Before Jack Frost shows up at your home, have collector car investment protected and waiting for him. Snow, salt, and mud can do a real number on a classic car and diminish its value. You simply don’t know what is hidden under that snow. Why increase the risks of damage by driving on wet roads and ice. Most classic cars lack anti-lock brakes and safety systems to make driving in winter roads comfortable. Below, we have compiled a beginner’s guide to help you make a fresh start in the summer season.
1. Make sure you have a good storage area
Hopefully, you have a nice, dark garage with a concrete floor to store your garage queen. If you don’t, you should still try to construct or buy a carport to keep the elements off your vehicle. If it is a dirt patch in your backyard, be sure to lay down a plastic tarp, some blankets, and wood under the wheels to keep it stable.
2. Ensure that fresh oil and a filter are installed
This will ensure that the contaminants and acids that build up in motor oil from combustion are not present and eating away at your engine parts slowly as it sits. A nice alkaline motor oil that is clean and ready for spring will be waiting for you.
3. Wash and wax your vehicle
This will wick away any condensation and prevent it from penetrating and softening the paint. It will also reduce the risk of dirt scratching your finish when you cover your vehicle.
4. Fill up the gas tank to reduce the volume of air
The air is what collects moisture that can oxidize the internal parts and spoil your gas. Be sure to add a high-quality fuel stabilizer from any auto parts store.
5. Check your other fluids to ensure that the antifreeze has an appropriate cold weather protection rating
If there is too much water, it can damage your engine and other parts during a hard freeze. If you haven’t flushed your brake fluid in the last two years, right before placing it in winter storage is the best time to prevent the water in it from corroding your brake parts.
6. Place anti-odor containers in your car
To prevent any musty smells, you may want to place open baking soda containers in the center console of your interior and trunk area. This will stop moisture from collecting and growing mildew over the winter.
7. You should also raise the vehicle and mount it on jack stands
This will reduce the impact of the burden on the suspension and the incidence of flat spots on the tires. The tires should, nevertheless, be filled to the proper PSI rating found on your doorjamb.
8. Start the car frequently to prevent pitting
If you have an aluminum engine (like many Porsche models), you may want to start the car a few times during the winter to prevent pitting. And if you use this method, you should also use a battery tender to trickle charge it if gets low. If not, you can remove the battery altogether and store it somewhere indoors.
9. Keep the little creatures out
It is also recommended that you close off exhaust and intake ports with plastic or secure them with aluminum foil to keep critters out. A few mothballs in these ports will provide additional protection.