If you own a classic car, chances are it is your pride and joy. Making sure you store it correctly will be of high importance. Here, we will guide you through our five essential classic car storage tips. 

If you are a classic car lover, you do not want any damage to come to your car, particularly not when you are packing it into storage. No matter your reason for needing classic car storage – no room at home, winter storage or simply having quite a large collection – you need to get your storage right. 

Within this article, we will guide you through our five essential classic car storage tips. 

1. Drain The Fuel Tank 

Inactivity is the nemesis to cars so it is really important that you get the storage right. If you need to store your classic car for an extended period, it’s crucial to drain the fuel system to prevent damage from old petrol. If you need to store it for a period longer than six months, run the engine until all fuel is consumed, ensuring the lines are empty. And if you only need to store it for less than six months, you can just add fuel stabiliser to the tank.

Additionally, drain the cooling system completely, including the heater, and leave the radiator cap and petcock open to promote air circulation.

2. Charge Or Disconnect The Battery

If you are using classic car storage for longer than four months, the safest option is to remove the battery entirely. You will need to know your radio security code before you remove your battery. Once it is removed, you will want to wash the battery down and store it in a dry place.

If you are only placing your classic car into storage for a couple of months, you can leave the battery within the car but it is best that you charge it, coat the terminals with petroleum jelly and leave it attached to a trickle charger.

3. Change All The Fluids

It is essential that you change the oil, oil filter and coolant if your classic car is going to be inactivity in classic car storage for a long period of time. 

If you can, it is a good idea to drain all the fluids whilst the car is still warm. You will need to make sure to wear gloves. 

If you cannot drain it all, just change the oil and oil filter and run the engine for a couple of minutes to allow the new fluids to circulate. You should also test the coolant with a hydrometer. 

4. Give It A Good Clean

Once this is all done, it is time for a good old storage classic – give your classic car a good clean. 

You will want to clean the underside and the chassis of your classic car and make sure it is completely clean before you place it into storage. Next, you will want to wax and polish the paintwork and leave the wax on the car to prevent deterioration. 

Then, you are ready to move onto the inside. Give the inside of your car a good clear out, including the glove compartment and boot. Next, give everywhere a hoover and remove any marks or stains. Any food debris left behind could attract pests that would love to munch through your upholstery so this is really important. If you do have to remove any stains using water or stain remover, make sure all these areas are clean before placing your car into classic car storage.

5. Check Your Classic Car Regularly 

Once your classic car is in storage, you will want to make regular checks on it. It is a really good idea, if you are in close proximity to your storage space, to start the car at least once a month to allow the engine to heat up. This will let you know that everything is in working order and prevent battery death, if your battery is still connected to your car.

How To Find The Right Classic Car Storage 

There are a lot of storage facilities out there nowadays so it is good to know what to look for when looking at classic car storage. Within this section, we will look at what you should be on the lookout for. 

High Quality Security

Firstly, you will want to find somewhere that you know your classic car is safe and secure. All cars are best stored inside because they will be protected from the elements. And it will also keep them safe from theft. 

If you do not have a garage at home, a drive up storage unit will be an excellent solution. And all professional self storage will come equipped with high quality security systems. This is the cas with all of our self storage units. Each unit is fitted with an alarm and fire and smoke detection systems. And there is 24/7 CCTV surveillance around every one of our storage facilities.

Flexible Rental Contracts 

All plans have the ability to change and classic car storage plans are no different. If you are needing to rent classic car storage, you want to be on the lookout for a self storage facility that can offer you flexible rental contracts. 

Flexible rental contracts means that you can change your storage unit – upsize or downsize – at any point during your rental period. They will also allow you to leave your storage unit before your rental period has expired. 

With our self storage units, we only offer flexible rental contracts. You are free to upsize or downsize your storage unit whenever you need to. All you need to do is have a chat with the team at the Cinch Self Storage facility you are renting your storage unit from. You are also free to leave your storage unit before your rental period ends. You just need to give the Cinch Self Storage teams a short period of notice. 

Teams Who Know What They Doing 

Whilst looking for classic car storage, you will want to be on the lookout for storage facilities that have teams that know what they are talking about and care about what they are doing. 

Within all of our storage facilities, our teams are highly knowledgeable about self storage. They will be able to guide you to your ideal storage unit, answer any questions you have and solve any issues you have at any point. You will also receive a warm, friendly welcome every time you come to see your classic car. 

It is very important to us to offer excellent customer service to all of our customers. We are very proud of our teams as our customers all seem to be very happy with the service they receive. 

5 Essential Classic Car Storage Tips

When it comes to storing a classic car, it is really important that you get it right. Much of what you should do is dependent on how long you will be storing the car. 

No matter how long you are storing your car, it is always a good idea to give it a good clean before placing it into classic car storage. It is also very important that you make regular checks to your car when it is in storage so you can make sure everything is still working properly. 

We hope you have found our article helpful. If you would like to know more about our self storage, please click here to find your local store.