Car Storage Essentials: How to Safely Store Your Classic Car
Whether you're a seasoned hot rod aficionado, or a brand new muscle car owner who's yet to complete their first restoration, you've probably already invested a lot of money and work into your beloved oldtimer. The last thing you want is for it to get all rusty and faded during winter.
Needless to say, properly storing your oldtimer is absolutely crucial when it comes to ensuring its longevity. If you don't have a garage, consider investing in a top-notch car cover or using a classic car storage facility in Orange County. This goes double if your classic car is a rare model, or if it's declared historic.
Read on to learn more about how to effectively store your classic car.
How can I store a car without a garage?
Broadly speaking, there are three ways you can keep a classic car safe from the elements if you don't have a garage of your own. As always, which method you opt for depends entirely on your budget and your particular needs.
The three ways to store a classic car without a garage are:
Get a car cover. There are high quality inflatable car covers on the market that are designed to completely cover a vehicle. Some models even have in-built humidity and temperature controls. Just keep in mind that, while top-notch covers can provide great protection, they can be quite costly and still won't be better than indoor storage.
Rent a storage unit. Drive-up storage units can sometimes serve in lieu of a garage. If possible, choose for a storage unit that has a way to control the ambient temperature and humidity (around 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 40-50% humidity is ideal).
Let the pros look after your car. State-of-the-art car storage facilities in Orange County are equipped with dedicated indoor and outdoor classic car storage areas that are watched over by seasoned technicians. This is by far the safest and best way to store your oldtimer.
How do I prepare my car for long term storage?
Motor vehicles are complicated machines that contain many moving parts that can be affected by normal wear and tear even when the vehicle isn't being used. Luckily, you can minimize the damage to your car by thoroughly prepping it for storage.
Prepare your classic car for long-term storage by doing the following:
Protect the wheels and tires by filling them with air and using jacks to raise them off the floor. This will keep your suspension and your tires healthy.
Leave the handbrake off. Handbrakes can sometimes seize during months of inaction, so remember to leave yours down.
Prevent corrosion by carefully cleaning, polishing, and waxing your muscle car. This protects the paint and the metal, and also removes dirt and organic matter (ie., bird droppings or squashed insects).
Oil and fuel need to be prepped for storage too. Add fuel stabilizer and let the engine run for some time to let it flush through the entire system. Don't forget to refill the oil.
Disconnect or take out the battery. This will keep the battery from completely discharging during storage.
What's the top classic car storage facility in Orange County?
Despite their powerful appearance, classic cars simply aren't as durable as their modern cousins. Even a dry, sunny place like the Sunset Beach can cause a classic car's paint to fade or its leather seats to crack over time.
Chimera Motors is here to help. As Orange County's most trusted provider of classic car restoration, painting, and storage, we have the skills and the equipment necessary to attend to your cherished oldtimer's every need. Get in touch with us today.
