The rarity and value of classic cars have made them a good investment that any passionate owner wants to keep as long as possible. The season may force you to preserve its quaint elegance and charm, so you’d rather put it in storage than expose it to the harshness of winter. But leaving your precious classic car on the road or in a garage for an extended period of time can lead to a dead battery – or worse, engine failure.
While it’s proven safe, effective and beneficial to store a car to prevent weather-related damage, owners still need to do a little more than just cover it up and leave it behind. The last thing you want is for rats and other rodents to take up residence in your car, and for it to look rusted and corroded when you pick it up after a long period of storage. Fortunately, there are many different ways you can make sure your car stays in good condition.
1. Deep Clean the Car Interiors
A deep clean is important because leaving dust and crumbs in your car can attract pests and leave an undesirable odor. Be sure to wash your car seats as well, as there could be food residue there. Also, make sure you do not leave anything important behind, such as personal documents, and check each compartment to make sure you have not left anything behind that could spoil during storage.
2. Wash and Wax the Car and Get it Detailed
Dust, dirt, and bird droppings, if left unwashed, can damage exterior paint and cause corrosion and that’s why a thorough cleaning of your car’s exterior is just as important. Include the wheel wells in your car wash to remove mud, grease, or tar. You can use a microfiber towel to dry them well, as no beads of water should be left behind. Applying a coat of wax can create a protective layer while your car is in storage.
3. Fill the Gas Tank and Change the Oil
If you need to store your car for more than a month, you should fill its gas tank at least 50 percent to keep the seals from drying out and prevent moisture from getting in and rusting the tank. If you need to store your car for more than 2 months, you should also add a stabilizer, as it will protect your fuel system and make the gasoline last longer. Also, do not forget to change the oil, as old oil in your classic car can also rust your engine.
4. Fill the Tires with Air & Elevate the Car on Jacks
Fill your tires up to the highest suggested PSI as tires of any vintage car are very costly to replace. It is also necessary to elevate your car during long-term storage as this will keep your tire from flat spotting. While in some instances, a flat spot can be fixed after driving your car for a while, the damage could also be permanent.
5. Protect the Engine
Rust can form in your engine block when a car is not used for a long period. You can prevent this by removing the spark plugs and later on spraying some oil into the cylinders.
6. Disconnect the Battery
A battery may still lose its charge if the car isn’t in use for a long time. So, it is important to simply disconnect the battery to ensure that it will work perfectly when you decide to use your car again.
7. Don’t Use the Parking Brake
Do not use the parking brake when storing your vehicle in a storage area. The brake pads and rotors can be damaged if they are in contact for an extended period of time. This goes against your habit, but you can use wheel chocks instead to keep your car in place.
8. Add a Body Cover and Wrap the Wipers
Avoid using plastic covers as they trap condensation and lead to rust. Instead, you can invest in a high-quality, breathable cover suitable to your vehicle size. It’s also important to make sure to wrap the wipers to prevent them from sticking to the windshield.
9. Consider the Humidity
Moisture is a cars’ invisible enemy, and it is often very late once you discover the damage it has caused to your car. While keeping your car in storage, you can put silica gel packs or a few boxes of baking soda to absorb the moisture in the interior of your car.
10. Choose the Right Storage Location and Size
A good storage location that’s easily accessible is always the most preferred so you can check up on your car. Annex Houston is right in the center of Houston, Texas to make retrieving your car convenient, any time you please.
We also offer different vehicle storage sizes that can safely store your classic car whatever its size. Contact us to explore your options.