There are many reasons to need long-term classic car storage: maybe you are going on an extended business trip, are storing a car for an extended winter, health issues, or need car storage for military deployment. So, can you park your car in your home garage, a neighbor’s garage, or even a paid storage unit? No matter where you are storing your car, you will need to do a bit more than simply cover it and leave it as all vehicles require car storage preparation to achieve your goal of preserving your car’s value, and for future use. Properly preparing your vehicle for storage can prevent common issues such as ruined tires and damaged parts. Here are a few long-term car storage tips, which can differ from a short-term storage plan, to help you keep your car in good shape:
How Long Can a Car Sit Without Being Driven?
The length of time you can safely store your car directly corresponds to the amount of effort you put into finding a storage solution, as well as preparing your car for storage. However, experts agree that you should not let your car sit for longer than one month without at least periodically starting it and letting it run for 10 minutes or so. Unfortunately, that just is not always possible. In the event of a military deployment, overseas work trip, and other unforeseen circumstances, it may be much longer than that before you get to turn that key again.
If you are anticipating storing a car for over a year—or any amount of time over a couple of months or so—it is crucial to perform a series of steps to protect your car before it goes into storage. Otherwise, you risk increased changes to your car’s parts and chemical composition, including brittle gaskets and seals, flat stiff tires, deteriorated and leaking engine oil, thick unresponsive fuel, drained batteries, rust, and more. While preparing your car for storage will not stop the inevitable chemical processes that take place inside your vehicle, you will drastically lessen their effects and have a reliable ride when its time to get your vehicle out of storage.
Seek Shelter For Car Storage Preparation
There are plenty of good locations for storing your vehicle. Here are a few:
- Garage– If you own a garage, it is the obvious first choice to protect your vehicle from the elements, pests, or thieves during storage. Ensure that all entries are secure, including windows or side doors.
- Storage facility– If you live in an urban area or do not have access to an enclosed space, consider renting space at an indoor storage facility. Many businesses that specialize in storing vehicles offer both indoor and outdoor options.
- Phone a friend– You can also ask a family member or good friend who has space in their garage, shed, barn or other secure building.
- Cover it– Outdoor storage is not ideal, but if it is your only option, buy a quality weatherproof cover to protect your vehicle from the elements. There are many options available, ranging from single use to virtually impenetrable. Do your research to find the best cover for your ride.
Clean the Car Inside and Out
The first step in how to prep your car for long-term storage is simply to clean it. Water stains, bird droppings, and other substances can damage paint when left for a long time, so it is important to thoroughly clean and wax it before car storage. Make sure the wheels, fenders, and hubcaps are also cleaned and waxed.
Once the outside is clean, it is time to clean the inside. Cleaning the inside of your vehicle for long term car storage is a whole other topic that could deserve its own article. You should vacuum and dust, as well as wash the interior windows. If you have got leather in the car, consider prepping and cleaning it with water and soap or saddle soap. Be aware of what you are storing in the car. Check the glove compartments and trunk and remove anything that smells or might deteriorate over time.
Keep Your Battery Charged
Ideally, you should have someone start and drive the car for about fifteen minutes every two weeks. This will keep the battery charged and prevent damage to tires. If this is not possible, disconnect the car battery for storage or buy a battery tender. A battery tender will deliver small amounts of charge so the battery is ready to go when you can drive the car again.
Fill Your Gas Tank At least Halfway
Filling up your tank at least halfway and adding fuel treatment will ensure that your car will be able to run when taking it out of storage. It is important to have enough fuel when you store the car so you can easily take it out without any issues. If you plan on leaving your car in storage for more than a year it may be best to drain all fuel from the tank and system to avoid the potential of gas turning into varnish, or with modern fuels in classic cars can cause damages to the fuel system components.
Change Your Oil and Filter
Used engine oils can contain contaminants that could damage the engine of your vehicle. If you plan on storing your vehicle for more than a month, be sure to change the oil and filter to be safe.
Protect Wiper Blades
When left in the same position for a long time, the rubber from your wiper blades can stick to your windshield glass. Prevent this from happening by putting a strip of plastic under each blade before putting your car into long-term storage. If you prefer, you could also completely remove your wiper blades or leave them in the “out” position.
Protect Your Engine
Long-term car storage can lead to rust in your engine block. To prevent this, remove your car’s spark plugs and spray some fogging oil into the cylinders. When you are done, replace your plugs. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, ask your mechanic to do it for you when you bring your vehicle in for its pre-storage oil change.
