| By :
Alison Withers
Copyright (c) 2010 Alison Withers Secure parking for business vehicles when they are not in use can be difficult to find in urban areas where space may be in short supply or expensive. The growth of edge of centre self-store facilities across the UK can be an affordable solution, especially if they have a reasonable outside space within their secure area. They offer a solution for bus companies which do not operate 24 hours a day, and for service and delivery vehicles that are also not needed at night. Some vehicles may only be used seasonally, such as open top buses, which can only operate during warm summer months. Another example is classic vehicles or even horse-drawn carriages that are used for special events like weddings. Similarly, classic car enthusiasts often only bring their pride and joy out during the summer, partly to protect them from the damage that can be caused to lovingly-restored paint and body work by the salt and grit used to make icy roads safer for drivers during winter weather. It can be that a soaking wet vehicle is better stored outside than parked in a garage as it allows a breeze to pass around it to help dry out places on the vehicle where moisture collects, for example around wheel arches or behind the ratiator or underneath. It is worth doing a little preparation and inspection of the vehicle if it is to be stored outside for a significant period. Any inside floor mats or carpeting need to be clean and dry to prevent mould growth while the vehicle is in store. It can also be a good move to check door and window seals and also any seals attached to pedals where they pass through the vehicle floor. A quick check for any rust spots in the floor is always a good idea as it is one of the most likely places for water to get into the vehicle. Similarly accumulated mud and dirt on the undercarriage can retain moisture for a long period. Many vehicle parts and accessory shops sell waterproof covers that can be clipped onto the vehicle to protect the bodywork from bad weather. In addition to secure indoor units or rooms some self-store facilities also have open space, similar to warehousing, in clean, dry and well-lit spaces where a vehicle may be kept under cover, and some maintenance work can then be carried out on such things as paintwork, electrics, cabling and brakes while it is in store, as long as the work doesn't require anything that could be a fire hazard, like welding equipment. The tax and insurance will need to be kept up to date if the vehicle is to be driven to and from the storage unit. If the vehicle is being transported using a trailer, however, on site property insurance is usually available through the storage company and they will be able to advise on the best options if the owner's own insurance cover cannot be extended to storage in a secure unit. The 24-hour secure access in a self-store facility could offer an affordable solutions for keeping vehicles safe when they are not in use, whether the business needs regular overnight or seasonal storage.
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