Preparing Your Classic Auto for Winter Storage
Whether you own a vintage, classic or sports car, the winter usually signals that time of year to put your prize in winter storage.
Many owners of classic cars agree that the harsh winter months can be harmful to their prize collections. Here are some helpful tips to consider when it’s time for winter car storage:
Location
If you have reasonably dry garage, that should work fine. If not, choose a dry building preferably with a concrete floor, never bare ground such as a barn. Climate control isn’t mandatory, but the facility should be as dry as possible.
Engine Oil
Check your engine oil and if it is dirty, change it before you store it. Synthetic oil remains stable for one year in the engine. If you are storing your vehicle for more than a year, you will want to fog the engine, a process your mechanic understands.
Clean and Detail
It’s recommended that you wash and thoroughly clean your vehicle to eliminate any contaminants that might be left on the car’s surface while stored.
Fluids
Once you have washed your car, take a drive to eliminate water from all the crevices. Add a stabilizer after filling up the gas tank and run the car so the stabilizer can sufficiently flow throughout the system. Check all the other fluid levels, as well, such as anti-freeze/coolant.
Tires
Once you arrive at your storage place, inflate the tires to the maximum PSI rating. This will keep the tires from getting flat spots. No need to remove modern radial tires nor is it recommended that you put the car on blocks. Make sure it is parked on a level surface
Aeriation
Allow air to circulate and prevent moisture from building up inside the car by leaving the window rolled down about an inch.
Battery
Newer cars need the battery to stay connected to safeguard the computer. There are different ideas about taking the battery out before storing. If you do remove the batter place it on a piece of wood and connect it to a battery maintainer.
Pests
To ensure rodents don’t find a way into your car, place a ball of steel wool in the exhaust pipe , laundry fabric sheets inside the car and moth balls around the outside.
Covering
It’s important to cover the vehicle with a quality, secure fitting cover that will still allow ventilation.
Insurance
If you have a newer vehicle, you may want to cancel the liability and collision portion of your insurance which can save money during the time you are not driving the car. But be sure to keep comprehensive. Many classic car policies don’t allow temporary suspension on part of the coverage.
While some think it is a good idea to start the vehicle every few weeks during storage, it can actually be very bad for the car unless you’re going to take it for a drive. Condensation can build up and cause problems. It’s best to let your classic car rest through the winter and enjoy it all the more in the spring.
