How to lay up a classic car for winter
A classic that sits all winter without any preparation can come out in spring with a flat battery, flat-spotted tyres and damp in the cabin. A few hours of work in the autumn saves most of that. Here is what we suggest before you put a car away for the colder months.
Clean it properly first
Wash and dry the car before it goes into storage, including the underside and wheel arches, where road salt and mud collect. Clean the inside too, and take out anything that could hold moisture, such as floor mats that are still damp. Dirt left on paintwork for months is much harder to shift later.
Fill the tank
A full tank leaves less room for air, so less condensation forms inside it. Many owners also add a fuel stabiliser, especially if the car will stand for several months. Run the engine for a few minutes afterwards so the treated fuel reaches the system.
Look after the battery
A battery left connected will slowly drain and may not recover. You have two choices: disconnect it (or take it out), or keep it on a trickle charger so it stays topped up. If you store with us, the battery is disconnected or removed on our Bronze plan, or we can monitor and trickle charge it for £25 a month.
Think about the tyres
Tyres can develop flat spots when a car stands in one place for a long time. Pump them up to the right pressure before storage, and check them again before the car goes back on the road. While your car is with us, we check tyre pressures and fluid levels.
Leave the handbrake off
Over a long lay-up, brake shoes and pads can stick to the drums or discs. Where it is safe to do so, leave the car in gear (or in park) with wheel chocks, rather than relying on the handbrake.
Sort out the paperwork
- SORN. If the car will not be used on public roads while it is stored, you can declare it off the road (SORN) with the DVLA.
- Insurance. Speak to your insurer about cover while the car is laid up. If you store with us, your vehicle must stay insured the whole time.
Choose where it will spend the winter
Damp, cold and sun all take their toll on an older car, which is why indoor storage makes a difference. Our facility in South East Kent is indoors, covered by CCTV and 24/7 alarm monitoring, in private grounds with our own access road. Plans start at £150 a month, or £195 a month if you would like to drive the car once a month.
If you would like to talk through storing your classic this winter, get in touch or see our prices.
