5 Tips: for storing your classic car

Your classic car is your pride and joy. You have spent countless hours restoring it and maintaining it, so when it comes to storing your car you want to make sure it’s safe and protected. Ideally, a classic car should be stored in a clean, dry and dark space such as a private vehicle storage unit. Keeping a car in storage will prevent it from being damaged, stolen and at the mercy of the outside elements. 

Roomia provides secure vehicle storage units for your classic car alongside other vehicle types including utilities, trucks, caravans and motorbikes. So, if you own a classic car but don’t have the storage space at home, or, you need a secure and private space to keep your vintage car protected, our long-term vehicle storage units will keep your prize winner in mint condition.

With that in mind, here are 5 tips to help you prepare your classic car for long-term storage:

1. Determine your car storage options and how long you plan to store your car

The first thing to do before putting a car into storage is to figure out how long you plan to keep it there. For reference, long-term storage is typically anywhere from four months to over a year. At Roomia, we offer flexible storage options with no lock-in contracts so you can store your vehicle for as long as you need.

Other considerations include budgetary restrictions and your insurance policy. Many classic car insurance policies require you to store the vehicle in a dedicated private, indoor car storage or private building. In terms of budgetary considerations, you can contact us or use our free space calculator to get an accurate price tag for your storage space and timeline needs. 

2. Choose a storage unit with the right conditions

Classic cars are collector items that should be treated as such! Just like expensive pieces of artwork, classic cars need to be handled and stored with the utmost care and within the perfect conditions. 

A proper vehicle storage space will be:

• Dry and secure from the elements 
• Well-ventilated
• Have clean, concrete floors
• Dark and protected from UV rays
• Secure and fitted with anti-theft lock devices

Classic car storage units and facilities such as Roomia are the ideal places to store your vehicle. Our vehicle storage units have been designed so that you can drive your vintage vehicle right up to the unit, park it inside and close it like a garage. But unlike a standard home garage, our indoor vehicle units are fitted with state-of-the-art anti-theft and fire alarms for added protection. 

3. Detail your car before storage

You want your car to come out of storage looking and running just as good as it was when it went in. That’s why it’s recommended that you do some basic detailing prior to putting your vehicle into long-term storage. Try these protective measures:

• Clean the interior and exterior

Starting on the interior of the vehicle, vacuum out your car seats and floors, wipe the dash and cabin thoroughly, use a protectant spray to prevent cracking, clean out any and all rubbish and cover up air vents to prevent any critters from finding their way into the vehicle. To prevent damage to the car’s paint, wash and wax the vehicle’s exterior to give an extra level of protection.

• Fill up the tank

When the fuel tank is left empty, there’s a risk of rust due to moisture. To prevent this from happening, fill the tank completely before storage. Topping it off allows no room for air and water to enter the tank and corrode it from the inside. You can add a fuel stabiliser to further prevent rust and corrosion. Just remember to drain the tank once it’s ready to drive again since fuel will not be usable after several months. 

• Change the oil

Oil that sits too long can damage the engine’s components. If you plan on keeping your car in storage for several months, then change the oil prior to it going in. 

• Protect the engine cylinders

To prevent rust in the engine block, remove the spark plugs and spray some oil into the cylinders. Then replace the plugs. A mechanic can help do this for you when you take it in for its pre-storage oil change. 

• Maintain the battery

A car battery can drain and die if it sits unused for some time. To prevent this, connect the battery to a battery maintainer to keep it charged and ready to go when it’s time to drive the vehicle again.

After you have put your vehicle into the storage unit, there are a couple of extra things to check in order to keep it safe and sound:

• Plug the exhaust

Closing up the exhaust outlet prevents any rodents or critters from climbing in while in storage. If you are placing your vehicle into an indoor storage unit, then this step may be skipped but it never hurts to take extra precautions!

• Wrap the wiper blades

Place a strip of plastic wrap under the wiper blades to prevent them from sticking to the windshield glass. You may also remove the wiper blades completely, or, pull the blades in the “out” position. 

• Consider elevating the vehicle

When a car does not move for an extended period, it puts constant pressure on the same part of the tires. This can lead to a flat and will require a tire change before you can drive it out of storage. To prevent this, prop the vehicle off the ground using jack stands.

• Avoid the parking brake

When storing your car do not engage the handbrake. Instead, chock the wheels. This will prevent the vehicle from rolling and reduce the risk of brake pads fusing due to long-term storage.

4. Use a car cover

There are several sorts of car covers you can use to protect your classic vehicle while in long-term storage. Car covers further prevent any surface damage to the car such as scratches and dings, and also stops any dirt or dust from settling on the paint. You can use a simple dust sheet and throw it over the car or use a custom-fitted cover to adequately protect the paint and metal from dust and moisture.

5. Keep your car-related documents handy

While your vehicle is in long-term storage, you must have all your important documentation with you. For example, you may be required to produce a driver’s licence, licence plate number, owner’s name, make of the vehicle and proof of insurance. Keep in mind that it’s illegal in Australia for anybody to drive a vehicle  without insurance. So, if you are planning on driving your classic vehicle in and out of storage, you will need to keep it insured the entire time. 

Secure and Safe: What to Look for in a Long-Term Vehicle Storage Facility

This simple checklist can make a huge difference to how your car will look and perform after long-term storage. Once you have found the right storage unit for you, carried out your pre-maintenance and parked the car in the unit, you can relax knowing that your pride and joy is kept safe and in tip-top condition no matter how long it’ll be stored.  

Getting ready to store your classic car in long-term vehicle storage? Our vehicle storage units give you convenience and security no matter how long you plan on storing your car. Our facilities utilise the latest in security and fire protection technology, including perimeter fencing, CCTV cameras, and well-lit premises – ensuring a safe and convenient environment for loading and unloading.

Each vehicle storage unit is equipped with individual security alarms and fire safety systems, providing you with complete peace of mind.

NEED STORAGE? Make your life Roomia.

At Roomia, we offer more than just storage solutions. We offer service, security and understanding. You’ll soon discover how a little extra space can change your life. For a quote, visit roomia.com.au today.