Your Guide to Winter Vehicle Storage

Preparing Your Collector Car for Storage

• Find your ideal spot: This is preferably a dark and dry place with limited foot traffic. You’ll want to keep moisture away, so parking on concrete beats dirt floors every day of the week. If you’re storing on dirt, however, lay a plastic tarp or drop cloth beneath the car. And if you’re near a Hagerty Garage + Social®, consider taking advantage of this safe and secure storage location.
• Change the oil & antifreeze: Changing your oil immediately before storage is the best way to lessen the chance of engine contamination at rest. And without proper freeze protection, you could be facing significant engine block damage come Spring. A good rule of thumb is to perform a full coolant flush-and-replace at the conclusion of every driving season.
• Gas up your tank: Grab some fuel stabilizer and add it to a full tank of gas. Fill ‘er up to make sure there’s no room for air — which can lead to moisture, fuel contamination and tank rust. Be sure to run the engine so the mixture hits the engine’s carburetor, injectors, and fuel rails.
• Wash, wax, and cover: Like brushing your teeth before bed, you’ll want to give your special ride a wash and wax before storing. Once dry, you’re safe to apply a vehicle cover without fear of scratches.

Five Steps to Storing Your Collector Car

1. Close all windows and remove all personal items: Grab all your cruise essentials, especially anything that might freeze and explode under extremely low temperatures. Water bottles and coffee mugs, we’re looking at you.
2. Address moisture control: Grab some baking soda packages like you’d store in your refrigerator and place throughout the vehicle. One in the interior and one in the trunk should do the trick.
3. Block bugs and other critters: Find a way to keep the insects from invading your special ride. Draping a plastic bag over the exhaust pipe(s) and air inlet/cleaner typically works. Covering the bag with aluminum foil and securing with tape or rubber bands adds extra protection. You can also consider adding mothballs or steel wool to the tailpipe.
4. Jack it up: Storing the vehicle on jack stands will keep flat spots from forming in your tires. This also helps keep your suspension in good shape during hibernation since the car isn’t supporting its full weight. If you prefer to stay jack-free, overinflating your tires by 2-5 pounds will help offset flats.
5. Give your battery some love: Couple options here. Carefully unhook and store your battery separately. Or, leave it in the car with a battery tender (aka trickle charger) attached. If you choose to remove the battery, make sure it’s stored someplace safe from freezing temperatures (and never on a concrete floor).

Maintain Your Insurance for a Worry-Free Winter