With frost appearing on the ground, classic car storage for winter becomes a priority for many owners who are putting their pride-and-joy into hibernation to protect it from the elements so it can be enjoyed again with the arrival of spring.
However, it’s not just a case of driving the car into the garage or putting a cover over it, switching off the engine and leaving the keys in a safe place for the next few months.
A handful of simple, but essential, measures will help ensure your classic is ready to be driven, while preserving its aesthetics, after being left idle over the winter period.
SUITABLE STORAGE
The storage location can make all the difference as to how the car will emerge, and perform, after winter.
Ideally, it should be a dry, well-ventilated space, such as a garage, as this will help prevent rust, a major bugbear for many classic car owners.
Nevertheless, storing the car in a garage is not possible for all owners, so a sensible option is to wrap the car in a breathable outdoor car cover.
If the car is being stored outside, then a dry spell provides an opportunity to take off the cover to help air the car out.
Meanwhile, if the car is being stored inside, then a breathable fabric cover also makes sense to help shelter the classic from scratches and dust.
DON’T FORGET FLUIDS FOR CLASSIC CAR STORAGE for winter
Checking the classic’s vital fluids, such as coolant, oil and brake fluids, is a key action before it remains inactive for a long time. Old or contaminated fluids should be replaced with new ones, while fuel degradation and moisture build-up in the petrol tank can be minimised by adding a fuel stabiliser.
TALKING TYRES
Tyres need to be looked after all year round, including when the car is in storage and not moving.
The tyre rubber can become damaged over time if the tyres are left fully inflated with the full weight of the car on the ground.
However, if the car isn’t going to be driven for some time, then flat spots on the tyres can be prevented by elevating the car using jack stands.
PLANNING AHEAD FOR CLASSIC CAR storage for winter
If anything needs restoring or upgrading as part of a longer-term improvement, then arranging an inspection before it is stored away for winter is a sensible consideration.
Indeed, the colder months provide an ideal natural break to start detailed planning if anything is found that needs attention.
For example, we see this as a perfect time to review a vehicle’s features – such as climate control.
Classic cars are not known for regulating temperature particularly well, which makes a bespoke heating and air conditioning upgrade a major consideration whatever time of year it is, including winter.
When the temperature is falling, then heating and air conditioning is an area that requires thought, so when spring arrives the classic will be a joy to drive.
GETTING ADVICE FOR ALL-YEAR ROUND PERFORMANCE
If you want to talk to one of our classic car experts about your vehicle, whether you want to upgrade it, restore it, have an inspection or service, or for winter storage advice, please get in touch with the Clayton Classics team.