Winter in Detroit, Michigan, and across many parts of the country has settled in or will be in short order. For classic car aficionados and vintage car owners, that likely means you will be putting your car into storage to protect it from the elements. The vintage vehicle professionals from Wrenchers LLC in Michigan offer these 7 tips for safely storing your vintage car in winter.
Putting your vehicle in storage for the winter months is not as simple as driving it into your garage and leaving it until the snow melts and spring arrives. Ask any classic car or hot rod owner and he or she will tell you that proper storage of the vehicle will protect your investment.
7 Tips For Safely Storing Your Vintage Car In Winter
- Change the oil and filter. Don’t put your car away with dirty oil. Change it to ensure there is clean oil for the off-season. This will also make the first spring drive quick and easy because the oil will already have been changed. Ensuring the oil and filter are changed before you store the car will reduce the possibility of contaminants in the engine.
- Cover it up. Even if you have a fully protected garage, putting a cover on your classic car protects the paintwork from any falling debris or dust during the off-season.
- If you don’t have a safe and secure garage in which to store your vintage car or hot rod, consider using a professional storage facility. Look for one that has security and that is accustomed to storing classic cars.
- Clean and dry storage space is crucial. Whether you’re using a professional storage space or your own garage, the space needs to be clean and dry. Humidity can damage the vehicle and lead to mold growth in the seats. Consider using a dehumidifier to protect the vehicle from moisture. Consider parking your car on a moisture barrier to protect the car’s undercarriage from moisture damage.
- Remove the battery. If you’re storing the vehicle for the winter months, remove the battery and store it safely away from the vehicle. If the vehicle is stored in a clean, dry space, you could consider leaving the battery in the car and using a trickle-charger throughout the off-season.
- Fill the gas tank because this will reduce the potential of fuel contamination and also reduce the risk of rust.
- Use a car lift. Invest in a two- or four-post car lift to keep your vehicle’s tires from contact with the floor during the off-season. Check the tire pressure because a tire that is improperly inflated can develop “flat spots” from being immobile for the winter season. Using car lifts and having properly inflated tires will take the pressure off the tires and protect your investment.
The time you take now to protect your classic or vintage vehicle or hot rod will protect your investment until you’re back on the open road in the spring!
At Wrenchers LLC, we are classic, antique and hot rod enthusiasts, and that shows in the craftsmanship of our vehicle restorations. Whether you choose a full frame-off, traditional restoration or custom work for your vehicle, our experienced restoration professionals listen to you and work on your vehicle with the same care they take with their own. When your keys are handed over and you slide behind the wheel after your car has been restored, you will be hitting the road in the vehicle of your dreams.