Classic car enthusiasts are a different breed. They sweat every detail and do everything to keep their vehicle in like-new pristine condition. If that sounds like you, and you have a gorgeous old classic you want to store away for the off-season, we have a few tips for you. Here at North American Auto Equipment, we've spent years becoming a leader in professional parts and equipment for body shops. Many of our customers are individuals and classic car owners who want top-quality tools and advice.

We’ve put together this list of best care practices and ideas for home storage of your classic vehicle. It doesn’t matter if it’s a family jewel that has been passed on from one generation to the next or a new-to-you oldie that has just arrived in your garage. We have the storage solution for you.

Things to Consider

When you are taking your classic car off the road for a length of time, you need to prepare it a bit differently than a more modern car. That’s because:

• Old vehicles are more fragile: Years of use can affect drivetrain, suspension, body and electrical systems, and they tend to deteriorate more quickly when stored than modern vehicles
• Replacement parts are hard to find: Original parts for classic cars can be hard to find. Even aftermarket parts are becoming scarce for many older vehicles, so proper storage is key to avoid damage.
• You want to enjoy your classic: When the season comes to take your classic car off the road, you count the days until you can get it running again! Storing your car the right way means faster start-up later on.

Simply parking your car for an extended period without any preparation or thought to the best storage method is a recipe for frustration when it comes time to fire it up when the nice weather hits again. Instead, check out our tips on how to prepare your car and store it properly for hibernation.

Tips for Classic Car Care

Every old car is unique, but these are some of the tips that all classic car owners will want to consider:

• Fluids: Top off all your fluids to reduce the amount of trapped air — which can cause corrosion. Consider doing an oil change and driving your car a short stint to ensure clean oil is all throughout your engine. Add a fuel stabilizer if you will be storing your classic car for more than a month.
• Body: Do your classic car a favor and wash and wax it before putting it away for storage. Dirt can trap moisture against the body and cause premature rust. Wax will help repel dust and dirt and provides a barrier between your car and any cover you place over it. Lubricate your rubber seals and gaskets as well.
• Tires: Make sure your tires are fully inflated before you store your classic car for any length of time. Low air pressure can create flat spots on your tires and promote cracking and premature wear. Use a quality rubber protectant to treat your tires and keep them from drying out.
• Elevated storage: One essential classic car storage tip is getting it up off the ground. There are several reasons for this, including helping avoid damage from movement in your garage and keeping moisture and humidity from accumulating under your classic. A professional-quality lift is the best solution.

Preparing your classic car for storage is up to you, but our team here at North American Auto Equipment can help you with the last point. We have a range of auto lifts for classic cars, including low-rise and two-post lifts that can be installed in your home garage. Getting your classic up off the ground means it's up and out of the way, which is especially important if you park other vehicles in your garage or have a lot of other items — bikes, outdoor equipment, etc. It also means no one will be tempted to pile boxes and other items on your valuable classic!

If you think a storage lift for classic cars is a good idea for your garage, let us know. North American Auto Equipment is a family owned and operated business that prides itself on its customer service and top-quality products. We won’t suggest a product unless we are convinced it suits your application, so tell us about your classic, and we will point you to the perfect storage lift for your needs.

We carry professional auto lifts as well as the parts you need to keep them running smoothly. You won’t find a better selection, prices or service, so contact us today and request more information on the perfect car lift for classic cars. Your vehicle can remain in perfect shape for the next motoring season!

Read More About Car Care

• How To Store a Classic Car At Home
• Importance Of Wheel and Tire Balancing