As winter settles in and temperatures begin to fall, classic car owners face a familiar seasonal decision: how best to protect cherished vehicles during the colder months. While it’s tempting to enjoy these automotive icons year-round, winter weather, moisture, and road salt can quickly undo years of careful preservation. With the colder season now upon us, this is the perfect time to plan your classic car’s winter hibernation. Below, we share practical tips to help keep your classic in outstanding condition until spring returns.
Choose the Right Storage Environment
Where you store your classic car over winter is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. A dry, clean, and ideally climate-controlled space will help protect against rust, mould, and deterioration. If indoor storage isn’t available, a premium, breathable car cover designed specifically for classic cars is essential. Make sure the storage area is tidy, well-ventilated, and free from anything that could cause accidental damage.
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Preparing Your Classic for Winter Storage: Before parking your car for the season, a little preparation goes a long way:
Thorough cleaning: Wash, wax, and detail the exterior, and clean the interior carefully. Removing dirt, salt residue, and moisture helps prevent corrosion and long-term damage.
Fresh fluids and filters: Changing the oil and filters before storage removes contaminants that could otherwise sit in the engine all winter.
Fill the fuel tank: A full tank helps reduce condensation and corrosion in the fuel system. Adding a fuel stabiliser can also protect against fuel degradation during extended periods of inactivity.
Battery care: Disconnect the battery or connect it to a battery maintainer to ensure it stays healthy and ready for spring.
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Protect the tyres: Slightly overinflate tyres to reduce the risk of flat spots, or use tyre cradles or axle stands if the car will be stored long-term.
Keeping Moisture at Bay: Cold weather and damp conditions can be especially harmful to classic cars, so moisture control is vital. Place desiccant packs inside the cabin to absorb excess moisture, use a breathable car cover to prevent condensation, leave windows slightly open (if the environment allows) to encourage air circulation. These small steps can make a big difference in preserving interior materials and preventing corrosion.
Check In Throughout the Winter: Even while resting, your classic still benefits from occasional attention, visit the car periodically to check for damp, pests, or unexpected issues, If possible, start the engine occasionally to circulate fluids and keep components lubricated, keep a simple maintenance log to track checks and any work carried out during storage
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Protect Today, Enjoy Tomorrow
Proper winter storage is an investment in your classic car’s future. By selecting the right storage solution, preparing it carefully, and maintaining moisture control, you can help preserve both its condition and value. When the warmer months return, your car will be ready to emerge from winter storage just as beautiful and road-ready as you left it. Winter may be here, but with the right care, your classic will be perfectly poised for the next driving season.
One of our clients, Hilton & Moss Car Storage, offers far more than a secure place to keep your vehicle; they deliver a fully tailored, concierge-level experience designed for owners of classic, super, and prestige cars.
As one of the UK’s rising leaders in luxury vehicle storage, Hilton & Moss Car Storage pairs cutting-edge facilities with the decades-deep expertise of the wider Hilton & Moss services, ensuring every vehicle receives uncompromising protection, meticulous care, and the attention it truly deserves.
Visit their website here.
If you are interested in exploring advertising your storage company with us, I encourage you to get in touch.
Please feel free to contact me directly, and I will be more than happy to provide you with further information, answer any questions you may have, and guide you through the process.
Nick Aylieff, Owner & CEO, Classic Motors For Sale
+44 (0) 7453 354260 | Mobile +66 (0) 864 054 536 |
