Going on Deployment? Here’s How to Store Your Car in Jacksonville
Jacksonville is home to one of the largest military presences in the United States. NAS Jacksonville, Naval Station Mayport, Blount Island Command, and supporting installations mean that tens of thousands of service members and their families call this city home — and thousands of them face deployment every year.
One of the most common and stressful logistics questions before deployment is: what do I do with my car?
Leaving it parked on base or at a family member’s house for 6–12 months without proper preparation can result in a dead battery, flat tyres, rodent damage, a failing fuel system, or a vehicle that simply won’t start when you return. With a little preparation and the right storage solution, you can deploy with complete confidence that your car will be ready and waiting when you get back.
Step 1: Get a Full Service Before You Leave
Before anything else, take your vehicle in for a full service. Change the oil and filter — used engine oil contains acids that will degrade engine seals and components if left sitting for months. Top up all fluids including coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid. Check the condition of belts and hoses and address anything that’s borderline.
Starting your storage period with a fully serviced vehicle means you return to a car that’s ready to drive, not one that needs immediate work.
Step 2: Treat the Fuel System
Fuel begins to degrade after about 30 days, and over a 6–12 month deployment it will break down significantly — leaving varnish and gum deposits in your fuel lines, injectors, and tank that can cause serious running problems.
Add a quality fuel stabiliser to a full tank and run the engine for 10–15 minutes to circulate it fully through the system. A full tank also prevents condensation from forming inside, which is a real concern in Jacksonville’s humidity.
Step 3: Manage the Battery
A car battery left unattended for months will self-discharge and may fail to recover. The best solution is a battery tender — a smart trickle charger that connects to your battery and maintains an optimal charge level without overcharging. Ask your storage facility if they offer power access for this purpose.
If power access isn’t available, disconnect the negative terminal before storage. The battery will still lose some charge but far more slowly, and it’s more likely to recover with a standard charge when you return.
Step 4: Protect the Tyres
Stationary tyres develop flat spots over time, particularly in Florida’s heat. Inflate all four tyres to the maximum recommended PSI listed on the sidewall before storage. If possible, place the vehicle on jack stands to take the weight off the tyres entirely — this is the most effective way to prevent flat spots during extended storage.
If jack stands aren’t feasible, ask someone you trust to move the vehicle slightly every 4–6 weeks.
Step 5: Prepare the Interior and Exterior
Give the car a thorough wash and apply wax before storage. Wax protects the paint from UV damage and environmental contamination — in Jacksonville sun, an unprotected finish can oxidise noticeably in just a few months. Apply a UV protectant to interior plastics and vinyl as well.
Leave a bag of activated charcoal or a moisture absorber inside to prevent musty odours and interior mildew from Jacksonville’s humidity. Place steel wool in the exhaust pipe and any other openings to deter rodents from nesting — then leave yourself a note on the steering wheel to remove it before starting the car.
Step 6: Choose the Right Storage Facility
Not all storage options are equal for deployment situations. You want a facility that offers flexible month-to-month terms so you’re not locked into a fixed contract when deployment timelines change, secure access with surveillance, and ideally covered or indoor storage that protects your vehicle from Florida’s sun and weather.
At Glacier Storage in Jacksonville, we understand the unique needs of military families. Our vehicle storage options offer the flexibility, security, and peace of mind that service members need before deployment. We’re conveniently located to serve families across the Jacksonville military community.
Heading out soon? [Contact Glacier Storage today — we’ll make sure your car is in good hands while you serve.]