You might have room at home, or perhaps you’ll need to find somewhere safe to store the car long term.

Here’s some handy tips and advice relating to parking and storing your car for longer periods of time, ensuring that when the time returns for you to drive your pride and joy, it is ready to be enjoyed again!

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Storing a Classic Car at Home: General Tips

1. Location Matters

   • Ideal: Clean, dry, well-ventilated garage with stable temperature.

   • Avoid: Damp environments or areas prone to condensation or sudden temperature swings.

   • Bonus: Dehumidifiers or moisture absorbers (like DampRid) help a lot.

2. Clean Before You Store

   • Exterior: Wash and wax the car thoroughly to protect the paint. Best to put it away clean.

   • Interior: Clean and vacuum the interior; leather conditioners or vinyl protectants help prevent cracking over time.

3. Fluids

   • Fuel: Contrary to popular belief, it is actually better to fill the tank with fuel to reduce condensation, and it is a good idea to add a fuel stabilizer to prevent varnish or degradation. An empty tank can allow condensation to form, which can lead to rust.

   • Oil: Change the oil before long-term storage – used oil can be acidic, if the rest of the car is clean, so should the mechanical components be.

   • Coolant & brake fluid: Top them off. If it's a long-term situation, flush and replace as per manufacturer intervals.
      

Tyres, Wheels & Suspension

1. Tyres

   • Flat Spotting: This can happen when the tyres stay in one spot too long under heavy load.

   • Options:

     • Inflate tyres to the maximum recommended safe pressure to reduce flattening.

     • Use tyre cradles or tyre savers, there are many types available online or in automotive retail stores like Supercheap Auto, Repco, or Autobarn.

     • Lift the car off the ground using jack stands or a two-post lift if available.

2. Should you let the tyres down?

   • No. Under-inflation worsens flat-spotting and can damage the sidewalls of the tyres. Best to keep the tyres inflated as normal, ready for use.

3. Should you take the wheels off?

   • Only if you’re storing long-term and lifting the car on stands. Otherwise, it’s overkill for seasonal storage. Plus, you’d have to find somewhere to put the wheels too!
      

Two-Post and Four-Post Hoists: Worth It?

• A Big Yes for collectors with big sheds with vertical space, and multiple vehicles.

• Safe & Space-Efficient: You can store one car above and another below. Elevated cars are also that little bit more secure, it makes them difficult to steal or tamper with when they are up in the air.

• Look for hoist manufacturers that have solutions for:

  • Drip trays (to protect the car parked underneath)

  • Safety locks at multiple heights

  • Solid brand with good parts availability
     

Car Covers, Bubbles & Cocoons

1. Basic Car Covers

   • Indoor Only: Soft, breathable covers (cotton flannel or polyester blend). There are a number of options here depending on your budget.

   • Avoid plastic tarps — they trap moisture and scratch paint. These are the worst thing you can do to your car. If you have a blue tarp, take it camping, and don’t ever put it on your classic car.

2. Outdoor Covers

   • Multi-layer, waterproof and UV-resistant with vents to prevent condensation buildup. The weather is not a friend to classic cars, the best thing you can do is keep the car out of the weather, or at least protected from it.

3. Car Cocoon or Bubble

   • This is the Best Option if you want maximum protection indoors.

   • They seal the car in a zipped, soft plastic “bubble” with a fan that constantly circulates air.

   • Prevents condensation, dust, pests, and even minor dings.

   • Good for humid climates or high-value cars.

   • Can even work well in dusty sheds and workspaces
      

Battery, Fuel, and More

• Battery: Disconnect or use a smart trickle charger. Huge range of options available from automotive accessory retailers like Supercheap Auto, Repco, or Autobarn.

• Fuel: As mentioned above, full tank with stabilizer. Never store a car with an almost empty tank — rust can form inside, and can cause other issues down the track.

• Clutch/Brakes: Avoid leaving handbrake engaged — it can seize. Use wheel chocks instead if possible.

• Interior: Leave windows slightly open for ventilation (you can use silica packs to absorb moisture) which will stop that musty pungent smell inside the car.
   

Rodent and Insect Protection

• Peppermint oil, dryer sheets, or ultrasonic repellents can help deter pests. You definitely don’t want these little pests in your car. Seal gaps under doors, and consider placing traps or bait (safely) near storage areas.

• If your car has been tucked away for a long time, and has lots of cobwebs inside and out, there’s a fair chance you’re going to come across a spider or two. When you do finally get the car out, grab a ‘bug bomb’ from the supermarket and let it off in the car. You’ll be amazed at what you see crawl out of the nooks and crannies!

If you follow these tips, you’ll have the peace of mind that once the winter has passed, and the weather is looking good again, you can drag your classic car out of it’s slumber, and it will be ready to be enjoyed again after a few quick safety checks.
 

Of course, if you don’t have the space at your place, you can chat to VIP Automotive Solutions about storing your classic car. We have an excellent facility in Melbourne, with short and long term options available for storage. Enquire today, as spots are strictly limited!