Is it okay to store a car while on deployment?

SGT K G — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 09:31:35 -0500

I'm considering options for my car while deployed. I've been told to sell my car since I'm still paying on it because of cost of storage/insurance (since I have to continue full coverage due to gap). However, I really like my car/don't know how I'm going to be able to sell it since I still need it up until we MOB. I also don't have anyone to start it up while it's in storage or sell it for me when I leave (outside of my boyfriend). Any advice?

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 17 at 2016 9:40 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 09:40:14 -0500

I stored a car with a friend while I deployed. Basically, parked it at his house with his spouse since we were both deploying at the same time. Had no issues.

I've seen other folks use base lots however... saw one guy end up with a tree fall on his car. Bad deal.

There's no real right answer for this. It's a major asset you are leaving alone for a long period of time.

Response by SSG Keith Cashion made Feb 17 at 2016 9:40 AM

SSG Keith Cashion — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 09:40:15 -0500

Store it. Get with the dealer, and they can give you hints as to storing it. Some dealerships also handle storing vehicles as well. Fill it up 3/4 of a tank of high-grade gas, put a recommended amount of fuel stabilizer, get a fresh oil change and when the car is parked...disconnect the battery (It will save the battery). When I deployed I had just bought a new vehicle and stored it. Came back, hooked up the battery, and the car started right up. If you like the car keep it. Unit will have information on your POV being stored as well.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2016 9:42 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 09:42:22 -0500

Are you deploying as an individual augmentee? Usually units will have a vehicle storage lot created for the long term storage.

Response by SGT William Howell made Feb 17 at 2016 9:50 AM

SGT William Howell — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 09:50:03 -0500

SGT K G I stored mine for 18 months. If you like it, just store it. The days of 1960s style of storing a car are gone. Cars don't need to be started and drove, seals don't dry out and more. Modern seals and lubricants will keep a car just fine for a year or so. If you are going to do it. Fill up the tank all the way to the top (keeps moist air from depositing moisture into the gas) , put in fuel stabilizer, and put about 40 pounds of air in the tires. When you get back get a service and that is it.

Some draw backs is you are going to loose a year of value while paying the whole time plus storage cost. There is full coverage insurance for a stored vehicle that is pretty cheap and it has GAP. I believe mine was only like $30 a month.

Response by SSgt Mark Lines made Feb 17 at 2016 10:00 AM

SSgt Mark Lines — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 10:00:26 -0500

I would store it. I stored my 2005 Mustang for 4 years while I was in Okinawa. When I returned, I had a car that was paid off. I stored mine with my Father. You might want to check with your unit to see if there is a plan for storing vehicles.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2016 10:23 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 10:23:45 -0500

Ask your unit if you can store it in their parking, you'll probably just have to leave your keys with the caretaker so if the need arises, they'll be able to move it. Also talk to your insurance provider, they most times have a rate that they will discount you since it will be in storage even if you're making payments on it.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 17 at 2016 10:39 AM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 10:39:03 -0500

Keep your car, call USAA they will give you a very discounted rate for storage, contact transportation about storage. Good luck.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Feb 17 at 2016 11:12 AM

LTC Paul Labrador — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 11:12:39 -0500

I stored my car both times I deployed and both times I was in Korea. First two times it was either at my parents place or the garage of my apartment that I kept. The second two times I stored them at a professional indoor storage facility (the kind that stores RVs, boats, trailers, etc). You can Google around to find one. If you're at Bragg, i'm sure there are a few in your area considering the high OPTEMPO at your post. It's usually around $100 a month, but considering they are securing your car, as well as starting it up once a month, that is a steal. In all cases, you will need to draft a limited power of attorney stating what the person storing the car can and can't do and who is allowed to touch it. Also, as other said, modify your insurance to 'storage'. If you use USAA, they can do that easily for you. It's like $120 for the whole year.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2016 11:24 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 11:24:05 -0500

I've stored before...it's not a bad option if you plan ahead.

Make sure your insurance (and the storage facility's) will take care of you if a hurricane drops a tree on your unit.

Have a reputable mechanic prep the vehicle for long term storage...a broken water pump is a nightmare (been there, done that)

Get your ride into storage early enough you can do a "checklist" to ensure everything's "set"...don't try dropping it off on the way to formation the morning of movement.

When you get back, make sure oil/water/battery is in the "green", then take it easy till you get oil fully running through the system. You can do worse that a full oil/filter change and new battery upon return.

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Feb 18 at 2016 9:21 AM

MSgt James Mullis — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 09:21:59 -0500

Store it. I've stored vehicles for the duration of two separate 1 year tours. Once I left it in a friends barn and once in a self-storage room. My recommendations include:

1) Disconnect the battery, but leave it in the vehicle (NEVER set a battery on the ground). Buy four cheap jack stands and lift up all four sides of the vehicle just enough to take the pressure of the tires.

2) If you are in a high humidity area, buy a large container of moisture absorber such as Damp-Rid ($10 at Home Depot), open it and leave it on the floor of the vehicle.

3) I'm also a fan of Slick 50 engine oil treatment. It leaves a small coating of oil on all surfaces of the engine, even when the engine sits for long periods. This will reduce metal to metal contact when you restart the car. So have your oil changed just before putting the vehicle in storage and include a quart of Slick 50 or a similar product.

4) Fill the tank as full as it will go and add a fuel stabilizer such as Sta-bil to the tank.

Also, be prepared to jump start it when you return.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2020 7:21 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Nov 2020 07:21:04 -0500

I would say, keep your car in storage, if you really like it as you claimed. Your insurance would be reduced because your vehicle wouldn't be driven. Meanwhile on your deployment you'll be able to save your money better and probably save enough to where you can pay down a decent chunk when you get back providing you don't have any other major bills in your way thus leading to paying it off and owning it for a while without having to carry a car note for another few years at least..

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Nov 30 at 2020 9:57 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Mon, 30 Nov 2020 09:57:18 -0500

How about your family? Perhaps a parent, sibling or close relative could keep the car while you’re gone. You will need to make the payments and insurance while you’re deployed. If the relative is going to use the car often you might need to write them a short letter giving them permission to do so. Also they might solve your predeployment transportation problem by picking up the car the day before you leave.

Response by SA Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2022 11:05 AM

SA Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 11:05:52 -0500

I kept mine over 18 months. If you love it, store it. The days of the 1960s fashion of car storage are over. Automobiles aren't required to be driven or started seals won't get dry and much more. New seals and oils are able to maintain a car perfectly for about a year. If you're going to make the change. Fill the tank until the top (keeps the moist air from putting moisture into the fuel) and then add fuel stabilizer and then put approximately 40 pounds into the tires. After you return, you will need to get a service, and that's the end of it.
There are some disadvantages to this, for instance you will lose the value of a year while paying for the whole year plus storage charges. You can get insurance coverage that is fully covered for vehicles that are stored. It is quite affordable and comes with GAP. I'm sure mine was about $30 per month.
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