With the winter season in full effect, classic car enthusiasts are facing the annual dilemma of storing their cherished vehicles. For those in Connecticut, where harsh winters are commonplace, ensuring proper storage is essential to preserve these automotive treasures. At Innovative Restorations, we understand the importance of safeguarding these pieces of history. Here are some winterizing tips and long-term storage guidelines to help protect your classic car investment, along with strategies for pest prevention.

Winterizing Tips:

  1. Clean and Detail: Before storing your classic car, give it a thorough wash and wax. Cleaning the exterior removes dirt and grime that can cause corrosion over time. Additionally, detailing the interior safeguards against moisture buildup and prevents mold or mildew growth.
  2. Fluid Check: Ensure all fluids – including oil, coolant, brake fluid, and fuel stabilizer – are at appropriate levels. Fresh oil and coolant help prevent corrosion and maintain engine integrity during storage, while a fuel stabilizer prevents fuel degradation and carburetor issues.
  3. Tire Maintenance: Inflate tires to the recommended pressure to prevent flat spots. Consider placing the vehicle on jack stands to relieve pressure from the tires and preserve their shape.
  4. Battery Care: Disconnect the battery or use a trickle charger to maintain its charge throughout storage. This prevents battery drain and extends its lifespan.

Long-Term Storage Guidelines:

  1. Choose a Climate-Controlled Environment: Opt for indoor storage in a climate-controlled facility to protect against extreme temperature fluctuations. Stable temperature and humidity levels help prevent rust, corrosion, and deterioration of rubber components.
  2. Elevate the Car: Place the vehicle on blocks or jack stands to relieve pressure from the suspension components and prevent tire flat spots.
  3. Cover Up: Use a breathable, soft car cover to shield the vehicle from dust and debris while allowing airflow to prevent moisture buildup.
  4. Regular Checkups: Schedule periodic inspections to monitor the condition of the car. Address any issues promptly to prevent minor problems from escalating into costly repairs.

Pest Prevention in Storage:

  1. Seal Entry Points: Inspect the storage area for potential entry points such as gaps in doors or windows. Seal any openings with weather stripping or caulk to prevent pests from entering.
  2. Use Pest Deterrents: Place mothballs, cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil, or commercial pest deterrents around the vehicle to discourage rodents and insects.
  3. Keep it Clean: Remove any food crumbs or debris from the car and surrounding area to eliminate attractants for pests.

5 Winter Storage Tips for Your Classic Car

1. Choose a Storage Location With A Concrete Floor

 

While some people may advocate the use of storage facilities, there is nothing wrong with keeping your car in your home garage. After all, If you have space, then by all means, use it.

A concrete surface is preferable because it keeps moisture away, but if you have a dirt floor, then don’t worry, you can make that work: just put a plastic barrier under the vehicle and place carpet pieces or plywood under the tires.   

 2. Change The Oil, Top Off Fluids & Add Fuel Stabilizer

Unless you just changed your engine oil, do yourself (and your car) a favor and make this a top priority. Give your car fresh oil and change the oil filter. Changing the oil will reduce the risk of harmful contaminants from getting into your engine, so don’t skip this step.

In addition, be sure to check your coolant levels. Even if it’s just “a little” below the mark, bring it up for good measure.

After adding coolant, fill your gas tank and add a fuel stabilizer like STA-BIL. A full tank means less room for air, which in turn means less moisture. Fuel stabilizers keep fuel fresh by removing water, which prevents corrosion.

3. Avoid Flat Tire Spots By Elevating Your Car With Jack Stands

Lower your tire pressure to 25 psi, and raise your classic car with jack stands. For added safety and security, place the jack itself in the middle of the two stands. This way, if the jack stands ever give out, you can rest easy knowing that the jack will be there to offer extra support.

4. Seal The Tailpipe & Exhaust Pipe To Keep Animals Out

Pests and critters are sneaky. If there’s an opening, they’ll find their way in, but they’re not so good at finding their way out. If an animal successfully lodges itself inside your exhaust pipe, it can cause some serious issues for you come springtime.

Avoid this headache by placing a ball of steel wool inside all pipe openings. As an added precaution, sprinkle moth balls around the outside perimeter of the car.

5. Disconnect The Battery & Keep It Charged

It’s not always necessary to disconnect your car’s battery during winterization, but doing so will allow you to keep it protected indoors. Remember that your battery will not stay charged all winter without your help. To ensure that it will be ready to go come springtime, keep it charged with a battery maintainer.

By following these winterizing tips, long-term storage guidelines, and pest prevention strategies, classic car owners can ensure their vehicles remain in pristine condition year-round.