Owning a classic car is more than just a hobby—it’s a commitment. Whether it's the roar of a high-compression V8 or the smooth purr of a vintage inline-six, keeping your classic in top shape requires the right care.
From proper storage solutions to the best oils for long-term protection, here’s how to ensure your prized vehicle stays road-ready for years to come.
1. Choose the Right Oil for Storage Protection
Not all motor oils are created equal—especially when it comes to classic engines. Many vintage cars feature long-stroke, high-compression engines that require specialized oil to prevent internal wear, rust, and corrosion during storage.
That’s where Driven Racing Oil’s HR line comes in:
✅ HR Storage Oils – Specifically designed for long-term storage, these oils feature anti-corrosion additives that prevent rust from forming inside your engine, even during the winter months. Unlike conventional classic car oils, HR Storage Oil doesn’t require extra ZDDP additives—it’s engineered for classic engines from the start.
If your classic car sits for months at a time, HR Storage Oil is a must to ensure it fires up just as strong as when you parked it.
2. Protect Your Fuel System
When a classic car sits for too long, fuel can break down, leading to gum, varnish, and clogged carburetors. Ethanol-blended fuels make this even worse, attracting moisture and causing corrosion inside the fuel system.
To prevent this:
✅ Use Driven Racing Oil’s Storage Defender Gasoline Additive – This keeps fuel fresh and stable during long-term storage while protecting against moisture buildup.
✅ For Carbureted Classics, Add Driven Racing Oil’s Carb Defender – Ethanol wreaks havoc on old-school carburetors, floats, and seals. Carb Defender prevents varnish buildup and corrosion, ensuring your carb stays clean and fuel flows properly.
A clogged fuel system is one of the most common issues classic owners face—prevent it before it happens!
3. Store Your Classic Car the Right Way
Storage is one of the biggest factors in keeping a classic car in pristine condition. If left exposed to moisture and temperature fluctuations, rust and corrosion can set in—damaging both the body and engine internals.
Best Storage Practices:
✅ Park in a climate-controlled garage – Keeps humidity low and prevents moisture buildup.
✅ Use a breathable car cover – Prevents dust without trapping condensation inside.
✅ Flush & Protect Your Coolant System – Stale coolant can cause internal corrosion in radiators, heater cores, and water jackets. Driven Racing Oil’s Coolant System Protector prevents this, keeping your cooling system free from scale and rust.
4. Keep It Running—Even in the Off-Season
One of the worst things you can do to a classic car is let it sit too long without running.
When a vehicle sits for months:
❌ Oil drains away from vital surfaces, leading to dry starts.
❌ Fuel breaks down, clogging the carburetor or injectors.
❌ Tires develop flat spots, ruining ride quality.
❌ Batteries lose charge, forcing costly replacements.
How to Keep It Active:
✔️ Start and run the engine every few weeks to circulate fluids and keep seals lubricated.
✔️ Move the car slightly to avoid tire flat-spotting.
✔️ Take it for a short drive when weather allows—this keeps the brakes, fuel system, and suspension in working order.
5. Invest in Quality Replacement Parts
Even with the best maintenance, classic cars will need parts replaced over time. When that happens, using quality components makes all the difference in performance and longevity.
✅ Use OEM or high-quality reproduction parts to maintain the integrity and value of your car.
✅ Upgrade critical areas like brakes and suspension without compromising originality.
✅ Stick to period-correct maintenance fluids—Driven Racing Oil’s HR oils are engineered to match vintage engine metallurgy, ensuring proper protection.
The Bottom Line: Protect It Now, Enjoy It Longer
A classic car is more than just a vehicle—it’s a piece of history. Whether you drive it every weekend or store it for half the year, taking the right steps now ensures it stays in peak condition for decades to come.
🛠 Stock up on Driven Racing Oil’s HR Storage Oils, Carb Defender, Storage Defender Gasoline / Oil Additives, and Coolant System Protector to keep your classic car protected—no matter how long it sits.
Your car deserves the best care—give it the protection it needs!