The 9 Best Tips for Storing Your Classic Car

Before you install your classic car in one of our storage units, we advise you to give the vehicle a service first. This ensures the car is immediately ready to drive when spring arrives.

When your classic car is stored for a long time, the harmful acids from old engine oil can penetrate your engine. Also, if you haven't changed your brake fluid for an extended period, this can lead to seized brakes. By performing maintenance in the autumn, you prevent problems in the spring.

You naturally take good care of your classic car. So, wash your car thoroughly before storing it. Not in a car wash, but by hand. This way, you'll immediately see if there are any small damages or other details that need your attention.

Pay extra attention to areas where dirt and moisture quickly accumulate, such as inner fenders and wheel arches. After washing, protect the paintwork with a good quality wax. Besides the exterior, meticulously clean the interior too. Clean leather upholstery with a special maintenance product, such as leather grease or saddle soap.

This keeps the leather supple.

Before bringing your classic car to 1BOX Self Storage, take a good drive. Any water remaining after washing will evaporate by driving in the wind. The engine will also reach a certain temperature, minimizing condensation in the engine and exhaust. This reduces the risk of rust in your classic car, for example.

Extend the lifespan of your classic car with an extra anti-rust treatment. For instance, for the hollow spaces of your car, use a rust preventative. A common method is to mix boiled linseed oil with used engine oil.

Then apply this mixture to the hollow spaces using a fluid sprayer with a flexible hose. It's also best to touch up small damages in the paint as soon as possible to prevent rust formation.

Modern fuels often have additives, such as ethanol. These additives pose a risk of blockages in the fuel system. It's also possible that rubber components, such as your fuel pump or carburetor, can be damaged by this. Is your classic car only stored for a few months?

Then you usually won't experience any issues with modern fuel. If you're storing your classic car for a longer period, fill up with a type of petrol that has the lowest possible ethanol content. When you place your classic car in storage for a long period, for example, Aspen fuel for chainsaws is a good choice.

This type of fuel is less aggressive and does not evaporate in the carburetor. Furthermore, make sure you park your classic car in storage with a full tank. This prevents moisture from forming condensation on the inside of the tank and causing rust.

When your classic car is stationary in storage for a long time, there's a chance the tires can deform. Therefore, inflate the car tires 0.5 to 1 bar higher than usual. A better option is to place the car on blocks so that the tires are fully relieved of pressure.

When parking the classic car in storage, leave the car in gear. Keep the handbrake disengaged. This prevents the brakes from seizing.

In between, you have plenty of space to carry out repair work on your classic car in storage. Also, make sure to regularly operate the clutch and brakes.

For example, press the brake and clutch pedals up and down. This keeps the rubber seals in the cylinders supple, allowing you to effortlessly drive out of storage in the spring.

For classic car storage, you need a dry, well-ventilated, and heated place. 1BOX Self Storage offers extensive storage options for your classic car. You can find our storage locations throughout the Netherlands. Reserve your storage unit directly via our website.