Classic cars are the pride and joy of many owners. You might own a pre-war beauty, a muscle car from the 60s, or a classic vintage hot rod! No matter what type of classic car you have, you want to keep it beautiful and maintain its value. Storing your car when you’re not using it is a great way to prolong its visual appeal since it’s likely to have its fair share of downtime.
Driven Racing Oil wants your car looking its best, so we’re here to guide you on preparing your classic car for storage. Everything you need to know about keeping the interior and exterior looking and working its best is available right here!
Inspect and Clean the Entire Car Thoroughly
The first thing you should do before storing your car is give it a thorough inspection and cleaning. Whether you’re storing it for a brief period or many months, this is the perfect time to make sure everything looks good.
Leftover dirt, dust, or residue can corrode the frame or damage the paint job over time. Give it a gentle wash with a classic car cleaner that won’t damage the paint. After washing, dry your car to prevent water spots and rust. We recommend using a microfiber towel to avoid scratching the paint.
You can also use this time to add wax or sealer in order to protect the car’s exterior while it’s in storage. Treat the chrome surfaces with a suitable polish to maintain their shine and prevent tarnishing.
Lastly, this is a good time to check for leaks, loose components, or damage that might worsen in storage. The more potential issues you address before putting your car into storage, the fewer headaches you’ll have to deal with when you take it out.
Top Off and Treat the Fuel Tank
A common mistake that people make is leaving classic cars in storage with an empty or partially filled tank. It may develop rust or corrode on the inside of the tank. Filling your car up with gas before putting it into storage reduces the amount of air in the gas tank, which lowers the chance of condensation. Fill up the tank before you put it into storage.
It’s also a good idea to add a fuel stabilizer to prevent the fuel from deteriorating over time—a process that can produce a gummy residue and harm the engine. After adding the stabilizer, run the engine for a few minutes to give it a chance to circulate throughout the system.
Change the Oil and Other Fluids
Even if your vehicle doesn’t need an oil change at this time, replacing the oil and filter is a good idea before putting the car into storage. Old oil runs the risk of contaminants that can damage your car during long periods of inactivity. Classic car motor oil limits the potential for engine damage.
It’s not a bad idea to top off other fluids—coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield wiper fluid—to reduce the risk of corrosion or damage.
Protect the Tires From Flat Spots
Leaving your vehicle in a single spot for a long time may lead to flat spots in the tires. We recommend checking the air pressure and inflating the tires to the suggested pressure or slightly higher since they will likely lose air in storage.
If you’re really worried about your classic car’s tires, you can invest in tire cradles or periodically move the car to prevent uneven wear. Some classic car owners put the car on jack stands to remove all pressure from the tires and suspension during long-term storage.
Disconnect and Maintain the Battery
Another way to prepare your classic car for storage is to disconnect the battery before. Car batteries naturally discharge, more so if you leave them connected to the electrical system. Safely disconnecting the battery prevents drainage while in storage.
You should store the battery in a cool, dry place with good ventilation underneath it. Don’t just leave it on the floor! You can keep some charge by investing in a battery maintainer. This device gives it a controlled boost when not in use.
Lubricate Moving Parts
The longer your car remains in storage, the more likely that moving parts—hinges, locks, and latches—can stiffen from lack of use. You can prevent this issue by applying a light coat of lubricant to these parts before putting the car into storage. You should use products that are intended for automotive use, as other products can attract dust or cause buildup.
Pay special attention to rubber seals around windows, doors, and the trunk. Use a silicone-based rubber conditioner to keep them supple and prevent cracking while storing your vehicle. Weatherstripping benefits greatly from lubrication.
Protect the Exterior With a Cover
Obviously, you want to keep your car in a safe environment, but you can go one step further to protect it from dust and scratches with a car cover. Make sure you’re using one that works for your car model, as a well-fitting cover provides better protection than a generic cover or a tarp.
Many car covers consist of breathable materials to prevent moisture buildup. If you’re keeping your car outside, make sure you have a weatherproof cover with UV resistance that will shield your car from the elements.
Store in a Climate-Controlled Environment
Store your car in a safe location. A climate-controlled garage or storage facility is your best option because it keeps your vehicle safe from temperature fluctuations and humidity changes.
If you don’t have access to a climate-controlled area, you can still protect your vehicle by storing it in an area with a dehumidifier and by placing some moisture absorbing packs inside the car. You should avoid storing your car on damp surfaces, such as grass or dirt, as doing this can lead to rust. A garage mat or tarp under the vehicle can act as an additional barrier against moisture.
Discover how Driven Racing Oil can take care of your vintage vehicle with our specially formulated classic car motor oil. Our oils offer maximum protection and performance to keep your vehicle in good shape even throughout storage periods. Preserve the legacy of your classic car with Driven Racing Oil today!