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How to store your Classic car for winter
January 27, 2020
Our top tips for putting your car into storage.
Summer in New Zealand is a fantastic time of year. Not just because the sun is shining and kiwis across the country are able to get their fix of holiday road trips and cooking every meal on the BBQ. Summer also also allows the classic car enthusiasts to get their cars out of storage and bring them back to life. New Zealand possibly has the largest number of 'classic' vehicles per capita in the world with hundreds of car clubs and festival taking place all across the country.
As we come to the tail end of summer we wanted to bring you some top tips for 'winteriszing' your car.
Before storage
- Select a dry, dark location for storage — preferably with limited access. Concrete flooring is best at keeping away moisture. Getting yourself a self storage unit is a great option! If you don't have the garage space at home then Belfast Self Storage can offer a clean dry secure alternative.
- If you must store your car on a dirt floor, place a plastic barrier under the vehicle, and place carpet pieces or plywood under the tires.
- Give the vehicle a good wash/wax. Putting on and removing a vehicle cover will lead to unwanted scratches if the car is dirty.
- Fill the fuel tank (preferably with premium) and add fuel stabiliser. Be sure to run the vehicle to move fuel stabiliser into the carburettor, fuel rails, injectors, etc. The fuller the tank, the less room there will be for air, which carries moisture that can lead to fuel contamination and possibly rust within the tank.
- Change the oil and filter right before putting away the vehicle. The clean oil will reduce the risk of harmful contaminants working away at your engine during hibernation — and you’ll be ready to go in spring.
- Check the antifreeze.
- Add air to the tires.
- If you're storing your car somewhere other than your home, some insurance companies require you to report the address of the offsite location. You should check with your insurer to determine your policy's requirements.
During storage
- Place baking soda refrigerator packages in the interior and trunk areas.
- To keep insects and vermin out of the car, put a plastic bag over the air cleaner/air inlet and exhaust pipe(s). You also can cover these with foil and tape securely.
- Place mothballs in the tailpipe and around the outside of the car, or insert steel wool in the tailpipe.
- Place the vehicle on jack stands. This step avoids tire flat spots and adds longevity to the suspension because it is not supporting the vehicle’s weight during storage.
- For your battery, take one of the following actions: Unhook the battery by removing the negative cable first and store it separately — never on a concrete floor and preferably where it will not freeze; or leave the battery in the car and put a battery tender on it, if there is power available. That way if you want to start it a few times in the winter you don’t have to put the battery in and out.
- Close all of the windows.
- If the vehicle will be exposed to freezing temperatures, be certain no personal items that may freeze or burst are left in the vehicle.
Bringing your baby out of storage
- Charge the battery for a solid 24 hours. When returning the battery to the vehicle remember to attach the positive cable first.
- Once your car is uncovered, inspect it for any signs of insect or vermin damage.
- Remove the baking soda units. If you forget them, they may spill during driving.
- It’s a good idea to check for floor leaks, check all fluid levels, and check the tire pressures.
- Remove plastic bag/foil from over air cleaner/air inlet and exhaust pipe(s).
- Apply the brakes ensure they work and that you have a good pedal. The steel brake lines can rust out and leak, and vermin can chew through the rubber brake hoses.
- Start the vehicle and check for any fluid leaks.
- Give it some extra time to warm up, and check the lights, horn, etc., while the temperature begins to rise. Drive it slowly for a mile or so. Some components such as transmissions and rear-ends require movement for full/proper lubrication.
- After driving a bit, check it again for leaks, etc.
- Your car cover may have become dusty over the long winter months — give it a good cleaning according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Storing your vehicles at self storage facilities can be a really cost-effective way to keep them safe until you want to use them again. You can store cars, boats, trucks, vans, caravans, motor homes, jet skis, motorbikes and trailers safe in the knowledge that they are being kept safe and well protected.
Whether you're moving, downsizing or just need a place to put some boxes, we look at how to find a storage facility that's right for you. We offer great value, secure storage units in Christchurch with flexible agreements which can dove-tail with your personal requirements. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you with your storage needs,
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