As temperatures have begun dipping this fall, it may be time to store your classic car to protect it from the coming months. These fall storage tips for classic cars can help protect your vehicle in winter and ensure a smooth transition from the roads to storage.
Location, Location, Location
Classic car owners know that location matters when storing their vintage vehicles. Two common options for storage include:
Public Storage: Public storage can be a good option for housing their vehicle in colder months if you don’t have the space to store it at home. However, you should do your research on the facility. Some public storage facilities are tailored for classic cars, with particular attention to cleanliness and security. Remember, you’ll need to notify your insurance company if you are storing your vehicle in public storage and may see changes to your premium.
Home Storage: Housing your vehicle in a garage or storage building at home allows you to control the conditions of the storage facility and vehicle maintenance throughout the winter months. However, the initial costs can add up if you need to construct a new storage building. Do your research before installing additional storage at home to ensure it’s completed in time to store your vehicle and that you’ve budgeted for the cost.
More Tips to Prepare for Storage
These fall storage tips for vintage cars can help protect your vehicle through the colder winter months.
1. Detail Clean Your Vehicle
Before you store your vintage vehicle, take time to detail clean it. While you want to clean your car’s exterior and interior thoroughly, pay close attention to the leather and vinyl surfaces.
2. Check Your Fluids
You’ll want to check your oil to ensure it’s in optimal condition before storing it to prevent internal corrosion. Fill your fuel tank and add a stabilizing agent as recommended for your vehicle make and model.
3. Protect Your Tires
Protect your tires from going flat by overinflating them by a few PSI. “Tire Cradles” can also prevent flat spotting in your tires. Considering using at least one wheel chock to avoid needing to keep the parking brake engaged.
4. Keep Your Classic Car Covered
Even with indoor storage, covering your classic car is essential. Dust and dirt can be corrosive to your vehicle’s finish. A cover can also protect against damage to the paint by any critters that make their way in. If the flooring of your storage building isn’t concrete, consider laying a polyurethane tarp below your car to keep ground moisture out.
Storing your classic car can feel like saying goodbye to an old friend. However, when you take steps to properly store it this fall, you ensure your vehicle is protected and ready for the next driving season!
About Trusted Michigan Auto Body Shop, Pole Position Auto Body
If your vehicle needs bodywork before you store it this fall, Pole Position Auto Body can help!
For over 3 decades, Metro Detroiters have trusted Pole Position Auto Body with their auto body repairs. We value your time and strive to complete all repairs three days sooner than other repair facilities, using only the best repair techniques. Whether your car is classic or a brand new model, your car is in good hands with our I-Car Gold Class certified technicians.
