Storing Your Classic Cars

By Hanna Nilson

Used classic cars make for a great hobby, collection or even just for showing off. Whatever your forte may be; it always helps to know how to care for your used classic car, especially when preparing it for storage.

Depending on where you live, classic car registration policies may be more or less lenient when it comes to driving your car on public roads. Granted, used classic cars make great spectacles for classic car shows and parades, they’re not the most efficient means for day-to-day transportation. For example, if you register your used classic car in a state which has more strict driving policies; you may find yourself having to keep your classic car in storage for longer periods of time.

Here are some tips and guidelines for storing your used classic cars:

1)      For car collectors who live in naturally dry areas may find it easier to handle the maintenance of their classic car value because this climate allows for a lesser chance of rusting and car body corrosion. In any other case, it is important to keep your cars well stored and protected from damp conditions or harsh weather.

2)      Similarly, by washing and waxing your used classic car, you can help to keep the body looking better over time. Be sure to do this early in the day to give it plenty of time to completely dry before putting it gets stored. Also, don't forget to clean the interior!

3)      Engine rusting is one of the worst things that could happen while your classic used car is in storage. To prevent the engine from rusting, use a lubricant such as Wd40. Any type of wax oil could be a substitute for the Wd40, but you may have to wash this off during the warmer seasons. 

4)      Also, if you fill your car’s gas tank, it will reduce the rate at which the gasoline will be diluted or dries-up into varnish. Remember to run the car for a few minutes in order to fill the entire fuel system.

5)      Dirty oil is contaminated with acids and water that can cause your used classic car’s axle bearing to prematurely fail and/or rust. So, change the oil! Furthermore, if you plan on storing your classic used car for an extra long time, remove the sparkplugs. You may also want to spray some cylinder lubricant into the cylinders before replacing the plugs. Doing this will help to stop the piston rings from rusting to the cylinder walls.

6)      If your used classic car is a convertible; leave the top up and the windows and vents closed because if you leave the top down, creases to form in the fabric. If you’re going to cover the car, use cloth as opposed to plastic. You may also want to use come covering under the car in order to prevent condensation from reaching the bottom of your car.

7)      Before locking it up, take the car on a good 30 minute run. This will evaporate all the moisture in the exhaust and in the engine. Then park the car with the hand brake off. You cab use wheel chocks if you’re afraid it might role.

8)      As the car is parked for a long period of time, even the slightest strain in the tires can lead to deflating. By over-inflating the tires before moving your used classic car(s) to storage, you can prevent the tires from deflation and flat spots.

9)      Lastly, disconnect the car battery in favor of putting the car to sleep. An active battery can be hazardous to your stored car as well as use up unnecessary energy. So, kill the battery to completely set your car in hibernation mode.

Once your car has been successfully stored, don’t forget to pay it an occasional visit. One of the best things you can do to keep your used classic car looking and driving great, is taking it out for an occasional drive. It’s recommended that you drive your car once every 2-3 months.


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