The managed car-storage business in the UK is now worth more than £19 million a year, with nearly 15,000 cars currently in facilities around the UK. This is a market in demand for a variety of reasons and what is also helping too is how classic cars are now seen as something of an investment. There are new facilities popping up all over the place, literally. Classic car storage can be short-term, long-term, or indefinite. Short-term vehicle storage usually takes up to three months and there tends to be a package in place to help a car owner have their car looked after in this way.
Classic car storage can be short-term, long-term, or indStore your car indoors in a weatherproof structure on a concrete surface, never a dirt floor. Sweep and wash the floor before parking. Stick with these tips. From this you can be sure of your car being looked after in all of the most correct ways.
It is key you keep your car in good shape
None of us wants to put away our favourite car over winter, or for that matter our favourite motorcycle. Who wouldn’t far rather keep on driving, keep on hearing that engine, keep on working the gears and leaning on those tyres? Sadly, winter happens. And with winter comes wet weather, salt spreaders, icy bends and all the stuff that the majority of us wish would go away so we can bring out our toys and play. Fear not, though, because by following this car storage advice you can rest assured your car will remain in good health. Carrying out certain pre-hibernation checks to make sure your classic goes into its winter storage in the best condition possible will help it emerge from its slumber in good shape.
Clear off any dirt from your car
When it comes to car storage advice, rule one is to clean your car. Bird poo, dirt and dead bugs can be acidic. They can slowly eat away at paint and chrome work so wash, polish and wax thoroughly. Clean the wheel arches and undercarriage, and if you have one, use an air compressor to blast away water beads. During this process water can settle inside door jams, around rubber seals, trims and mirror surrounds. So check these areas and if necessary use a microfibre towel or hair dryer to soak up the excess.
Know how to best prepare your vehicle for car storage
A vintage car’s exterior, interior, and mechanical health are what make it appealing to enthusiasts. Therefore, it’s natural and necessary for anyone who owns a classic car and enjoys driving it to seek the best ways to keep their vehicle properly. Although driving classic cars can be very pleasant, sometimes a classic car should not be driven for safety reasons. Knowing how to prepare classic cars for storage is one of the key things you can do as an owner to avoid a maximum of safety issues. Classic car storage can be short-term, long-term, or indefinite. Short-term vehicle storage usually takes up to three months, but instructions for its storage depend on which time of the year a classic car is not in use.
There are a number of options out there to take advantage of
For sure, winter is the worst time of the year to use and drive classic cars. This is as most are highly sensitive to moisture and low temperatures. Hence, many classic car owners tend not to use their vehicles during winter. They attempt to save them from possible damages, making classic car storage crucial. The first solution that comes to mind is a garage, which could be either indoors or a cheap rental one. However, indoor garages can be very cluttered and a lot of cheap rental garages are located in insecure neighbourhoods.
A better option for peace of mind and long-term car storage might be purpose-built, outdoor facilities with a secure reputation. In contrast to what you might think, secure car storage facilities can be budget-friendly. Moreover, they are run by professional staff and insured. Regular car storage cost around £120 a month. In case an owner needed extra TLC for their car, most vehicle storage companies offer monthly checks on the vehicles, including battery check and charging if required, tyre condition, or even a run-up to temperature for around £170.
Vintage car storage
For a car to be considered “vintage,” it’s going to be about a hundred years old. This includes cars like the Model T, which redefined the auto industry by introducing assembly line production. With more than 15 million Model T’s built between 1908 and 1927, there are still plenty of “Tin Lizzies” to be found. Keep an eye out at your local Fourth of July parades and Founder’s Day events for a glimpse of these beauties. Vintage car storage is often different than newer models. For instance, a Model T’s fuel tank should be completely drained. This is even if you’re storing it for just a couple of weeks, which is apparently easy to do.
Worth noting
As great as classic cars are, they’re not up for the task of being daily drivers. You’ve more than likely got another vehicle for that. Classic cars are best used in moderation. As a result, sometimes they need to be stored for long periods of time. The problem, of course, is that leaving a car alone for a few months in a row can cause all sorts of issues. This is a fact as the vehicle can mildew or mould and the internal components can rust or become damaged. As such, it’s crucial to give your classic car the tender love and care that it deserves while it is in storage for long periods of time.
Check the tyres
Car wheels are designed to move, so you’ll need to give them some care and attention during this period of inactivity. The first thing you need to do is remove and clean each wheel nut, then smear a small amount of anti-seize grease – such as copper grease – on the threads to reduce the risk of them seizing into place. You’ve then got to decide on the best method to prevent flat-spotting. You need to make sure you remove any stones or debris from the tread.
If you’ve got the facilities, you could jack the car up. You can then put it on axle stands so that the wheels no longer make contact with the ground. This also takes the pressure off bearings. Another option is to use a tough plastic “tyre trainer”. The easiest is to pump the tyres up an extra 10psi. Just make sure to drop the pressures again if you intend to drive the car. Leave your car parked with the handbrake off as. This can have a tendency to seize during months of sitting idle. Chocks will help prevent it from rolling away.
Overall
The UK classic car industry is worth the same as the entire UK arts and creative sectors, with classic car owners continuing to rise. The government has even introduced incentives to facilitate this growth further. This is with the 40-year rolling rule implemented in 2014, entitling classics to be exempt from vehicle tax and MOT. Classic cars do not depreciate in value in the same way that new cars do. Classic cars tend to hold their value, and if well looked after, they can even increase in value. One of the best ways to keep your classic car safe and sound and free from rust is to keep it in a safe and dry place. Most ideal is putting your car in a fully dedicated car storage facility.
