Antique & Classic Car Storage: How to Store a Car for Winter and More Great Tips
As a collector, you either spend years saving, searching for,
and restoring your dream car or, if you’re lucky enough, spending the cash for
a showroom-quality specimen. In either case, you’ll want to protect your
investment at all costs.
When it comes to a classic car’s storage,
your investment isn’t the only thing at play here.
Most collector car insurance policies have
specific guidelines and requirements for vehicle storage. Each insurance plan
is different, but you’re usually good to go if you store your car under one of
these scenarios.
If you own a home, chances are you also own a
reliable storage option for your antique car – your garage. Storing your
vehicle in a residential garage provides protection from the elements, and at
least some degree of protection against moisture fluctuation as well. Plus,
garage storage ensures that car lovers are never far from their precious
ride.
Dedicated storage facilities are certainly
one of the safest ways to store your cars for the harsh Maine winters, but
there are a few caveats that come with this as well.
24-7 camera surveillance. Safe and secure
from the elements—including rodents, provides
you with the peace of mind that your car is safe from mold and rust.
On the downside, the rental costs for a
professional facility add up over time.
Arguably the best collector car off-premise storage
option, a private building is another insurer-approved solution. You could
store your car in a building on or off your property, and the benefits of this
type of storage will vary depending on the type of building.
A detached garage or barn are popular
options, with a detached garage typically providing the most protection.
Carports can provide protection against the sun and snow, but not against all
elements like moisture fluctuation, so they’re a less desirable solution for
collectible car storage.
We’ve been sharing your passion and
excitement for antique cars since the hobby first captivated us over 40 years
ago. As devoted and knowledgeable car lovers who appreciate details, here
are our best tips for storing your collector car.
This tip is especially good advice for when
we need to winterize our cars. Keeping a full tank reduces the chances of rust
or fuel contamination. If you’re storing your car for an extended period, be
sure to add fuel stabilizer and let the engine run for a good 15 to 20 minutes
to ensure that it circulates through the engine.
Remember to change your car’s oil and filter
before storing it for the winter. By doing so, you can reduce the chance of
contaminants degrading the engine over the winter. Plus, it ensures you’re
ready to go in the spring.
Using a moisture barrier can help prevent
moisture from the floor contributing to rust, mold, and rot in a vehicle’s undercarriage.
You can do this by placing a large plastic sheet between your storage unit or
garage’s concrete floor and the vehicle’s underside.
Have you considered a car lift for your
garage? 2 and 4-post lifts are quite affordable these days, and allow those
with high ceilings to be able to utilize that extra space for car storage. Some
modifications to your current garage door track may be necessary, but a simple
solution like a Jackshaft door opener is an easy option for most.
And for those who live in flood-prone areas,
the added benefit of a car lift may save your classic car from rising waters.
When storing for the season, always make sure to remove the car’s battery, starting with the negative terminal. Store the battery somewhere safe, dry, and off the floor.
When the good weather comes back
around, you’ll be ready to hop in and hit
the road in no time! Click here for additional information.
