Winterizing your classic car is an important part of owning one. By taking the time to do it right, you can avoid costly repairs and keep your car running great all winter long. Here are some tips on how to winterize a classic car:
How to Winterize a Classic Car…
Choose a Good Storage Location
You want a location that has limited access and good security. Concrete flooring is ideal for keeping moisture out.
If your only option is a dirt floor, then use a plastic barrier beneath the car and underneath the tires to keep it clean. The tires should sit on either carpet or plywood. Removing the tires and mounting on jack stands is preferred to lessen the weight on the suspension and prevent your tires from flat spots.
If you’re storing your automobile offsite, some insurance providers will need the address of the offsite location. Check with your insurer to see if there’s anything you need to report.
Hand Wash, Wax, and Inspect…
It’s a good idea to hand wash and wax the vehicle before you put it away. It will save you time cleaning it up when you access it again next season. More importantly, you can get a close look at any issues that may be occurring and you can take pictures to monitor the state of the issue. Then when you access it next you will know if the issue is worse or the same as when you last left it.
Check the Oil Levels and Change the Oil Filter
It’s important to check your oil levels when you winterize a classic car because lower oil levels can cause engine damage. Winter weather can also thicken your oil, making it harder for your engine to turn over. So, checking your oil levels and changing your oil if necessary is an important part of the winterizing process. If you have means go beyond oil and do a full service for the vehicle.
Changing the oil in a classic car is similar to changing the oil in any other vehicle. You’ll need to drain the old oil, replace the oil filter, and add new oil. However, it’s important to use the right type of oil for your particular car. Consult your owner’s manual or a mechanic to find out what type of oil is best for your car.
Check the Antifreeze Levels
Checking your antifreeze levels is important when you winterize because it helps prevent your engine from freezing. Winter weather can also cause your antifreeze to break down, so it’s important to check it and add more if necessary.
To check your antifreeze levels, simply remove the radiator cap and look at the level of fluid inside. If it’s low, add more until it reaches the full line. It’s also a good idea to check the color of your antifreeze. If it’s brown or rusty, it needs to be flushed and replaced.
Check the Battery
Your battery is another important component to winterize a classic car because cold weather can cause it to lose power.
To check your battery, remove the negative terminal first and then the positive terminal. Clean the terminals with a wire brush and then reattach them. Once they’re secure, turn on the engine and let it run for a few minutes. If the engine turns over slowly or not at all, your battery may need to be replaced.
Replacing your battery is a simple process. First, disconnect the negative terminal and then the positive terminal. Remove the old battery and then install the new one. Once the new battery is in place, reattach the terminals.
With the battery you have two options for the winter: Take it out or use a battery tender. Using a battery tender is easier than having to put your battery back in if you are going to run it a few times during the cold months. If you take it out, do not store it where it will freeze.
Check the Tires
Winter weather can be tough on tires, so it’s important to check the pressure and tread depth of your tires when you winterize a classic car. Low tire pressure can cause flats, while low tread depth can cause you to lose traction on icy roads. So, make sure to check your tires and inflate or replace them if necessary.
To check the pressure in your tires, use a tire pressure gauge. Insert the gauge into the valve stem and release the air until you reach the desired pressure. To check the tread depth, simply insert a penny into the tread. If you can see all of Abe Lincoln’s head, your tread depth is low and you need new tires.
Ideally you want to remove the tires for the winter and place the vehicle on jack stands. It’s much better to reduce the weight on the suspension.
If you leave your tires on you should roll the vehicle once a month to prevent flat spots on the tires.
Check the Gas Levels
It’s generally advisable to leave gas in the tank when winterizing a classic car. Preferably Premium grade gas. This helps prevent the fuel lines from freezing and keeps the engine from rusting.
However, if you’re worried about your gas tank freezing, you can add a fuel stabilizer to your gas to help prevent this from happening. Just make sure you run the vehicle to coat the carburetor, fuel rails, injectors, etc.
The more gas you keep in the tank, the less room for air. Too much air brings moisture which can contaminate the gas and rust the tank.
Close the Windows
Make sure that all the windows are closed and sealed tightly.
Protect Against Insects Getting In
Cover the air cleaner/air inlet and exhaust pipe(s) with a plastic bag to keep insects and rodents out of the car. Cover these areas using aluminum foil and tape firmly as well. Insert steel wool into the tailpipe or pack mothballs around the vehicle’s exterior.
Check The Interior For Items That Can Freeze or Burst
If you live where there are extreme temperatures, make sure no personal belongings that can freeze are left inside. Make sure no spray cans or anything that can burst is inside.
Put a Baking Soda Box In the Interior and Trunk
Similar to what you do in a fridge, we need to do this in your vehicle. Backing soda is an odor neutralizer and you can buy it in packs for this purpose. Sodium bicarbonate is particularly attractive to both acidic and base particles because of its great variety of properties. The odor is removed once these particles link with the baking soda of sodium bicarbonate’s unique features.
Cover Your Car
A cover protects your car from the elements, including sun, rain, snow, and ice. Hopefully, you are storing your vehicle inside, where you should still cover it. It also helps keep your car clean and prevents debris from accumulating on it. Plus, a cover can help reduce noise from outside sources. If you have a classic car, it’s especially important to protect it from the elements to help keep it in good condition. Winter is especially hard on cars, so make sure to cover your classic car when winterizing it.
There are many different types of covers to choose from, so make sure to pick one that’s right for your car. If you live in an area with severe weather, you may want to invest in a heavier-duty cover. You can also find covers that are specifically designed for classic cars. Whichever type of cover you choose, make sure it’s the right size and fit for your car.
Once you have your cover, make sure to put it on correctly. If it’s not on properly, it won’t protect your car as well.
Let Vehicle Run for 10 Minutes a Few Times During Winter
It’s also good to start the vehicle a few times during the winter. Letting fluids run through the system helps keep the internal mechanism lubricated and hoses from dry rotting. Don’t just start the car it needs to run for 10 minutes at a minimum to get to operating temperatures.
Winterize a Classic Car – Conclusion
Winterizing your classic car is important to help keep it in good condition. By following these steps, you can help ensure your car runs smoothly all winter long.