Owning a classic car can be a feeling of pride. No matter what the vehicle is, be it a vintage Aston Martin, rare Chevy, or genuine Bentley, it’s important to pay close attention to how it’s stored. If you plan to keep your pride and joy under lock and key in a garage during the winter months, you should take steps to ensure that when spring arrives, the engine and other components are still in good working order.

Leaving a vehicle unused can be just as damaging as driving it recklessly. The tips outlined below should help ensure that your classic car will not suffer any ill effects if it is not driven for several months. A basic understanding of correct storage techniques can keep your engine, chassis and body in top condition.

Today your car can have a perfect finish, but if you don’t thoroughly clean and wax the paintwork before storing it, it may not look as good the next time you take it out on the road. Make an effort to remove dirt, this includes mud splatters, dead insects, etc.

Before locking your vehicle for the winter, be sure to empty any items that don’t need to stay from the inside. Even a misplaced pen can be a problem, if it freezes, it can spill ink inside. You should only leave the most essential items in the car when it is not in use.

Did you know that if you leave your classic with a full tank of gasoline this can damage the fuel system? To help prevent this problem from developing, you should add a fuel stabilizer to the tank and let the engine run for five minutes to mix the agent. It would also be valuable to have a full tank of fuel, as too much empty space can cause the air to condense internally and rust.

If you live in a region where the outside ambient temperature fluctuates, this can make your car body appear to be sweating. What this really is is the moisture that condenses on the paint. The best way to prevent this problem from staining your panels is to shop around and choose from a selection of car covers. You should also park the vehicle on a rubber mat to prevent the moisture from the garage floor from evaporating and causing a problem.