When choosing a long term storage location, always try to find a secure, dry location. Your initial choice of garage or storage shelter will ultimately be able to keep your car away and out of the elements. This is the whole point of the service as we see it after all. From this too also, when seeking the optimal place to store your vehicle, be sure to look for somewhere that’s both discreet and easy to get to should you need to.
You need a good environment
A stable, dry and secure car storage area is the single most important point. You need to remember this when thinking about storing your vehicle. Protection from changes in temperature, condensation, humidity and salty air are key. They are vital to avoiding rust, mould and other damage to your car. On top of this, rodents and insects can cause considerable damage. This is to wires, upholstery etc. So it is important that whichever storage area you choose, that it be safe from “intruders”.
Options include a home garage, well-insulated shed, professional car storage companies, or “active” car covers like our own products. We do not recommend leaving your car outside under a tarpaulin (or most car covers) which act like moisture traps.
Make sure the car is clean
Before you park you pride and joy for the season, give it the attention it deserves. Make those small repairs you put off until now. Check the oil. Is it time to change it? Check the other fluid levels such as brake and anti-freeze. Top up if necessary. Wash it and remove any trash. Dry it with a chamois and make sure the underbody is dry before you park it. It will be a pleasure when you take it out next season.
Overall
You need the car storage facility to be easily accessible. But you don’t exactly want it to be on a neon-lit strip, either. Ideally, you need to store your classic car in a discreet location. It needs to be one that doesn’t advertise “Expensive Cars In Here” to every passer-by. This is why more rural locations make good storage locations. On the other hand, if you’re delivering the car yourself, you don’t want to end up reversing your pride-and-joy down half a mile of muddy, brambly track to avoid passing tractors. The perfect compromise is what estate agents describe as “semi-rural”: feels remote, but is close to decent trunk roads. If you want your vehicle to be driven, but it can’t go on public roads, look out for a facility with its own private roads or track.
