Chances are good that you own a classic car for one of two reasons: it is either an investment or a treasure that you truly love. Both scenarios can play into how you store your vehicle, especially if you plan to park it for the off season or longer. Protecting your property involves more than just getting custom car covers; you should also take care of essential maintenance to make sure your car does not falter after long-term storage. These five tips can make storing your vintage vehicle a piece of cake and keep it in great shape until you are ready to take it out for a spin.
What To Do Before Storing Your Car
At the very minimum, fill your gas tank and change your oil and oil filter. This basic care may prevent moisture from settling in and causing rust and corrosion. It can also prevent other build-up from accumulating in your engine.
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Take time to thoroughly clean and wax your car as well. The more lingering dirt particles on the exterior of your vehicle, the more likely it is to cause stains or scratches, even if your 912 or 940 is kept under the best Porsche car cover. Do not forget about cleaning out the interior; leftover crumbs or paper can make a great snack or nest for pests looking for a spot to spend the winter.
How To Maintain a Classic Car in Storage
Now that you know the bare minimums, let’s look at a few more involved tips to keep your vintage baby happy while in storage. Take it a step further by adding a fuel stabilizer to keep your gas tank from rusting. Consider removing and storing spark plugs or lubricating cylinders so that your vehicle can start easily. Inspect your car for worn seals, replacing or caulking areas that need attention. Finally, remove the battery to keep it from corroding as it sits for who knows how long. You’ll be glad you went that extra mile when you take it out of storage.
Where To Store Your Vehicle
Ideally, you should keep your retro ride inside in a clean, dark, dry space. That can be a garage on your property or a storage unit specifically designed for classic cars. Either way, use a breathable car cover allow moisture to wick away from your vehicle. If inside storage is not available to you, invest in an inflatable classic car bubble storage solution to shield your car from the elements.
How To Protect the Tires
The last thing you want to worry about is flat spots on your tires after long-term storage, especially if they took a big search and a small fortune to purchase them. Add about 25% more air than usual to your tires, or, better yet, store your car on jacks or blocks to stop flat spotting or ground rot and give your suspension a rest.
These simple preventive measures can keep your classic car looking and running its best when you take it out of storage. With a little preparation up front, you can save yourself from a few headaches down the road.