Elevate Your Car with Jacks
Do not forget to protect your tires. Having the full weight of the car on the tires without moving them can cause permanent flat spots. If you are leaving the car for more than a few months and will not be able to drive it occasionally, consider removing the tires and placing the vehicle on blocks or jack stands. When storing a classic car on jack stand it is advisable to place the stands under the suspension, so the car weight is being maintained on the springs and not left unsprang. If you must leave the tires on the car, make sure they are inflated to the correct pressure. Use a chock or tire stopper instead of the parking brake, which could also be damaged if you leave it on for a long time.
Keep Your Car Off the Floor
Storing a car on a concrete floor or another hard garage floor can wreak havoc on your tires. Over time, the weight of your vehicle will press down on the portion of your tires that rests on the floor, causing flat spots and potentially irreversible damage. Four-corner jack stands, or tire saver ramps are a great solution to keep your vehicle’s tires from resting on the floor for long periods.
Protect the Car from the Elements
Wind, moisture, sunlight, and rain can be extremely destructive to a vehicle. In addition, a vehicle left outside may become a home to small animals, which can be very destructive to the engine and the interior. Indoor vehicle storage is the best option to protect your auto from the elements. You can get weatherproof covers, but these will not protect your car as well.
Rodents can live as happily in a garage as in the outdoors, although walls and the floor do provide some protection. Make sure your long-term car storage facility is clean and bright, so it will not be as appealing to mice and other rodents.
Keep the Car Insured
It is important to maintain auto insurance, even when you are storing a car in a storage unit. Dropping insurance can be an expensive mistake, especially if you plan to have someone drive it every month as recommended. When a car has been uninsured, many insurance companies will assume that you have been driving it without insurance and raise your rates accordingly. Call your insurance company to decide the best and cheapest option for you.
Plug The Tailpipe
The logic behind plugging your tailpipe for long term car storage is to keep the critters and moist air out. Any hole into the car is a way for undesirables to climb inside. You can plug the tailpipe with aluminum foil or a rag… just be sure to take it out before you drive again.
You may want to do a quick scan of the car to see if there are other entry points. Some include the air intake and loose windows. Another way to keep animals and bugs away from the car is to layout mothballs or cotton balls dipped in peppermint oil around the perimeter of the car. Mouse traps work great for the bigger animals.
Do Not Use the Parking Brake
Here is a quick and easy long term car storage tip: do not use the parking brake. If the parking brake connects for too long, it can fuse with the interior of the wheel. Instead, use a wheel chock, or, if you are feeling cheap, a piece of wood to stop the tires.
Park Your Car on A Plastic Sheet
There are two benefits to parking on a sheet during long term car storage. First, it will keep any drips off the floor. Car’s leak. There is no way around it sometimes. A sheet will help keep the concrete or other types of floors fresh. Second, a sheet will prevent oils from the ground creeping up onto the wheels.
Cover Car with A Body Cover
Even if you plan to store your vehicle under an outdoor structure, you should consider covering it. A body cover will provide an extra layer of protection, keeping your vehicle clean and preventing damage if anything falls on it.
It’s critical to make sure you choose the right cover! Avoid inexpensive plastic covers that are designed for a range of vehicle types (ex. cars, trucks, SUVs). These usually don’t fit well and can trap moisture underneath. When this happens, it can cause damage instead of preventing it.
Instead, look for a premium breathable custom-fit cover. It should extend down over the wheel wells and have straps to secure it tightly. Otherwise, wind can whip the cover against your car, leaving the paint looking like it was sandblasted.
Perform These Checks When You Are Ready to Drive Again
When you are ready to get your car out of vehicle storage and back on the road, make sure you perform the following steps:
- Check under the hood for evidence of rodent damage, especially chewed wires, or belts.
- Look at fluid levels to ensure they are the recommended levels.
- Check both your brakes and your windshield wipers to be sure those materials have not deteriorated.
- Reconnect your battery if it was disconnected and check that the terminals are clean.
- Put the tires back on the car and inflate them to the recommended pressure.
- Wash the car to remove dust and dirt build-up.
Finally
The specific classic car storage preparation requirements may vary depending on the vehicle’s age, materials, and your local climate, but the goal is always to protect and maintain the vehicle’s historical and collector’s value as well as drivability.
