Some vehicles earn their keep all year round whereas others spend half their life waiting around. There’s jet ski that only sees water in summer, the classic car halfway through a restoration, the trailer that comes out four times a year, the motorbike that hibernates through winter. Whatever it is, it’s probably taking up the drive or the garage that someone would rather use for something else.

That’s exactly what our containers are for. Because every unit sits at ground level, you can drive straight in, and with sizes up to 40ft there’s room for everything from a motorbike to two cars end to end. Here’s how to choose the right unit and get your vehicle ready so it comes out in the same condition it went in.

 

Picking the right size

Start with the vehicle, then think about what else needs to live alongside it.

Our smaller units suit smaller vehicles like bikes and jet skis, with room to spare for kit, covers and spares. The medium 20ft unit is similar in size to a household garage, so most standard cars fit comfortably, and it’s a popular choice for a single vehicle plus tools. The large 40ft unit takes bigger vehicles like boats and trailers, or two cars nose to tail, which makes it a favourite for restoration projects where you want the car and a working area in one place.

A quick measure before you book saves guesswork. Check your vehicle’s length, width with mirrors, and height, then remember our containers are 7ft 9in high and wide. Most cars, bikes and small boats clear that easily, but it’s worth confirming for anything on a trailer, where the trailer adds height.

 

Getting the vehicle ready

A little preparation makes a big difference, especially if the vehicle will sit for months rather than weeks.

First, give it a proper clean, inside and out. Dirt, bird droppings and road salt left on paintwork can mark it over time, and any food wrappers or crumbs inside the car are an open invitation to pests. Let everything dry fully before it goes in.

Next, deal with fluids. Vehicles and machinery going into storage should be drained of fuel and oil. Fuel degrades as it sits and is a fire risk in an enclosed space, so this one matters. For anything with a water system, like a boat or jet ski, flush and drain it properly, particularly ahead of winter.

Then think about the battery. A battery left connected will slowly drain flat, and deep discharge shortens its life. Disconnect it for longer stays, or take it home and put it on a maintenance charger if you want the vehicle ready to start the moment it comes out.

Finally there are a few small jobs that pay off later. Inflate any tyres to the top of their recommended range, since they’ll lose a little pressure over time and can develop flat spots when a vehicle sits in one position for months. Release the handbrake if it’s safe to do so and chock the wheels instead, because a handbrake left on for a long stretch can seize. And use a breathable cover rather than a plastic sheet, so moisture never gets trapped against the paint.

 

While it’s in storage

Our containers are professionally insulated, which keeps conditions steadier than a standard shipping container or an open yard, and each one is secured with your own lock and key on an illuminated site with recorded CCTV.

Even so, a stored vehicle benefits from the odd visit. If you can, call in every month or two, check the tyres, and roll the vehicle back and forward a foot to move the weight off the same patch of rubber. For cars in longer storage, starting the engine occasionally, or better still taking a short drive, keeps everything lubricated. With 24/7 access you can do this whenever it suits, so a ten minute check on a Sunday morning is all it takes.

For restoration projects, a unit works as more than parking. Plenty of our customers keep a classic or rally car with us between working weekends, with tools and parts organised alongside, so everything for the project lives in one place.

 

Give your vehicle a proper home

Whether it’s a summer toy waiting for the season, a project waiting for the weekend, or simply a second car you don’t have room for, a drive-in container keeps it secure, dry and off the drive. We’ve got sites across North Wales, Shropshire, Cheshire and the North West, all with 24/7 access. Find your nearest location or call us on 0808 100 1292 and we’ll help you pick the right size unit for your vehicle.