Preserving Your Classic: Essential Tips for Storing Your Classic Car

Owning a classic car is a true joy but storing it improperly can lead to expensive damage and lost value. Whether you're preparing for winter or just need long-term storage, following these essential steps will help ensure that your classic car is in peak condition when you’re ready to take it back on the road. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from pre-storage preparation to maintaining your car during storage.

1. Preparing Your Classic Car for Storage

a. Clean the Car Inside and Out

Before putting your classic car into storage, give it a thorough cleaning. Dirt, dust, and debris can damage your car’s paint over time, while crumbs or food remnants inside the car can attract pests.

Exterior: Start by washing and waxing your car. The wax layer will provide a protective barrier against dust and moisture.

Interior: Vacuum the carpets and seats and wipe down all surfaces. Ensure there’s no moisture in the car, which can lead to mold or mildew.

Cover: Use a breathable, high-quality car cover made specifically for indoor storage to protect the paint without trapping moisture.

b. Fluid Check

Storing your car with fresh fluids helps prevent degradation that could harm your engine or other parts over time.

Oil Change: Old oil contains contaminants that can damage the engine if left sitting for long periods. Change the oil and filter before storing the car.

Topping Off Fluids: Make sure all fluids, including coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid, are filled. This prevents condensation from forming inside the systems.

Fuel Stabilizer: Add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank and fill the tank. This helps prevent the fuel from breaking down, which can clog the fuel lines and damage the engine.

c. Battery Maintenance

The car’s battery can drain over time if it’s not maintained, and a dead battery can be difficult to revive.

Disconnect the Battery: If your storage period is long, disconnect the battery to avoid parasitic drain from electronics.

Trickle Charger: For shorter storage or to avoid disconnecting, use a trickle charger to maintain the battery charge.

d. Tires and Suspension

Your tires can develop flat spots if they remain in the same position for too long.

Inflate Tires: Inflate your tires to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, or even slightly above, to reduce the risk of flat spots.

Jack Stands: For extended storage, consider putting the car on jack stands. This takes the weight off the tires and suspension components, ensuring that neither gets damaged.

e. Address Moisture Concerns

Moisture can lead to rust, mold, and damage to interior components, so it’s important to take preventative measures.

Moisture Absorbers: Place moisture-absorbing packs (like silica gel or DampRid) inside the car and in the storage area to keep humidity at bay.

2. Choosing the Right Storage Space

a. Indoor Storage vs. Outdoor Storage

Indoor storage, like our well-maintained storage containers with weather-proof, rodent-proof containers are spray-foamed for moisture control and a great option for classic cars because it shields them from environmental hazards like rain, snow, and sun damage. 

Indoor Storage: Protects from extreme weather and reduces the chance of rust, UV damage, and temperature fluctuations. Indoor storage can also help with humidity control, preventing rust on the exterior and mold inside the car.

Outdoor Storage: If you must store the car outdoors, invest in a durable, weatherproof cover. If possible, elevate the car off the ground to avoid water pooling around the tires or chassis, or store in an outdoor storage facility with proper footing and drainage.

b. Security Measures

The safety of your car is paramount, so selecting a secure storage facility is essential.

Facility Security: Choose a storage unit with security features such as surveillance cameras, gated access, and on-site personnel.

Additional Security: For extra protection, consider a steering wheel lock or other anti-theft devices.

3. Long-Term Storage Maintenance

a. Regular Inspections

Even if the car is in storage, periodic checks are recommended to ensure that no issues arise during the storage period.

Inspections: Check for any signs of leaks, pests, or other damage. Verify that the tires remain properly inflated, and the battery is either disconnected or maintained by a trickle charger.

Starting the Car: Every few months, start the car to keep the engine parts lubricated and the battery in good health.

b. Pest Prevention

Rodents and insects can cause serious damage to your car’s wiring, insulation, and interior if they find a way in.

The best rodent repellent is keeping your car stored in a rodent-proof container or storage unit.

c. Keeping Documentation Organized

It’s important to keep all related documents in order during storage.

Document Storage: Store the car’s title, insurance information, and maintenance records securely. Having a checklist of everything you’ve done to prepare the car for storage will make reactivation much easier.

4. Preparing to Take the Car Out of Storage

a. Check All Fluid Levels

Before you start driving the car again, inspect the fluid levels.

Oil and Coolant: Check the oil and coolant levels to ensure there’s no sign of leakage or contamination.

Brake Fluid: Inspect the brake fluid levels and consider flushing it if the car has been stored for a particularly long period.

b. Tire Inspection and Maintenance

Flat spots or tire wear can develop during storage, so inspecting them is crucial.

Tire Pressure: Ensure that all tires are inflated to the correct pressure.

Tire Condition: Look for signs of cracking, flat spots, or excessive wear.

c. Battery Reinstallation

If you’ve removed the battery, reinstall it and ensure it’s fully charged before attempting to start the car.

Battery Health: Ensure that the battery terminals are clean and secure.

d. Inspect for Pests or Damage

Finally, do a thorough inspection of the car’s interior and exterior for signs of pest damage or leaks.

 

Classic Car Storage Tips from Hockley Valley Storage

Proper storage is key to maintaining the value and condition of your classic car. With these preparation and storage tips, your car will be protected and ready to hit the road when the time comes. Whether you’re storing your car for a season or long-term, these steps can save you time, money, and frustration down the road.

If you’d like to learn more about our secure, weather-proof, rodent-proof, moisture-controlled containers for your classic car storage, give us a call at 647-624-8094 to discuss your storage needs.