Putting Your Classic Car Into Hibernation for the Fall & Winter Seasons
The leaves are changing color, the temperatures are dropping, and the days are getting shorter - fall is truly here. Now is the time to prepare your cherished classic car for hibernation over autumn and winter. Along with Fall Car Care Month, we've rounded up some essential tasks that will help protect your classic vehicle from the harsh wintery conditions so that it's ready to roll once the sun comes out again next year. Along with quality
auto insurance in Redlands, CA, these
tips can protect your classic car for many months to come.
Find the right storage location.
Ideally, you will keep your classic vehicle inside the garage all autumn and winter. If you don't have a sheltered location for it, consider renting out a space at a storage facility. This is one of the best ways to protect it from cold temperatures, rain, wind, and frost. Even though it will be sheltered, it will still need a cover to protect it from dust and debris, so that the paintwork stays in good condition.
Clean it - inside and out.
Before tucking it away for winter, clean the inside and outside thoroughly. You'll want to ensure that there are no interior crumbs, trash, or damp mats. When you're washing the outside of the vehicle, pay particular attention to any tree sap and bird droppings that may be eating away at the paint. Finally, finish it off with a wax polish for extra shine and protection while it's away for a few months.
Work under the hood.
It's a good idea to change the oil and drain the cooling system now. Then, add the correct quantity of anti-freeze and water. Double-checking that all fluids are topped up can help you save time and money when it comes to spring driving. It's also a good idea to ensure the battery will survive the season. Consider a trickle charger to keep the battery functioning even when not in use.
Assess the tires.
You have three options when storing your classic car away: do nothing (and risk flat spots occurring), pump them up to the maximum psi, or raise the car and leave it on axle stands. The latter is the best and safest solution to protect your vehicle's tires. If you do prop the car up, ensure that it is safely supported.
Fill up the tank.
Fill the tank with premium gas and then add a fuel stabilizer per the manufacturer's instructions. The fuller the tank, the less likely it is that there will be excess moisture in open spaces, causing the tank to rust. The stabilizer will prevent the fuel from hardening and becoming unusable.
At Little & Sons Insurance Services, we know how much time classic car lovers spend tending to their vehicle, which is why coverage is important inside the garage as well as out.
Contact us for an innovative policy on your classic car insurance. Contact us for quality
auto insurance in Redlands and neighboring cities in CA today!
