Posted on 13th Dec 2012
How to Store Your Classic Car Over the Winter
Here in Canada with the harsh winters most car enthusiasts and Classic car owners will be putting that cherished classic car to bed for a few months.
However for a car inactivity can be deteriorating just like us human beings we need to move to be at our best. Damage can occur from just sitting around and our classics are no exception.
Rubber can rot, upholstery can mildew, metal can rust, precision-fit internal engine parts can seize, wiring can short circuit, paint can blister, fiberglass can crack, chrome can pit, brakes can lock up, and batteries can go dead.
Some steps you can take before car bed time and to be ready for your Spring cruse are:-
Give your classic a good detailing. Wash all road grime and salts from the undercarriage as well as body parts. Give the entire car a good wax and don't buff off chromed surfaces until you're ready to remove the car from storage. Lubricate all rubber and vacuum and clean the upholstery; you don't want any hidden food crumbs that might entice critters.
Now you can cover up your classic car. The most important consideration when choosing a cover for your car's winter nap is selecting the right kind of fabric for your specific storage application. Cotton flannel fabrics breathe and allow air to circulate through them as well as being soft and easy on your cars paint and wax. Taking the right steps now could prevent untold misery in the spring.
The best place to leave a car is a dry, airy barn. Wood or brick garages are preferable to pre-cast concrete units, which tend to "sweat" in very cold conditions. Ideally, you should start the car at least once a month to move the oil around the engine and gearbox. You should also pump the clutch pedal occasionally to stop the friction plate sticking to the flywheel.
Modern fuels tend to go off very quickly so now is a great time to make sure you are using an oil additive like ZDD Plus Oil additive.