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It’s growing cold outside and it’s time to tuck your valuable classic chevy car away for the winter. It might seem easy to just park your car in the garage or drive it into a storage unit, but if you don’t know how to store a car for winter, it can have a detrimental impact on the integrity of the car and motor. Classic cars can be very valuable and it’s important that they are taken care of properly. Ensure you aren’t unintentionally damaging your car with these eleven must-know tips for classic car storage.
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One of the main classic car storage tips is to put the car away cleaned and waxed. Any kind of dust or debris left on the vehicle in storage can cause scratches or damage to the exterior paint. Make sure to wipe down the mirrors and chrome detailing with a good glass cleaner to give the surface a shiny finish before storing a car for 6 months or more.
When preparing the car for winter storage, you must check to see if all-wheel bearings are up to snuff and hit all the grease fittings you can find on the steering components and suspension. Make sure to lubricate all door and hood hinges to keep them from jamming up before winter storage.
Another tip for proper classic car storage is to fill the tank up preferably with premium fuel and then add a fuel stabilizer (usually 1 oz. to every 2.5 gallons of gasoline) following the manufacturer’s instructions prior to storing a car for 6 months. Run the vehicle for a couple of minutes to allow the fuel stabilizer to move into the carburetor, fuel rails, injectors, etc.
Remember, the fuller the tank, the less room there will be for air, which carries moisture that can lead to fuel contamination and possibly rust within the tank. These are very important winter classic car storage tips.
Another helpful tip for great classic car storage is to change the oil and filter when preparing the car for winter storage. Used engine oils contain combustion byproducts, dirt, grease, and acids. These harmful agents can cause deterioration to the engine when storing a car for 6 months or longer. If you change the oil yourself, make sure to use the proper motor oil that is specially formulated for your antique car.
Lastly, prevent rust damage to the inside of the spark plugs by adding about a teaspoon of engine oil to each cylinder. Be sure to drive the car around for a few miles after you have finished in order to allow the oil to fully circulate throughout the entire engine of the car before winter storage.
Maintain the tires by slightly overinflating them before long-term car storage. This will help prevent flat spots from forming. Make sure to stay away from products that increase shine, as these products can dry out the rubber and can cause dry rot. Lastly, inspect the tires for any possible leaks and if necessary, have them repaired or replaced before storing a car for 6 months.
If you plan on storing a car for 6 months or longer, remove the car battery entirely. If the battery terminal is corroded, be sure to carefully clean it with baking soda and water, then rinse it with distilled water. To start, unhook the battery by removing the negative cable first and storing the battery off the ground (preferably on a wooden block) in a climate-controlled environment above freezing. Attach a trickle charger to maintain your vehicle’s battery life.
If you will be starting the car every now and then, you might want to consider getting a battery tender. A battery tender will keep your battery functioning over long periods of time. This method will prevent you from having to pull the battery in and out of the car if you decide to start it a few times during this winter season. This option will only work if you have a power source in your storage area. These winter classic car storage tips will prevent your battery from going bad.
It is recommended that you drain and refill the coolant as one of your classic car storage tips. Make sure to see that the radiator is filled with the correct mix of coolant and water. It is possible that you could end up with ice in your cooling system if you’re storing a car for 6 months or longer. Check the coolant label for instructions on the proper mixture and the temperature range you may encounter and exceed.
If you don’t plan on driving the car for a while, jack the car up and place it on jack stands. This process relieves the weight of the tires and the suspension. The added support will also prevent the tires from flat spotting when storing a car for 6 months or longer.
While the best metal sheds and garages (or wooden garages) will keep lots of critters away from your vehicle, there are additional protective steps you should still take. To keep insects and vermin out of the car, use an absorbent, white cotton cloth to seal off all engine openings and the exhaust pipe as one of the vehicle storage tips. This will protect your classic car from moisture, insects, and rodents from getting inside the engine of the car and causing damage. Be sure to remove the cotton when taking the vehicle out of storage.
This long-term vehicle storage tip is simple, be sure to roll up all windows to keep rodents and pests from getting inside and damaging the interior. Make sure to close all entries when storing a car for 6 months or more.
Choosing the right classic car storage space is where GoldStar Buildings can help you. With a variety of options such as the garage shed, lofted garage, or double-wide garage (if you have two classics you would like to store) we can help provide a safe place for your classic car. Car cover for winter storage might be a cheaper option but not a safe one when it comes to valuable cars. Check out our collection of affordable garages and request a quote when you see something you like. Download our price list to find out what your antique car garage will cost. We offer rent-own options on all of our garages to make them more affordable for you.
If your car is a convertible, make sure when preparing the car for winter storage, you store it with the top-up. Leaving the top rolled down will cause shrinkage in the material and also large creases to form. Protect the convertible top using silicone spray or something similar and place desiccant sacs on the interior floorboard to reduce moisture caused by humidity, which also can damage the convertible top.
We hope these 11 long-term vehicle storage tips were helpful to you. If you read these tips, you now know how to store your car during the winter season and avoid additional expenses when preparing to take the classic car for a drive. Implement these 11 classic car storage tips to avoid rust on your car and engine problems, both of which can result in a costly fix. When preparing the classic car for winter storage, make sure to go through our 11-tip checklist for safe storing.
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