The Ultimate Guide to Classic Car Storage and Maintenance

Obtaining a classic car is only half the battle. Obviously, buying one isn’t the same as getting a Ford Explorer or Honda Civic. You can’t just visit your local dealer and pick the vintage automobile that catches your eye. You need to put in a lot of work to find the classic car of your dreams. But the work doesn’t end there. You’ll need to put a lot of effort in taking care of it too.

Maintaining your classic car is not just about making sure that your car looks just as cool as when you first bought it. There’s a lot to be done to protect your classic car’s condition, more than just keeping it indoors and wiping it down with the softest cloth possible. If you have decided to buy or you’re a new owner of a classic car, figuring out what needs to be done to keep your vehicle in pristine condition throughout every season can be a challenge. To help you out, we’ve constructed this in-depth guide to ensure that your car’s appearance and performance remains beyond compare.

Basic Classic Car Maintenance

If you thought a modern car needed attention, it’s nothing compared to a classic car. Below are the essentials to classic car maintenance.

Check the Tires

Make sure that your tires are in good condition. These can warp if a car is not driven for long periods of time. To prevent your tires from breaking down, make sure to drive your car at least once a month. You don’t need to drive far. A quick spin around the block would be enough to ensure your tires stay good. If you don’t have time to drive your car, you can jack up your car, leave it on blocks or a ramp, and remove your tires. Make sure to let some of the air out before storing them in a dry place.

Aside from checking the tires themselves, don’t forget to inspect your car’s rims. These are susceptible to rust and corrosion which can weaken the structure of your rims. This is not something you want to happen to your classic car, even more so if you have custom rims. Cleaning and polishing your wheels regularly can help prevent corrosion.

Check the Engine Oil

Just like a modern car, your vintage automobile requires regular checkups when it comes to the engine oil. Make sure that the oil is topped up and that there are no leaks. Change the oil and filter regularly as well.

Run the Engine

Driving your classic car is the key to ensuring that your classic car is always in good condition. Running your engine every couple of weeks is an option if you don’t want to drive it or if it’s the wrong season. Leaving your car parked for long periods of time can lead to fluids, seals, and tires to dry out or break down. When you run the engine, the fluids get to circulate while the battery recharges.

Monitor fluid levels regularly

Aside from the engine oil, you need to keep an eye on the various fluid levels that could easily cause damage to your engine. These fluids include the coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid. You want to make sure that there is a lot of antifreeze. You also need to check the fluid levels of the brakes and clutch systems. Make sure that there are no leaks. If you are planning on letting the car go un-driven for months, you should make sure to still change the fluids regularly by draining out the old and replacing it with fresh fluids.

Pay attention to the battery, grease, and hoses.

Look for corrosion in the battery. Take note of the acid and water levels. Disconnect it if you’re planning to place the car in storage.

Some classic cars feature grease nipples which means that you will need to inject grease regularly to keep them lubricated and minimize wear.

Don’t forget to inspect hoses for external damage such as splitting and bulging. These parts are critical to your car’s brake and clutch systems.

Cleaning your classic car

To keep your car’s paintwork in good condition, it’s important that you wash it regularly. This prevents the accumulation of dirt and dust that could damage the car’s exterior. Cleaning the car after a drive is also necessary, especially if you take it out during cold weather where the salt from roads can stick to your car which can damage the paint, metal, and even the interior of the car. Make sure to wash the wheels well, vacuum the interior thoroughly, and hose the undercarriage as well as the sills. Don’t forget to wax the car from time to time to protect it from dirt, grime, and weather. Just don’t overdo it (every few months will do) to prevent damaging the paint. One last thing to note is moisture. Make sure that all moisture has dried off before placing the car back in your garage.

Pro tip: when you’re washing the car, the only tools you’ll need is a soft rag, a bucket of water, and a car wash soap.

Storing a Classic Car

Where you put your baby is as important as how you treat your baby. There are several rules you need to keep in mind whether you’re storing your classic car.

• Don’t store your car in a location where there’s dirt or gravel as it can store moisture. Moisture, as we’ve already mentioned, can cause rust and the degradation of your car. It can also cause mold to grow inside the car.
• Your car should be protected from extended exposure from sunlight. This can cause your paint to fade fast which can make your vintage car look old, instead of classic. The heat will also cause the interior of your car to “bake” which can result in the fabrics to fade in color while plastic and vinyl parts will start to become brittle.
• In the same way that the sun is dangerous to your car, extreme cold can also cause damage. It can cause your wipers to freeze as well as bring moisture and condensation which can result in rust and mold.
• Ventilation is key. Keeping your car windows slightly open can promote air circulation which prevents condensation. It also keeps your car from getting that musty smell. This is especially true if you use a car cover. Note: don’t use a tarpaulin or other types of plastic sheeting to cover your car as these don’t offer breathability which can result in condensation, rust, and mold.
• Disconnect the battery. Even when not in use, batteries continue to eke-out power. To conserve the charge in your car battery, it’s important that you disconnect it. In addition, make sure to turn over the engine every couple of weeks for at least 10 minutes to recharge the battery.
• Treat rust spots using a lubricant of high quality. Minor rust spots are inevitable with classic cars which means that you need to keep them in check. Regular applications of lubricant can help prevent the rust from spreading.
• Make sure to inspect your car every few weeks. Look at the condition of the tires, if there has been any deflation. Check the brake and clutch pedals to see if there are problems in the mechanisms.
• Fill the tank and change the oil. An empty tank is susceptible to condensation which can cause your fuel tank to rust. Keeping it full will reduce the chances of moisture building up inside it and make sure you are cleaning the fuel injectors as well. Changing the oil and the filter can also prevent premature rusting inside your engine. Make sure that all the other fluids are topped off as well.
• Do a thorough cleaning before you place your car in long-term storage for the winter. Dust and debris that is left on your car while in storage can damage the paint. Dirt and crumbs inside the car, on the other hand, can attract pests. After washing, make sure to lubricate the door and hinges and block off the exhaust to prevent pests from using it as an entry point.