Not everyone lives in a sunny part of the world, and preparing your classic car for storage in the winter is an important annual event. Rain, sleet, snow, and salt can all take their toll on a car, so car storage is an important ritual that you’ll perfect and master over the years. Here are some of our tips for storing your classic car for the winter.
Choosing a Storage Location
You need a secure, and most importantly, dry location for your car storage. It’s also a good idea for the storage space to be dark, as any light can cause your paint job to fade over time. It’s best to choose a facility with concrete floors, as any kind of natural dirt floor will have moisture in it.
- Place the vehicle on jack stands to avoid flat tires.
- Inform your insurance provider if you’re storing your car off-site.
Preparing the Car for Storage
Give your car one last good wash for the season, and a wax job is also a good idea. You can read more about waxing your classic car here.
- Add fuel stabilizer to the gas tank and run the motor so that it mixes in properly with the fuel.
- Make sure the gas tank is full. A full tank will prevent rusting.
- Change the oil.
- Check the antifreeze.
- Fill the tires with air.
- Use baking soda fridge packs in the car and the trunk to soak up excess moisture in the air.
- Fill the tailpipe with either steel wool or mothballs. Cover the exhaust pipes and air cleaner and air inlet with plastic or aluminum foil. Tape them securely closed.
- Put a battery tender on the car battery, or unhook the battery and store it off the ground and somewhere where it isn’t too cold.
Spring Resurrection
As happy as you’ll be to see your car again, take your time when you go to the facility and check the car carefully.
- Uncover the car and all of the coverings and inspect it for vermin or insects.
- Remove the baking soda packs.
- Check the tires.
- Check fluid levels.
- Charge the car battery for 24 hours.
- Check the brakes for good working order.
- Start the vehicle and check for leaks. Give the car time to warm up.
- Check the lights.
- Give the car a slow one-mile test drive after warming up, then check it again.
- Give the car a good clean and enjoy!
Whether or not you live in a winter wonderland, and whether you think snow is a blessing or a curse, caring for your classic car needs to be a top priority. We hope that you find these tips helpful. If you have any other tips or suggestions for how to prepare your classic car for storage, let us know!