A classic car is an incredibly desirable investment. But what happens when you don’t have a garage to store it in?
A lack of a garage means that your classic is at much greater risk of damage and early deterioration. It also makes it easier for thieves to steal vehicles.
Invest in a good-quality cover
If a garage is not an option for your classic car, you need to take other steps to protect it. One of the most important things you can do is invest in a good-quality cover. A quality cover will help to keep debris, moisture, and even critters out of your vehicle. It will also help to keep dirt and acid from building up, which can damage the paintwork. You will want to choose a custom-fitted cover made from breathable material. Plastic covers trap condensation, which can lead to corrosion, mildew, and mold growth.
Another thing you should do is install a good-quality alarm (ideally with an immobilizer). This will deter theft and make it more difficult for the thieves to work out what type of vehicle they are dealing with. You should also consider a dash camera, which will act as a further deterrent and record any tampering that may happen. You can then upload the footage to a cloud storage service or use an app to do this.
Storing your classic car outside can be challenging, especially in winter. The rain, snow, and frost can all cause damage to your vehicle. You can try to prevent this by using a tarp to cover the vehicle and then spraying it with WD40 or something similar. You should also clean and wax your car regularly. This will help to prevent the sun’s rays from damaging the paintwork. You should also consider adding a fuel stabilizer to your tank, as this will prevent your vehicle from becoming contaminated with rust while in storage.
If you are storing your car outside, it is a good idea to put it on jack stands. This will take the pressure off the wheels and tires, which can help to prevent flat spots. It is also a good idea to thoroughly inspect your car before you store it. This will help you spot any problems that might occur while it is in storage and fix them before they become serious.
Protect it from the elements
Storing a classic car outdoors can make it vulnerable to the weather, theft, and vandalism. It can also lead to more rapid wear on the paint finish from UV light and environmental pollutants and a greater risk of rust. This can all have a significant impact on the overall value of the vehicle, as well as detract from its appearance.
It’s important to invest in a good quality cover designed for your classic car – and make sure it fits snugly so that the paint or chrome is not rubbing. It’s also a good idea to check in on the vehicle regularly – remove the cover and thoroughly inspect it. This way, you can spot any potential issues, such as rust or insect infestations, and act on them quickly to minimize damage.
Another challenge classic car owners face without garage space is the risk of water damage. This can come from things like rain, snow, sleet, humidity, and temperature changes. These can affect the integrity of the rubber, vinyl, and paint, causing them to crack and fade. It’s also important to check the underside of your classic car for any rust. If there is, it’s a good idea to have the underside of the vehicle-treated with a corrosion protection product like Waxoyl.
Finally, storing your classic car in an open garage or even in a carport can expose it to bird droppings, dirt, and dust. These can cause scratches and dings in the paint and chrome and attract rodents such as mice and rats. Ensure your storage space is clean and free of any tempting crumbs, and consider a fully metal garage that’s designed to keep these pests out.
Ultimately, it’s possible to enjoy the thrill of driving a classic car even without a garage. However, it’s worth remembering that a lot of money has gone into getting your classic car to its current state, so you’ll need to put in extra effort to protect it from the elements and prevent theft or vandalism.
Keep it clean
The ideal place to store a classic car is in a well-ventilated and temperature-controlled garage with a brick floor (which provides superior moisture control). If this isn’t possible, keeping your classic clean is still important. A good way to do this is by handwashing it once a month with a car wash that’s gentle on the paint (drive-through car washes are a no-no). Also, make sure to use a good wax before you store your car for long periods of time, as this will help protect it from the elements.
It’s also a good idea to park your classic somewhere that isn’t too exposed to the weather, as this can increase the risk of damage from rain or snow. If this isn’t possible, it’s a good idea to invest in a high-quality cover that will keep animals and the elements off of your classic car. It’s important to choose a custom-fitted, water-resistant, and breathable cover, as plastic covers can trap condensation and lead to corrosion, mildew, and mold growth.
Lastly, it’s a good idea to take steps to prevent pests from making their way into your classic. This can include putting mothballs around the car and in the engine compartment. You can also try placing small boxes of baking soda inside the vehicle and trunk to deodorize it and make it less attractive to rodents.
When storing your classic car for longer periods, it’s a good idea to put it on jack stands as this will help prevent flat tires. You should also check the tire pressure regularly and make sure to change the oil before storing it for long periods of time.
Storing your classic car outdoors can be tricky, as it increases the risk of theft and vandalism. It’s a good idea to park it in a well-lit area that’s under surveillance, as this can deter thieves and vandals from targeting your classic car. You can also take additional precautions by installing an alarm and immobilizer system on your classic, as these can make it much more difficult for thieves to steal your car.
Get it insured
If you want to own a classic car, it is important to get it insured. This special type of insurance protects your investment and ensures that you are not left with a big bill if something goes wrong. It is also important to check your policy regularly, as there may be restrictions on storing your classic. Have your classic car insured by ottawa auto insurance with coverage tailored for classic vehicles that provide specialized protection against damage and theft, ensuring peace of mind for owners.
Storing a classic car in an open field may seem like the most convenient option, but it can cause serious damage to your vehicle. Not only will the elements accelerate paint/finish deterioration, but it can also increase your risk of rust. Additionally, it is likely that your car will be exposed to bird droppings and insect infestations. If you really must store your classic outside, be sure to use a cover and jack stands to prevent any damage to the suspension or brakes.
If you are storing your classic car in your driveway, it is recommended that you park it away from the road and behind a regular vehicle. This will help deter thieves and make it more difficult for them to see your classic car from the road. Additionally, if you can afford it, investing in some professional storage space is a good idea. Many facilities are climate-controlled and provide security systems to help you avoid the damage and deterioration that can occur when storing a classic car in an unheated garage or in the open air.
Depending on the insurer, it is possible that you can get a policy that covers your classic even when it is not in your possession. For example, Hagerty offers policies that include “laid up coverage,” which allows owners to keep their classic covered while it is in storage or under restoration. Additionally, they offer an agreed value policy, which means that in the event of a total loss, you will receive the full value of your classic minus any deductible.
Owning a classic car is definitely possible without a garage, but it is important to understand the risks involved and take steps to mitigate them. Not only will storing your car in an inappropriate place lead to a faster deterioration of the paint/finish and increased risk of rust, but it could also put your classic at greater risk of theft, vandalism, and other damages.
