Theft Prevention.

Parking in the garage is a great way to reduce the chances a thief is going to steal your car. It might not seem like a huge deterrent, but thieves aren’t looking for challenges; they want easy scores. A vehicle they can’t see is much more of a deterrent than one they can see.

Also, thieves are observant. A car parked in the driveway on a regular basis is a clear sign you’re home. When the vehicle is missing, you’re gone. They might not steal your car, but they might take everything that’s not bolted down inside.

Extends Engine Life.

Cold-cranking your engine, starting while the motor is at atmospheric temperatures, puts stress on the motor. The oil is less viscous, metal is more brittle, and seals are more likely to break. Even in an uninsulated, detached garage, it will be a little warmer inside than the ambient temperatures outside.

It might not seem like much, but over the life of ownership, you can squeeze a few extra miles out of the motor before there are any problems by reducing the thermal variations. If you live in an extremely cold environment, a block heater is going to be a must, even in the garage.

Fewer Car Washes.

Birds, tree sap, dust, and rain are all going to get to your vehicle if you don’t park in the garage. Not only do all those things make your vehicle look dirty and dingy, but bird droppings and sap can also cause damage to your paint if left unwashed—and damaged paint can lead to rust, and rust can lead to expensive repair bills.

Extends the life of rubber.

Even in a shady spot, your vehicle is going to get some sun. Long-term exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun will damage the rubber of your tires. The aforementioned dirt and grim will also wreak havoc on the other rubber seals and gaskets of your vehicle.

Avoid Natural Disasters.

Whatever mother nature throws your way, your garage is going to put up a decent fight at protecting your investment. Even if a tree falls on your garage, there’s a chance the car inside would remain mostly unscathed.

Avoid Unnatural Disasters.

Have one of those neighbors who is constantly practicing their swing in the backyard? Neighbor kid with a good arm but bad aim? The likelihood of a ball making it through the garage is pretty low.

In the unlikely event that someone… not so accidentally… drives through your yard, they’re hopefully cognizant enough to avoid large buildings.

Warm Up Faster.

Like the engine staying at warmer temps, parking in the garage is going to let you warm up faster when you turn the heat on. Your car’s cabin heating system uses heat from the engine to warm you up as well. The warmer you can keep your motor, the sooner your toes will be comfy.

Cover It.

Obviously, none of this advice is applicable if you don’t have a garage. But there are still options. Carports can be purchased for a few hundred to a few thousand depending on the materials used. Some have the ability to close them up so your vehicle isn’t visible when parked, adding a bit of security.

Another option and the cheapest of them all is to buy a car cover. If you live in an apartment, this is a great option. It doesn’t offer the same amount of protection as a garage or even a carport, but it will keep your car cleaner. There is the time it takes to put on and take off, but for less than $100, you’ll make up for it in car washes alone.

Make Space.

If you have a garage but it’s too full of stuff to fit your vehicle in, you could actually make money! It might be a daunting task, but cleaning out your cluttered garage and getting it organized can turn a decent profit. Chances are you don’t know all of what is in there. If that’s the case, it’s likely you don’t use much of that stuff. Clean it out, sell what you can, and save more by keeping your vehicle safe!