As we are deep in the thick of winter it is important to know how you should store your classic car to ensure it can survive the colder conditions. A lot of classic cars are open-top, due to this you will most likely not drive the car at all through the winter months and leaving a classic car dormant for a while can be rather dangerous. Read on below for some factors to consider when storing your classic car in winter.
Engine Concerns
Be sure not to get into the habit of just firing up the engine every few weeks or so, unless you are planning to drive. Although you might think regular usage like that is helpful to the classic car, it is actually the exact opposite! Doing this will mean the oil in your engine will not get to the correct temperature, this means it will hold moisture which can cause interior corrosion. If you are not planning to drive your classic car in winter then you are better off just leaving the engine alone completely.
Battery Concerns
Now for the more modern cars, a trickle-charger will be able to keep the battery in good condition over the winter period. This is not the case for classic cars and so you are better off removing the battery clamps when you are storing it, this way it will save your battery from going completely flat. When the battery does go flat, problems can occur with interior systems like your fuel gauge and radio.
Brakes Seizing
Now this point seems quite easy to understand, if you have not driven your classic car for quite a while then there is a very high chance of your brakes seizing up and the car will no longer be able to move. You should never leave the handbrake on if your classic car is being stored, use chocks instead to keep it in place. Drum brakes are particularly likely to seize up, if this happens then proceed to jack the car up, remove the wheel and apply strong force with a mallet until the drum can be turned by hand. It is important to test your brakes before going on longer drives after the winter, if not then you could be putting lives at risk!
Frozen Windscreen
One of the most obvious tips for storing your car in the winter is to cover the windscreen. Some people may not have a garage and so will have to leave their classic car outside. If this is the case then be sure to purchase a covering for your windscreen to prevent ice or snow covering it up. Some classic cars may even experience internal ice build up on the windscreen so ensure it is completely covered, with no empty gaps on display.
Contact Us for Electronic Ignition Kits
Visit Powerspark Ignition for all your classical car needs, our website offers a wide range of products for many types of classical cars. Give us a call at 01527 889453 or simply contact us through our online form.
