DOES YOUR CLASSIC CAR HIBERNATE FOR WINTER?

Most of us throughout New Zealand are still enjoying a great summer — blue skies and warm temperatures — but it is officially autumn. Before we know it, scarves and beanies, gloves and socks, jackets and coats will be the order of the day. Some of us may opt to migrate to a warmer climate in the Northern Hemisphere, leaving some of our prized possessions behind — one of them being the classic car!

Whether you’re planning on storing a vehicle for a few weeks, a few months, or even longer, you should take some necessary precautions to keep it in optimum shape. Paint, tyres, and internal equipment can all suffer damage if not properly protected. Before the thermometer hits single digits, it is ideal to prepare well for storing your classic car.

Location

You have a variety of options when it comes to storing your car safely. Some of your options will be dictated by where you live — suburbs v. downtown cities — while other locations may be determined by how long you’ll be away from your vehicle. Two options are your garage, if your home has one, or a storage facility. Storing your vehicle in your garage is the best way to protect it from the elements, pests, or thieves. Just be sure that all entries to your garage are secure, including any windows or other doors. A burglar or fire alarm offers added peace of mind.

If you live in an urban area or don’t have access to an enclosed space, consider renting space at an indoor storage facility. There are businesses specifically geared to storing vehicles, and, depending on the region’s weather, some offer both indoor and outdoor options.

Cleanliness

When storing your car, one of the most important things to ensure is that it’s clean before you walk away from it — the ‘tuck-mein’ process. Even the smallest amount of any of the following can do long-term damage to your vehicle’s paint job:

• water

• salt from the road or the air

• sand

• bird droppings.

Give your vehicle some TLC by washing, drying, and waxing it properly before putting it away for a while.

That’s not all though — don’t forget the inside. Vacuum up all the crumbs — they can attract insects and rodents, who will happily make a nest of your back seat. I even recommend placing a few dryer sheets or mothballs inside your vehicle to deter pests.

Tyres

Flat spots can occur when a car sits too long, as air gradually releases and the weight of the car presses them down. It’s recommended to inflate your tyres to the maximum pressure recommendation listed on the sidewalls before you leave your car to account for this loss of air pressure.

Another recommendation to prevent flat spotting is to place your vehicle on jack stands. If you have a dirt floor in your garage, put the jack stands on wooden squares of even thickness to prevent them from sinking.

Once you take your vehicle out of storage, it is important to check the air pressure in your tyres to make sure that they’re inflated enough to safely drive the car.

Fuel and fluids

These are a high priority — the contaminants in used oil can damage your vehicle’s engine. Change the oil to make sure it’s as clean as possible before long-term storage. It’s also a good idea to put in a clean air filter so that your car will be ready to roll when you start it up again.

Ensure that your coolant is topped up. This step is important for any climate. Make sure you’re using the correct balance of water and coolant for your engine.

A full gas tank will prevent moisture from getting trapped inside and putting extra strain on the valves. If you plan to store your vehicle for a few months, adding a fuel stabilizer is a good idea. Do this before filling your tank to prevent corrosion in the fuel line and prevent the fuel from separating.

It’s also recommended that you remove or disconnect the battery — especially if you plan to store your vehicle for longer than a few months. Batteries lose their charge and can corrode over time if not used. If you do remove it, it’s better to keep it in your home or in a temperature-controlled area, on a clean dry surface, rather than a cold garage or storage facility, to prevent cracking. Or you can just get rid of the battery and replace it when you decide to drive the vehicle again.

Car cover

Even if you’re storing your vehicle in a garage, you should cover it. If you’re storing it outdoors, definitely consider a weatherproof cover. If the climate in your area is rather humid, you’ll want to consider a breathable cover to keep moisture out.

Before covering your vehicle:

• if automatic, put your car in park (do not

set the hand brake)

• close all windows and doors

• clean out all valuables

• store insurance, registration, and other

paperwork safely in the glove compartment • remove the antenna — if possible

• remove windshield wipers to prevent

sticking

• plug the exhaust pipe with a rag to keep out dust and pests.

For longer periods of storage, you may also want to consider a ‘car jacket’. This layer offers added protection against moisture, dust, and pests.

Start up

Some may suggest to start up your vehicle once in a while. A properly stored vehicle doesn’t need to be started; however, if you do decide to start it, be sure to:

• completely remove any car cover

• replace any parts you removed prior to

storing

• warm the vehicle up properly before

driving it

• never turn it on in a closed garage.

And, while some hibernate, there are plenty of us that will not go in search of warmer climates over winter and choose to keep our classics running — the cool, crisp air; the vintage goggles complementing the head gear; sheepskin-lined jacket; and leather gloves. It’s all fun and games for us staying in beautiful Aotearoa.

Until next time, safe driving!