How to Properly Store a Collector Car

If there's one thing I've learned over the years from collecting classic cars, it's that having a good place to store them is just as important as knowing how to drive them. It's no good having a 1963 Corvette flawless if you leave it exposed to moisture, dust or, worse still, the scorching sun. Look how to properly store a collector car.

I don't know about you, but I've seen true gems ruined by poor maintenance. Paintwork cracking, engines seizing, interiors rotting... and all because the owner thought covering the car with a cheap tarp would protect it.

If you really want your classic car to stay in perfect condition, you need to know how to store it properly. Whether you're storing it for months or just for the winter, these are the key steps to keep your car always ready to roll without any problems.

1. Choose the location well: not just any garage will do.

The first thing to understand is that where you store your car directly influences its preservation. It's not just a matter of space, but also of adequate conditions to avoid the invisible enemies that can destroy it over time.

Here are three basic rules:

No humidity: Humidity is any collector's worst nightmare. If the place where you store your car smells like mildew, you have a problem. A dry environment is key to preventing rust, corrosion, and deterioration of the upholstery.

Sun protection: If you park your classic car in a spot where it receives direct sunlight every day, the paint, leather, and plastics will eventually deteriorate. A good garage should be dark or have curtains to block out UV rays.

Good ventilationAn unventilated, closed garage is a breeding ground for moisture and unpleasant odors. Ideally, ensure proper air circulation, or if the space is very airtight, use a dehumidifier.

If you don't have an ideal location, you can improve conditions by placing bricks under the car to allow air to circulate, using moisture absorbers, and preventing excessive dust buildup.

2. Wash your car before storing it (yes, even if it's not dirty)

Many people make the mistake of thinking that because their car hasn't been out in a few days, it doesn't need cleaning before storage. That's a mistake.

Dust, insect debris, or any dirt stuck to the body can become corrosive over time. And let's not even mention bird droppings, which are a natural acid that can damage the paint in a matter of days.

Before storing your classic for a long time, give it a thorough wash.

1️⃣ Use a shampoo for classic cars (no aggressive detergents).
2️⃣ Dry well with a microfiber towel to avoid watermarks.
3️⃣ Apply a layer of wax to create a protective barrier on the paint.
4️⃣ Clean the interior and vacuum thoroughly to avoid odors or dust buildup.

If you do this, your car will be clean and protected until the next time you take it out.

3. Protects mechanics: oil, coolant and gasoline

Time is treacherous for an unused car. Fluids age, seals dry out, and metals can begin to rust.

Here are some key points to avoid mechanical problems when storing it:

Change your oil before storing it: Old oil can contain impurities and moisture that can damage your engine over time.

Fill your gas tank and use a stabilizing additive: A half-empty tank accumulates condensation, which causes internal corrosion. A gasoline additive will prevent the fuel from degrading.

Check the coolant: Poor coolant can rust the engine passages and cause leaks.

4. Disconnect the battery to avoid surprises

If you're going to leave your car stored for more than a month, disconnect the battery. This will prevent it from slowly discharging and the terminals from becoming sulfated.

If you prefer not to disconnect it, another option is to use a maintenance charger (also called a "battery tender"). It maintains the charge without overcharging and without the risk of sulfation.

5. Jack up the car or move the wheels from time to time

One of the most common problems in cars stored for long periods of time is tire deformation.

If the car sits for months, the weight will cause the rims to warp, causing vibrations when driving and reducing tire life.

Solution 1: Use jack stands or hydraulic jacks to raise the car and relieve pressure on the wheels.
Solution 2: Inflate your tires a little more than normal and move the car a few inches every so often to avoid fixed pressure points.

6. Use a good case (but not just any case)

This is where many people fail. Don't use any cheap tarps to cover your car, as some trap moisture and end up causing more harm than good.

The best option is a breathable, soft fabric cover that protects against dust without retaining moisture.

If your car is in a closed garage and not exposed to the sun or rain, you can leave it uncovered to allow it to breathe better.

7. Don't leave it forgotten for months

Many people store their cars and don't touch them for months. Bad idea.

A classic car needs movement. If you leave it sitting for too long, the tires dry out, the fluids degrade, and the seals begin to lose efficiency.

Ideally, at least once a month, you should do the following:

Start the engine and let it warm up for a few minutes.
Step on the brakes to prevent the pads from sticking.
Turn the steering from side to side to keep the components moving.
If possible, take it for a short drive to keep everything running smoothly.

A well-stored classic car is a car that lives longer

If you've made it this far, you already know that storing a collector car isn't just about leaving it in the garage and forgetting about it.

It's about creating the perfect conditions so that time doesn't damage them. Because, at the end of the day, these cars aren't just machines... they're part of history, they're memories, they're works of art on wheels.

So take good care of it. Maintain it. Protect it. And, above all, don't let it die in oblivion. Because a classic that lives on is a classic that will always be ready to roar when you need it.

+See also: How to prevent corrosion in antique and collector cars