.
Many covered car storage businesses, such as Kingston Ideal Storage, also offer uncovered storage.
Uncovered Car Storage
Uncovered car storage works a lot like a parking lot outside of a business or a driveway outside your home. Some uncovered vehicle storage options include a paved lot, while others keep cars parked on a dirt lot.
Uncovered Car Storage Pros and Cons
There are two main benefits to uncovered car storage. The first and biggest benefit is the enhanced security you get relative to leaving it parked at an unattended home or apartment. The other main benefit is that it costs less than covered storage.
The main pitfall of uncovered vehicle storage is that your car remains exposed to whatever weather passes through, whether that’s snow or a hailstorm. Your car also gets a lot of sun exposure, which can fade the paint and upholstery inside.
Is Uncovered or Covered Car Storage Right for You?
Deciding if you want covered car storage or uncovered car storage depends on a few factors. The kind of car you own heads that list. If you own a vintage or expensive car, you’ll likely want covered car storage or even a private unit.
If you just want someplace a little more secure to keep your car while you’re out of town for a month, uncovered car storage will likely suit your needs. The same applies if you need a budget option.
Looking for more car tips? check out the posts in our Automotive section.