How best to store your classic car if you’re not using it over winter
A classic car is something precious that needs care and attention to maintain it in pristine condition. No surprise then that many owners choose to tuck their pride and joy away somewhere safely protected against harsh winter conditions that can range from sub-zero temperatures to highly corrosive grit salt. But preserving your cherished vehicle is not as simple as putting it in the garage for a few months. The correct pre-storage preparation and checks are essential to prevent damage through cold, damp and inactivity.
In our latest newsletter we look at how best to store your classic car as long periods of inactivity can be just as harmful as regular winter driving. Thankfully, a little TLC now will ensure that when spring arrives it can emerge gleaming, ready to take to the road and turn heads once more.
Prepare your car before storage
Start by giving your car a service by a trusted garage. Tell them that you are going to be storing your vehicle over winter. They will most likely recommend topping up or changing essentials such as oil, coolant and brake fluids as well as replacing the oil filter.
Next, give your car a valet inside and out. This will ensure the removal of any road grime, salt and moisture on the bodywork and underneath that can lead to corrosion. Having the inside also cleaned ensures there are no bits of rubbish hiding out of view that can cause moisture or attract pests.
After it’s been cleaned, take your car for a quick spin to dry out the brake pads and any hard-to-reach areas. Finally, apply a quality wax or protective sealant as an additional layer of protection.
Use the right storage environment
The most common place used to store a classic car is a garage. But it needs to be the right garage. By which we mean that it should be ventilated and dry. Ideally, it should also be insulated to help keep the temperature fairly stable. This is because any sudden drops can cause condensation that could lead to rust and mould. We’d also recommend leaving the windows on your car open slightly to improve airflow.
If you have any concerns that your garage isn’t up for the job, or you just want complete peace of mind, you can use a specialist car storage facility. These ensure that your car is kept in optimal conditions thanks to climate control, as well as providing additional security.
Look after essential parts
Flat batteries can be a common problem after a car has been in storage for a prolonged period. To avoid this, simply disconnect it or use a battery conditioner to keep it charged throughout storage. To be extra safe, always park your car facing out. That way, if you do need to jumpstart the vehicle, the battery is easy to reach.
Tyres can also suffer on classic cars that are left standing for months. Try slightly over-inflating them. This can help stop flat spots from forming. Another way to avoid this is to use tyre cradles or axle stands to take the weight off the tyres altogether.
Another tip is to leave the handbrake off and instead put chocks on the wheels. This avoids the drama of seized-up brake shoes that can be difficult to free.
Prevent moisture and corrosion
We’ve already mentioned the importance of preventing moisture from damaging bodywork and leading to corrosion. To help stop this hidden danger, use moisture absorbers or a dehumidifier. Using either in your garage can greatly reduce the risk of problems.
Visit your vehicle
Last and by no means least, don’t lock your classic car away and forget about it. Visit it from time to time. A quick inspection can spot anything you might have missed or if a problem is developing. And if it’s a nice dry day, open the garage door and let a breeze go around your car.
With the right preparations and precautions, your classic car can come out of winter hibernation in the same excellent condition it went in. Then, you can start spring by going for a drive secure in the knowledge it’s in excellent condition.
