Owners of antique cars take pride in their vehicles. Making sure they are properly cared for is an important aspect of maintaining their value and beauty over time. However, it can be challenging. If you’re planning on storing your vehicle for the short or long term, there are some useful tips you’ll want to keep in mind.

3 Tips for Storing an Antique Car

1. Choose a Dry, Dark Storage Space

The environment in which classic and antique cars are stored can have a major impact on how well their condition is maintained during that time. Ideally, finding a dry, dark area with limited dirt or moisture is best. However, if this isn’t possible, add a layer of plastic or plywood between your vehicle and the ground to try and keep it as protected as possible.

2. Focus on Fuel & Oil

Filling up the gas tank can help prevent it from rusting. If you leave the tank depleted, it can cause moisture buildup, leading to rusting and corrosion. Another way to help protect the tank is to add a fuel stabilizer to prevent the fuel from hardening. If you want to avoid rusting within the vehicle’s engine, change the oil and other fluids, as well as the filters, before putting it in storage. This will help ward away harmful contaminants that can make their way into your engine.

3. Fill or Remove the Tires

If you’re not going to be driving the antique car for an extended period of time, there’s no need to keep the tires on it. You can simply remove the tires and put the vehicle on jacks or fill them with air before storing it for an extended period.

Once you’re ready to take your antique car out of storage, you can show it off at the Charlotte AutoFair in Mecklenburg County, NC. This celebrated event is hosted at the Charlotte Motor Speedway every spring and fall. It’s a great place for owners of classic and antique cars, as well as those who simply enjoy auto shows, to come together to enjoy their shared enthusiasm for collections and products. Call (704) 841-1990 or visit them online for more information on the event.