Classic Car Winter Storage, Step by Step

Written by Petro Olekhnovych, mobile mechanic in Aylesham, Kent

Good classic car winter storage comes down to a few things: fresh oil, a full tank, a looked-after battery, no handbrake, the weight off the tyres and a dry, ventilated space. Get those right and your car should come out in spring the way it went in. If it is off the road and untaxed, you also need to tell the DVLA with a SORN.

1. Clean it, dry it and deal with damp

Damp is the biggest enemy of a stored classic. Footman James, the classic car insurer, says removing dirt and making sure the car is dry is one of the most important factors, because trapped moisture leads to rust. It also advises sealing any rust spots before the car goes away.

• The AA says if you suspect damp inside, lift or take out the carpets and dry them.
• Keep the storage space well ventilated.
• Use a breathable cover. Footman James suggests cotton flannel over polyester, which traps heat and moisture.

2. Change the oil before storage, not after

The FBHVC (the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs) recommends changing the used oil for fresh oil before the car is laid up. Used oil can leave acidic residues that promote corrosion inside the engine. It suggests running the engine briefly afterwards so the fresh oil coats everything.

Check your coolant too. Footman James recommends a 50:50 antifreeze mix. Your handbook or a specialist can confirm what suits your engine.

Brake and clutch fluid are the exception. The FBHVC says it is better to change these just before the car returns to the road, because both absorb moisture over winter.

3. Fill the tank and protect the fuel system

The FBHVC advises storing the car with a full tank of quality fuel. A fuller tank leaves less air space for moisture to condense. It also recommends adding an ethanol corrosion inhibitor, because ethanol absorbs water, which can separate out and corrode the fuel system.

Unsure about modern petrol in your classic? See our guide to classic cars and E10.

4. Look after the battery

Footman James advises not storing the car with the battery connected and keeping it topped up on a trickle or float charger. The AA also suggests a mains battery maintainer.

5. Handbrake off, weight off the tyres

Handbrake. Footman James warns that a handbrake left on for long periods can make the brakes stick. Release it and use wheel chocks instead. The AA adds that you should only leave the brake off on private land with the wheels securely chocked.

Tyres. Months of standing in one position can damage the rubber. Footman James suggests taking the wheels off or raising the car onto axle stands to take the load off.

6. Keep the wildlife out

Mice like a quiet garage. Footman James suggests stuffing an old rag in the tailpipe to keep animals out. Leave yourself a note on the steering wheel so you remember to remove it before starting.

Should you start the engine over winter?

Advice differs here. The AA suggests starting a stored car weekly and running it for about 15 minutes so the battery can charge. Footman James says that if a classic is stored properly, you should not need to start it at all.

If you do start it, follow two rules from the AA. Never run the engine in a closed garage, because exhaust fumes are toxic. And never leave the car unattended with the engine running.

SORN, tax and insurance

If the car will be off the road and untaxed, make a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification). The key points from GOV.UK and the DVLA:

• It is free to make a SORN.
• You only need to make it once. It lasts until the car is taxed again, sold, exported or scrapped.
• A SORN car cannot be kept on a public road. It must be in a garage, on a driveway or on private land.
• You can drive to a pre-arranged MOT appointment under SORN.
• You get an automatic refund for any full months of tax left.
• Tax-exempt vehicles still need taxing each year. If you will not tax one while it is laid up, the DVLA says you still need a SORN.

For insurance, Footman James suggests telling your insurer the car will be off the road, as it may affect your premium. The AA says you may be able to reduce cover to fire and theft only.

Bringing it back out in spring

Before the first drive, the AA recommends you:

• Check the MOT and tax are current.
• Check tyre pressures and all fluid levels.
• Look for pests and chewed hoses.
• Check the brakes and handbrake, then drive gently.

The AA also suggests a full service if the car has been standing for a long time. For cars that have been laid up for years rather than months, see our guide to classic car recommissioning.

How we can help

We service and repair classic and vintage cars, including air-cooled VWs, and we come to you. We can do the oil change before your car goes away and the service when it comes back out. For long lay-ups, we also offer recommissioning. Read more about our mobile classic car mechanic service.

We cover Aylesham, Canterbury, Dover, Deal, Sandwich, Folkestone and the surrounding villages. Labour is £30-£50 per hour depending on the job. Parts are extra, and we agree the price on WhatsApp before we start.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to SORN a classic car over winter?
Only if it will not be taxed. If you keep it taxed (and insured), no SORN is needed. Historic vehicles that are tax-exempt still need a SORN if you do not tax them.

Should I change the brake fluid before storage?
The FBHVC recommends changing brake and clutch fluid just before the car goes back on the road, not before storage.

Need help? Send a WhatsApp to 07563 350335 with your car’s make and model and we’ll come to you.

Sources

• GOV.UK: Register your vehicle as off the road (SORN)
• GOV.UK: DVLA busts 9 myths around SORN
• FBHVC: It’s not only wildlife that needs to prepare for winter hibernation
• AA: Laying up and maintaining your car
• Footman James: Top classic vehicle storage tips for winter
• Footman James: How to prepare your classic car for winter