Vehicle Storage Mistakes Classic Car Owners Make

Owning a classic car is a great source of pride and enjoyment for car enthusiasts. However, it also comes with the responsibility of storage and maintenance to keep the vehicle in tip-top shape. Sadly, many car owners make mistakes when storing their classic cars, leading to wear and potential damage. We’ve compiled some common vehicle storage mistakes classic car owners make and added a few tips for putting a hot rod into long-term storage.

Not Cleaning Before Storing

Before storing your classic car for an extended period, you should clean it inside and out. Dirt and grime left on the paint job or upholstery can cause damage as it sits. Food remnants can attract rodents, which could chew on wiring. We suggest professional detail services for your vehicle before tucking it away for a long time.

Forgoing a Fuel Stabilizer

Fuel left in the tank for a prolonged period can damage your classic vehicle. However, adding a fuel stabilizer can prevent this issue, keeping your car ready to roll when you take it out of storage. You can find fuel stabilizers at practically any auto parts store, and it’s easy to add them to your car’s fuel tank yourself.

Neglecting Tire Maintenance

A car’s tires typically deflate in storage. Flat spots can occur when a vehicle is stored on its tires for extended periods. Inflating the tires to the correct pressure and occasionally rolling the vehicle are good practices to prevent flat spots and ensure the tires stay in good condition.

Ignoring the Importance of Climate Control

While you may have space in your garage, storage shed, or barn, you’ll want something more sophisticated for your classic car. Humidity and temperature fluctuations can wreak havoc on your classic car, leading to rust accumulation, mold growth, and brittle components. Storing your car in a climate-controlled unit can protect it from such damage.

Skipping a Thorough Inspection

Your car should go into storage in tip-top shape so any minor problems don’t worsen while it sits idly for months or years. Before putting your classic car into storage, conduct a thorough inspection to identify any issues. Addressing problems now will prevent them from worsening later. Plus, you can save money on repair costs.

Forgetting Rodent Repellents

A classic car owner’s worst nightmare is a rat or another pest getting into their classic car and making it their home. Rodents can chew on wiring and other components, causing significant damage to the vehicle. Place rodent repellents in and around your storage space, and plug the exhaust pipe to keep these troublemakers away.

Performing Improper Fluid Maintenance

If you put your car into storage with low fluid, the remnants can quickly dry up and cause long-term damage. Checking and changing fluids is crucial to preserving the condition of your classic car’s engine. Failing to change these fluids, such as engine oil and coolant, before storage can lead to corrosion of engine components.

Neglecting the Battery

A common mistake is forgetting to disconnect or remove the battery, which can cause it to drain and potentially damage the vehicle's electrical system. Avoid this headache by disconnecting or removing your car’s battery before storage.

Overlooking Security Measures

Remember that your classic car is valuable. As with any of your assets, you want to protect your car from thieves. Classic cars are at risk of theft and vandalism, so ensure your storage facility of choice has reliable security measures, such as gated access and surveillance cameras.

Failing To Cover the Vehicle

Keeping a quality cover on your vintage vehicle as it sits in storage is simple but important. A good-quality car cover protects your vehicle from damage related to accumulated dust. Choosing the right cover for your classic car is an invaluable investment in its long-term care.

Tips for Storing Your Classic Car Long-Term

Now that we've discussed some , we’ll offer some tips on what owners should do when putting their vintage vehicles away for a long period.

Store in a Dry and Clean Area

Choose a storage space that is dry, clean, and free of clutter. Avoid storing your classic car near potential hazards, such as water sources or chemicals.

Choose the Right Storage Facility

Putting your car in a storage facility may be more expensive than storing it in your garage, but the price is worth the advantages. You can find storage facilities specifically for classic cars with staff who know precisely what these fragile vehicles need. These facilities usually offer climate control, security personnel, and other specialized services to meet your storage needs.

Create a Maintenance Checklist

There’s a lot to remember when storing a classic car, so make it easier on yourself with a handy checklist. Create and follow a thorough maintenance list before storing your classic car. This list should include cleaning, fluid changes, tire checks, and other essential tasks to prepare your ride for storage.

Invest in a Battery Tender

A battery tender can keep the cell functional while the vehicle sits in storage. This device maintains the battery’s charge while the vehicle is not in use. It's a great investment to prevent dead batteries and avoid potential damage to your car's electrical system.

Elevate the Vehicle and Remove the Tires

Remember that long-term storage can be damaging to tires. If you won’t be around every couple of weeks to drive the vehicle and smooth out the tires, it’s best to elevate the vehicle and remove the tires altogether. That way, they won’t flatten because they are not supporting the weight of the vehicle!

Find Your Next Classic at Ideal Classic Cars

As you can see, proper storage of your classic car is crucial to its preservation. By avoiding common storage mistakes and following our tips, you can keep your investment pristine for years!

If you’re interested in adding to your collection, check out Ideal Classic Cars. We are one of the premier classic car dealers in Florida, with a wide selection of antique and vintage vehicles from every era. Browse our inventory online, or stop by our showroom today!