How to Keep Your Classic Car Safe & Sound During Winter
Classic cars are works of art. They’re gorgeous to look at and even more satisfying to use. When properly maintained, they become true masterpieces that will bring you joy for years to come. As such, they not only need but deserve the best care and protection.
One of the major steps toward this goal is finding out more about how to keep your vintage automobile safe. That’s exactly what this guide is for! It will give you the basics of collectible vehicle preservation, whether you’re using your own garage in SoCal, professional classic car storage, or storing your car outdoors.
How to protect a classic car?
At first, keeping a vintage ride in tiptop shape may seem like a daunting task. After all, you need to pay attention to every little detail to preserve both its looks and functionality. For the most part, this implies protecting it from harmful external and internal influences. This is especially the case when you're storing your collectible vehicle for a prolonged period.
You can achieve this by following these guidelines:
Have experts perform a regular checkup. It’s the best way to ensure the well-being of your classic car;
Fill it up and treat the fuel to avoid condensation in the fuel tank;
Clean and detail the car before storing it. Don’t forget to condition and treat vinyl and leather parts;
Once in storage, consider using car jacks to raise your vehicle. It will relieve the pressure on tires, making them last longer.
Admittedly, this list does look intimidating. But once you make it a routine you won’t have too much trouble going through it.
Should I cover my classic car?
Of course! It’s another one on the long list of ways to keep your precious classic safe. Granted, car covers aren’t ideal and offer only minimal protection. However, when combined with the methods mentioned above, they provide another much-needed layer of security. And, when it comes to protecting your vintage ride, every little bit counts.
However, bear in mind that not just any old tarp will do. Your car cover must be made of breathable materials. Otherwise, it will trap the moisture, which can lead to a whole array of issues. Fortunately, car covers (both indoor and outdoor ones) are quite cheap, so they're an overall excellent investment.
Should I take the battery out of my car for winter storage?
It depends on whether you’re taking a passive or active approach to storing:
Passive method
This means you're leaving your collectible car in storage for the whole winter. In this case, taking the battery out is the right choice. Keep in mind that the battery will still lose charge, albeit more slowly. Therefore, if you want it ready to go when the spring comes, it’s a good idea to invest in a trickle charger.
Active method
This means you’re going to start your classic car periodically while in winter storage. In this instance, you can freely leave the battery in. However, choosing this option means you’ll have to take your vintage ride out at least once every two weeks. The best thing here is, it’s not just an excuse to take that scenic drive through Carbon Canyon again, it actually helps keep your car in top shape. Just make sure you're properly prepared for winter driving.
Ensure maximum protection for your vehicle with the top SoCal classic car storage service
Whether you’re a professional collector or a classic car enthusiast, preserving the integrity of your vehicle should be at the top of your priority list. Fortunately, there’s a simple, easy, and safe way to do it.
Here at Chimera Motors, we make it our mission to protect and provide the best care possible for your collectible car. From state-of-the-art storage facilities to detailing, repairs, and complete reworks, we have everything necessary to keep your ride in great shape. Contact us today and ensure your classic keeps bringing you joy for many years to come.
