Proper Winter Storage For Your Classic Car

Before you know it, a crisp autumn breeze will remind you that winter's chill is on its way. As homeowners, we'll take steps to put away outdoor lawn furniture, remove the garden hose from the outdoor faucet, and close down the pool for the season. But some feel that since their classic car is sitting in a garage it's safe and sound and completely protected. The fact that your pride and joy may not see road use for about 4-5 months can be just as damaging as redlining! Below are some tips and proven ideas that will keep your classic from the icy grip of winter’s hand and help to keep if fresh for the spring thaw.

1. Clean And Wax the Finish - We know that your car's finish is perfect right, but, in case you didn't get your classic properly waxed during the summer cruising months, now is the time to get it done before the temperature drops below freezing. Remember, corrosion's horrible recipe: mix 1 part moisture, with 1 part air, with 1 part dirt. Combined, the results are rust! Spend a little time now to save a lot of time and money later.
   
   • Always wash you car first to remove any dirt and foreign particles with an automotive specific car wash and only use a microfiber towel to dry. Use of things like chamois or terry cloth with put fine scratches in your paint and finish. Next apply a thorough coat of wax to all painted and chrome surfaces. Use a carnauba not only because of the ease of use but because it will not smear or streak on your chrome or aluminum. Also in the event you miss taking it off of some spots it will still be easy to remove in spring and you won’t need a chisel like other brands. Also remember, as outdoor temps fluctuate, your car's surface will "sweat" with moisture from condensing air collecting on your vehicle's surface. It's best to protect that surface with a high quality wax
   • Don’t forget to bring all waxes and cleaners inside the house for the winter regardless of brand. If any does happen to freeze throw it away. The freezing and thawing process can change the chemical composition of the wax and that could spell trouble for your paint and finish. Also, you will want to place a large strip of rubber matting or indoor/outdoor carpet under your vehicle to keep evaporating moisture from your garage floor collecting on your classic's undercarriage, causing corrosion to begin.
   • While you are at it, pay some attention to your vehicle's interior and tires. Solvent-based dressings actually repel water and moisture and this can help prevent dry rotting of tires and cracking of interior surfaces.
   • Also, vacuum and remove anything that you don't want sitting in your vehicle for the long term. A misplaced ballpoint pen, for example, may freeze, and leak ink all over your precious interior. A word to the wise - if you can remove it, do so! 
2. Check Your Coolant Level - I had a friend who didn't properly fill his classic's radiator with the adequate mix of coolant, and the wrong mix of water to coolant ratio caused the water to expand when the temperature dropped. The result? A block of ice blew out the radiator seals! When the ice melted there was quite a mess. Make sure to correctly mix and fill your radiator with the proper coolant. If it has been awhile, you may want to invest in a complete cooling system flush-n-fill process, to ensure the job is done right. 
3. Check Your Oil Level - Some will tell you to replace the oil and filter upon storage and then once again in the spring when you take your classic out of storage. I just make sure all fluid levels are correct, and change the oil and filter in the spring. Either way, just make sure the fluid levels are correct.
4. Prepare Your Fuel System - Keep the fuel fresh. When gasoline sits, it can break down and form gum and varnish, which will clog a fuel system. Add a fuel stabilizer to your gas tank and run the engine for a few minutes to allow the agent to mix in with your fuel system lines. What's more, any moisture left in the fuel system can cause rust.  Make sure that your tank is full of fuel before any storage. Air space within a gas tank allows for air to collect and condensate within the tank, causing rust.
5. Varmint Proof The Area - You can't allow any critters that make their way into your storage area to make your classic its home for the Winter! Seal up any drafty doors or windows, and place some rodent control devices throughout the area. Remember, mice run in straight lines along wall edges, so a few well placed traps around the perimeter of your classic will help deter any unwelcome guests. We've all heard the horror stories of chewed wiring and a dead mouse in the vent system! I'll usually cover the exhaust tips with a thick sweat sock to help protect the chrome finish and block any openings for critters to gain access
6. Remove Or Disconnect The Battery - Since your classic is sitting idle, remove the vehicle battery and if you have one place it on a trickle charger. Also, if you are thinking of storing the battery on the garage floor - don’t! Place a wood board between the battery and the concrete. Temperature fluctuations in the concrete will rob the battery and cause premature wear. The board acts as an "insulator" between the concrete and the battery. While you are at it, clean off any corrosion from the battery terminals on both the battery and in your classic. 
7. Up Off The Floor We Go - Place the vehicle on four heavy-duty jack stands and make sure you put some padding between the stands and the cars frame. Putting the car on jack stands will relieve spring tension, and in some cases where you may run bias-ply tire, will keep your classic's tires from flat spotting while resting in one spot all winter. If you run radials, this isn't a concern, but if you run bias tires, you'll hear a "whump-whump" noise of flat spotted bias tires come spring if you don't. Make sure to place the jack stands on a secure lifting point, especially for heavy classics. Otherwise, you'll bend or possibly break parts, and we don't want that.
8. Wrap It Up - Invest in a quality breathable car cover. Don't rely on a plastic tarp, as they do not allow rising moist air to pass through. In fact, plastic tarps will promote corrosion! A breathable cover allows the air to pass through, but keep dust and moisture off your classic's finish. By removing moisture, dust and air no corrosive deterioration begins to occur during storage.

By taking the steps mentioned, your pride and joy will retain its classic appearance for years to come. There are additional steps you may need to take for storage longer than 6-8 months, like backing off valve springs and other internal engine precautions, but the above-mentioned steps ensure safe winter hibernation for your classic!

Have questions about proper winter storage or proper vehicle paint and finish care? Email Mike at info@signorellodist.com or call Signorello Distribution Authorized Distributors of Jax Wax Products at (586) 405-9916.

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