Using your garage can pay dividends, says Manheim

Research by Manheim Auctions has revealed that 55% of motorists don’t park their car in their garage, preferring instead to use it to store household items or as a garden shed.

Meanwhile, one in four motorists manage to fit both their car and other equipment inside their garage, whilst only 21% admit to using their garage for its original purpose.

The top ten items stored in British garages include:
1. Lawnmower
2. DIY Tools
3. Bikes
4. Ladder
5. Golf clubs
6. Tent
7. BBQ
8. Garden equipment – soil, plant pots
9. Drink
10. Guinea pigs

“Where you park your car may seem like a trivial subject, but keeping it in a garage may pay off in the long run,” said Craig Mailey, marketing director, Manheim Auctions.

“If a car is stored in a dry, cool garage every night it’s more likely to have a higher resale value because it’s been protected from the elements and risk of accidental damage. Paint weathers so keeping it inside a garage will help to protect it, and if a car is parked outside there’s always the opportunity for it to be exposed to accidental knocks and scrapes by other drivers or passers-by.”

“In the 1970s it was the norm to use the garage to provide essential respite care for fragile cars. The modern car may be more robust but don’t neglect what is, after your home, likely to be your most valuable asset.”