Steps You Should Take When Storing Your Vintage Car for the Season

Your vintage car is a thing of beauty, the purr under the hood and the sound of the engine make your heart race. It’s safe to say that it holds a very secure spot in your heart. When something is so important, you want to make sure you take the proper steps to preserve its’ value before storing it for the season. The following is a simple list of steps that will ensure your car is in as good condition when you drive it out of the self-storage unit as it was the day you drove it in. 

Increase Your Insurance Coverage

Antique cars require special insurance. Before storing your vehicle for a season or two, it’s in your best interest to review your current policy and make the necessary changes required for storage. Insurance companies typically offer several tiers of coverage, allowing you to choose what best fits your needs and your budget. Keep in mind that most storage facilities require proof of insurance before you can sign the lease for the unit. It’s always recommended to shop around to ensure you get the best coverage at the best price. 

Detail the Car

To preserve the condition of your classic car, both the interior and exterior, you want to have it detailed. Removing any dirt, salt,, or grime from the exterior body will keep the finish nice and shiny. It’s recommended to apply a wax coating before locking your car in a storage unit to preserve the integrity of the paint finish. This will protect the finish from marks, scuffs,, and scratches. Ensure that when the car is detailed, they oil the door hinges to prevent rust and if your car is a convertible, put the top on securely to prevent the fabric from shrinking. 

Prevent Tire Rot

Tires are manufactured with durable materials. They need special care to maintain their integrity before going into storage. You want to wash the tires with warm soapy water and leave the car in a sunny spot. This simple step will prevent tire rot. 

Replace all Belts & Fluids

Check all belts and fluids before parking your car in storage for the season. Replace whatever is necessary and keep your fluids full. This is also an excellent time to get an oil change and replace the filter. Check your tire pressure and adjust it to manufacturer recommendations. 

Fuel Up

Make sure to top off the gas tank before storing your vintage car for the season. This is an essential detail because most gasoline is ethanol-based and attracts moisture. This can lead to corrosion of your gas tank if it’s not full. If you will be storing your car over the winter months in a non-climate controlled environment, adding a fuel stabilizer is recommended. This will prevent the fuel from freezing and busting your fuel line, a costly repair. 

Cover the Tailpipe

It’s a good idea to stuff the tailpipe with a rag or steel wool to prevent insects and rodents from taking up residency in there. Just remember that you need to un-stuff the tailpipe when you take the car out of storage. Leave a note on the dashboard or tie a ribbon around the steering wheel to make sure you remember. 

Disconnect & Remove the Battery

The last thing you want is a dead battery when all you want to do is a cruise with the top down in your classic car. A good idea is to disconnect the battery so it won’t be depleting energy during storage. Another option is to use a battery tender. This will keep the battery life full while ensuring no battery acid leaks under the hood. 

At The Tymacc Group, we have storage facilities that can house your most prized possessions. Our facilities are state of the art, with climate control and more. Check out the amenities of our facilities today!