Not all cars like to be and about in the cold winter chill, some are much happier being safely tucked up in the comfort of your garage – but even this process takes a little consideration, so we thought that you might appreciate a few hints and tips on how to store your classic car in the garage over winter.
Firstly, sort out the garage itself.
Make sure there are no leaks. Remember to keep a check on this throughout the season, as new leaks can be a nasty surprise after heavy rain fall.
Even if the garage seems to be leak-free, it might also be damp due to its nature or lack of heating. If you think that this might be the case then you could put in some sort of dehumidifier. For example, I found the “Pingi Rechargeable Dehumidifier Drying Bag & moisture trap” on Amazon, which has good product reviews. You could also be doubly careful by heating the garage from time to time during the cold weather.
One final thing about your garage, you might have damp carpet on the floor? You know the kind of thing, it”s been there for that long that you don”t even notice it anymore. Anyway, do yourself a favour and throw it away. It”s a good source of damp, and not a good companion to your classic car during the winter months!
The second important step is to minimise all potential sources of damp. This includes making sure that you brush off any mud which may be under the car. Ideally, jack the car up and remove the wheels in order to really give the arches a good clean. You should also check that the sealing around the sunroof is in good condition.
Thirdly, and most obviously, you should give the car a thorough clean – both inside and out. As far as possible this should be followed by a wax polish for extra shine and protection whilst it”s away for a few months.
Even though your classic car will be in a garage, it will still need covering. This is to protect it from dust and debris and keep the paintwork in good condition making the most of that layer of wax. I”d recommend you buy a good breathable cover with a soft inner lining to protect the paint from scratching. There are lots of place to buy car covers online, however, don”t overlook Halfords as they have some good quality covers in stock at the moment at competitive prices.
Fourthly, open the bonnet.
Give that a good clean too. It”s a good idea to change the oil, and also drain the cooling system. Then add the correct quantity of anti-freeze and water. Empty petrol tanks are known to cause condensation, so leave the tank half-filled whilst the car is off the road. You could also add a little grease to prevent corrosion to the brake and fuel pipes.
Lastly, don”t overlook the interior.
If your classic is leather, then apply some hide food to the leather. Also add a little lubricant to door hinges. If you are confident that there is no threat of humidity, you could consider covering the seats with dust covers. If not, keep them uncovered.
If you put your car into storage during the cold weather, without having taken the time to give it a little TLC, then you might find that you have done more harm than had you chosen to drive it through the winter months.
Nobody wants an unexpected repair bill come springtime, so try to find prepare for storage.
If you have ideas than these, or some unusual tips, please get in touch.
EMMA JONES
This article was written and published by Emma Jones. Emma works for Trade Classics as an in-house journalist and copywriter and has many years” experience in the classic car sector. Why not write a reply on this article below – she”d love to hear your thoughts on her thoughts!Also, don”t forget to check out the classic cars for sale here on Trade Classics.Google
Categories: Classic Car Blog, Classic Car Debates
