Prepping a Classic for Winter Storage

Long-term storage is one of the more common ways a well-kept classic picks up avoidable damage — not from driving, but from sitting still. A little preparation before the car goes dormant saves a lot of trouble in the spring.

Fuel and fluids

Top off the tank to limit condensation inside it, and add a fuel stabilizer if the car will sit longer than a month or two. Check the oil — old oil holds moisture and contaminants that do more harm sitting still than they would in regular use.

Tires and weight

Flat spots form when a tire holds the same contact patch for weeks. Inflate to the upper end of the recommended range before storage, and if the car will sit for a season or more, consider getting it up on jack stands.

Battery and electronics

A trickle charger or battery tender keeps the battery from draining fully, which shortens its life and can affect anything electronic that draws a small standby current.

Keeping pests out

Steel wool in exhaust tips and intake openings, and a clean interior with no food wrappers, go a long way toward keeping rodents from making a home in the car over winter.

None of this changes what your policy covers, but it does reduce the odds you’ll need it. If something does happen while the car is in storage, that’s still a covered loss under most agreed value policies — check your declarations page or call the desk if you’re not sure.