How to Store Your Classic Car?
When it comes to car maintenance, what immediately springs to most people's minds is stuff like oil changes, light bulb replacement, cleaning and polishing, tire replacement, and so on. One element that's often overlooked is long-term classic car storage.
Unfortunately, we can't just leave our beloved vintage cars in any old garage or parking lot as we would a more modern vehicle. Doing so would rapidly ruin the expensive and painstakingly applied paint job, not to mention corrode or even crack the metal body.
Before you start googling to find out how much classic car storage in California costs, you should take the time to learn about the best oldtimer storage practices for people who lack the perfect garage conditions for classic car storage. Luckily for you, that's what we'll be focusing on in this article. Read on.
How can I store a car without a garage?
First let's get one thing straight: indoor storage is almost invariably better than outdoor storage. Of course, that doesn't mean you shouldn't be a classic car owner if you don't have a modern garage with humidity and temperature controls.
In fact, there are excellent ways to keep your vintage car safe during the long winter months, some of which are even better than having your own garage.
These methods include:
Car covers started as a cheap way to protect your car from dirt, bird droppings, and getting scratched by animals. Today, there are modern covers that include everything from complete coverage and extra layers of protection, to humidity and temperature controls. While some of these car covers cost a pretty penny, protecting your expensive restoration job is well worth the investment.
Drive-up storage units equipped with ambient temperature and humidity controls can be rented from some personal storage companies. If this service is available in your area, you can use it in lieu of a garage. Just make sure the storage unit can maintain 40-50% humidity and 70 degrees Fahrenheit at all times.
Professional car storage facilities offer the best outdoor and indoor vintage car storage conditions. In addition to this, they have seasoned auto technicians on their payroll who will regularly check on your vehicle to make sure everything is as it should be.
What's the best classic car cover?
It depends. First, ask yourself: will you be parking your car outside or in a garage? The answer to this question determines whether you're going to be looking at an indoor or outdoor car cover. Outdoor covers are designed to protect from the elements (rain, snow, harsh sunlight, pollen, etc.), whereas indoor covers need to shield the car from things like dust, mildew, and rot.
There's also vehicle usage to consider. If you drive your classic car every day, you should opt for a cover that's made of a lighter-weight material. On the other hand, long-term storage calls for a thicker material that can provide superior protection.
Finally, do you want a custom or universal-fit cover? Universal covers are more affordable, but custom-fit covers hug the contour of your classic car and make it more difficult for contaminants to get in. You must determine what your particular needs and budget are, and choose a car cover that best fits them.
What's the top classic car storage facility in California?
For classic car enthusiasts, the saddest time of the year is when we have to give up our joy-rides along the Capistrano Beach and put our cherished oldtimer into storage for the winter, if you do not decide to drive your car in wintertime.
Here at Chimera Motors, we can help ensure your vintage car gets through its storage period as safely as possible. As California's premier provider of seasonal vintage car storage services, we're superbly qualified to give your vehicle the care it deserves.
Why waste time searching the internet for "how much classic car storage near me costs", when you can pay us a visit today and have us answer all your questions in person? We can't wait to meet you.
