Most people who own classic cars invest a lot of time and money to keep their vehicles in pristine condition. But, these prized possessions often go unused and unattended in car storage where they can potentially become damaged when left for an extended period. To prevent this, you must adhere to proper storage techniques.

How to Store Your Classic Car

1. Check Under the Hood

Pop the hood open—it’s time to get your car ready for its long sleep. Have the oil and transmission fluid changed, and look for signs of leaks; if there’s none, top off the fluids. Run the engine for a while to let everything circulate. Since the battery will lose its charge when unused, either remove or protect it. A battery tender or maintainer will charge it on cycle to keep it powered up.

2. Fill It With Fresh Gas

Draining the fuel from your classic car does more harm than good. It exposes the metal in the tank and fuel system to moisture and air, which leads to a host of troubles like rust, corrosion, and leaks. However, stale gas degrades over time and results in gum and varnish buildup in the fuel lines, injectors, and carburetors. Fill it with fresh gas and pour in a bit of fuel stabilizer. Drive around the car storage facility to let the stabilizer mix in and spread throughout the fuel system.

3. Wash & Wax

Before putting away your ride in car storage, give it a good wash and pay attention to every nook and cranny. Get rid of all the road grime, stains, and dirt on the surface and underneath. Leave it out to dry—any moisture left can start rust and corrosion; apply wax after. If you want a more thorough cleaning, take it for auto detailing. Any dust or debris left on your classic car can damage it while in storage.

4. Jack It Up

Tires—no matter their construction—turn flat when left sitting. Fix this by jacking up your classic car and putting it on stands. Not only does this prevent flat spots, but it also takes out the pressure on the suspension since it doesn’t have to bear the entire vehicle weight.

5. Seal Every Opening

Use silicone spray on the weatherstripping of doors, windows, and trunk. Lubricate rubber parts, fittings, latches, and hinges to avoid sticking with prolonged storage. Plug the tailpipes with plastic bags stuffed with steel wool and close all the windows to keep out critters. Cover it with a sheet or breathable fabric instead of plastic or tarp.

When you need reliable car storage for your ride, look no further than Arctic Storage at Midtown. Located in Anchorage, AK, they offer secure storage for your belongings—no matter their size. Their storage units come in different dimensions, all priced reasonably. Call (907) 563-3342 for inquiries on their vehicle storage solutions, or learn more about their offered discounts online.