Long-term storage is a frequent part of owning a classic car. Whether you’re heading away on vacation, in need of a place to store your classic car as you wait for exclusive parts to come in or are simply in need of a safe space to keep it when you’re not out for a ride, a storage unit is an excellent solution. However, since your classic car is a prized possession and one that has likely required a significant amount of your effort, time, and money, there are some things to consider before putting them into storage.
1. Choosing the Right Storage Facility
The most important step to storing your classic car is to choose the right storage facility. While there is no shortage of options, not all storage facilities are created equal, and you want to pick one that you can trust to keep your classic car safe. Some things to consider before selecting a storage unit is the storing conditions, the level of security and the location of the facility.
It’s also highly recommended to view the space your classic car will be kept in and to tour the facility as a whole, so you can have peace of mind.
2. Your Car’s Cleanliness
Once you have a storage facility in mind, preparing your classic car for storage is imperative. Even the slightest of amounts of dirt, debris, stains, splatters, and spots can wreak havoc on your car’s surfaces. So, a thorough clean of both the exterior and interior is vital to ensure quality storing conditions for your classic car.
3. The Fluids
When it comes to your classic car, you don’t want to risk creating expensive problems throughout the storing process. Having fluids sitting at a standstill for long periods of time can put the car’s performance at risk. So, it’s always a good idea to flush and replace all fluids – from your engine oil to your power steering, brake fluid, and anti-freeze.
On the opposite side of the spectrum, it’s recommended to fill the gas tank entirely prior to storage. This reduces the amount of water that can be absorbed by the gas during storage which drastically decreased the risk of damage while being stored.
4. Your Classic Car Cover
Now that your classic car is cleaned for storage, you want to ensure that you have a quality cover that will keep it that way during the storing process. While any car cover is better than no car cover, opting for a quality car cover that has been designed specifically for the make and model of your classic car is the best option.
However, refrain from using a waterproof cover if your classic car won’t be outdoors, as these types of covers have shown to trap moisture between the vehicle and the cover which can damage the paint job.
5. The Tires
The last significant step in preparing your classic car for storage is to make sure the air pressure in the tires is appropriate. Some people choose to slightly over-inflate the tires particularly if the car will be in storage for several months without being driven. This helps to prevent flat spots, but appropriate air pressure is enough.
To ensure your classic car remains in the same condition throughout the duration in which it is being stored, these are the top five things to consider.
However, if you intend on storing your vehicle for longer than a couple of months, additional steps are recommended, such as disconnecting the battery, removing the windshield wipers, coating the exterior with silicone spray, etc.
Fortunately, the hardest part – selecting the best storage facility for classic cars – is done for you. Speak with a BMS Moving & Storage specialist today to see what optimal storage conditions genuinely look like.
