How To Winterize A Classic Car

The days are getting shorter and the nights getting colder. It’s just about time to say goodbye to your classic car for the next 5 – 6 months. And say hello to your snowblower. It’s never fun putting your classic Ford, vintage Chevy or Mopar muscle car into storage but in the Midwest it has to be done every year. Before you do, it’s important to be sure your classic or collectible car is ready for the long winter. Here are a few tips to be sure your car is properly winterized.

- You probably keep your car clean anyway, but giving it a good wash and wax now will help keep it from experiencing any scratches from dirt or debris as you put the cover on, and then take it off again in the spring.

- Check the antifreeze and change the oil & filter.

- Add air to the tires. And you can either put your car up on jack stands or place a square of carpet under each wheel to avoid potential flat spots on the tires from sitting in one place all winter.

- You battery may not keep its charge all winter, so bring it inside where it will not freeze. Or if your storage has electricity, leave it in the car and connect a battery tender.

- Fill the fuel tank and add Sea Foam. Run the engine to move the Sea Foam into the carburetor, fuel rails, etc. The more gas in your tank, the less room for air and moisture that can contaminate your fuel and over time even rust out your tank.

- Store your vehicle in a dry location, away from sunlight and sheltered from the elements.

- Seems like a no-brainer, but remember to close the windows!

 

 

Here are some other optional tips to consider, depending on your vehicle and situation.

- Moisture inside the vehicle can cause trouble over time, so to be safe place baking soda packages in both the interior and trunk.

- Cover the exhaust pipe and air inlets with foil or a plastic bag. This keeps keep mice, insects or other critters from getting in and causing any damage. Some people stuff steel wool into the tailpipe which is fine as long as you remember to remove it in the spring.

- If you don’t put your car on jack stands, remember the ground underneath will have some moisture in it. If this is a concern, a plastic barrier between your tires and the ground will help.

- Once you winterize your classic car and put away, avoiding starting it again if possible. If you do need to start it, be sure the engine runs at least 15 minutes to allow it to warm up. Running it any less does no good and ultimately adds unnecessary wear to the engine.

The winters may feel like they go on forever, but it won’t be long until you and your beautiful classic car will become reacquainted on a warm, sunny spring day. In the meantime, if you’re considering adding to your collection it never hurts to browse our current inventory.

 

 

Back To Blog