What Are the Best Tips for Storing a Classic Car in a Storage Unit?

When storing a classic car in a storage unit, start by choosing an indoor, drive-up unit that offers protection from weather and pests. Storing a vintage vehicle outside can expose it to damage from the sun, precipitation. Use these tips to help preserve your classic car while in storage so it's in top condition when it's time to pull it out.

Acquire Classic Car Insurance

Before placing the car in storage, ensure that you have an active classic car insurance policy, since most self storage facilities will require proof of insurance for vehicle storage. Be sure to research policies that offer proper coverage—unlike regular vehicles, classic cars increase in value over time, so your policy will need to be comprehensive.

How To Prepare Your Classic Car for Storage

To best preserve the condition of your classic car for storage, thoroughly clean and wax the exterior, detail the interior, and remove any debris to help prevent deterioration of the paint. Additionally, make sure that you take care of classic car maintenance items, including:

• Inflate the tires

• Change oil

• Add fuel stabilizer to the gas tank to prevent hardening

• Fill up on coolant

Long-Term Classic Car Storage Tips

If you're storing the vehicle for long periods, you'll need to take certain measures once you get it into your classic car storage unit.

• Covering the tailpipe or stuffing it with steel wool to prevent debris and pests from accumulating

• Disconnect the battery and store it somewhere dry

• Connect the battery to a trickle charger to prevent it from completely draining

• Use wheel chocks or jack stands to alleviate pressure on the tires

• Cover the car with a fabric vehicle cover to ensure it stays dry and dust-free

• Storing your classic car in a climate-controlled storage unit to help prevent rust, cracking, or damage to leather or vinyl.