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How to Protect your Classic Car

When you’re the proud owner of a classic car, it’s important to protect it from harm to ensure it retains value. A big part of this is preventing the unpredictable British weather from taking its toll on the bodywork.

Even the rarest vehicle can depreciate in value significantly if its condition has deteriorated over time. The most prestigious car, like any other, can fall victim to the climate and once rust starts to set in, it can be difficult to stop.

© BreizhAtao / Shutterstock.com

Prestige car care should be paramount when you have a valuable automobile that’s an investment, as well as a means of transport. Any small oversight in your storage and maintenance routine can lead to a loss of value.

Almost 340,000 vintage cars aged 40 years and older are still registered in the UK, according to figures from DVLA published in March 2024. However, 12% have been declared SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) by their owners. Many of the 41,000 SORN vehicles are works in progress that are being restored, while others are rare models bought as an investment, rather than an everyday car.

Even a minimal amount of rust can reduce their value, with the odd surface spots knocking 10% off the asking price, according to 2024 data from vehicle sales site Motorway. Once it has spread to the chassis and frame, the drop in price can be 20% or more. It can also compromise your car’s safety, creating structural risks and reducing its longevity.

So, how do you take care of a classic car to protect it from deterioration?

Classic car care

The greatest damage to classic cars is caused by the climate, moisture and humidity. Britain is known for its unpredictable weather and even in summer, sunshine isn’t guaranteed.

July was particularly wet, with many parts of the UK having an unseasonal amount of rain, according to the Met Office. In the south-east, Midlands and East Anglia, 66mm of rain fell during the first seven days of July – 139% of the total amount normally expected in the whole of the month.

Finding suitable storage space for your vintage car is vital, as no owner wants their collectible to be outside in monsoon-like conditions. A garage can be the best place, not only in winter, but at any time, to protect it from the elements and in terms of security.

Check the garage door and locks are secure and install visible deterrents, such as motion-detecting floodlights and CCTV, to make thieves think twice. Add the garage to your home alarm system as extra protection. If your garage contains electrical appliances or flammable substances, install a fire alarm too to reduce the chances of your investment going up in smoke.

Covering cars is a good way of providing extra protection, even when storing indoors. Never choose a standard tarpaulin, as it isn’t breathable and can cause condensation and ultimately mould. Use a purpose-made waterproof car cover made from a breathable material.

A car windscreen cover is also useful, as extremes of temperature can put stress on the glass, especially in below-zero temperatures. If it’s covered in ice and you turn the heating up high or pour on hot water to clear it, the sudden temperature change can cause a crack.

Pre-storage checklist

Check the garage is leak-free, dry, clean and damp-free before moving your car in, as any moisture can cause corrosion. Fix any leak or damp issues first.

Next, invest in some high-quality car care products and clean, wax and polish your vehicle to ensure no congealed dirt is on the surface, as it can have an acidic reaction, causing corrosion.

Don’t put your car away wet: once it has dried thoroughly, lubricate all rubber parts to prevent them from cracking over time. Leave a window slightly open, as fresh air circulating can help to prevent damp and mould.

If you’re still concerned about damp or humidity, use a dehumidifier, or pop some silica gel pouches in the footwells to absorb interior moisture.

Pump the tyres up to maximum air pressure, as recommended by the manufacturer. If the car is stored for a long period, this reduces the risk of them losing shape.

Avoid possible infestation by mice or moths by closing the interior air vents and putting a cloth or wire wool in the exhaust pipe.

Caring for leather car seats

Many classic cars have leather seats, which require particular care. Clean the smooth surface areas using a sponge or soft cloth that doesn’t contain abrasive fibres. A mild leather cleaner is kinder to older materials. It may take longer to clean with a soft cloth and gentle cleaning solution, but it will be worth the effort. If any stains are tough to remove, such as dye or ink, it’s better to consult a professional leather cleaning company, rather than risk damaging the seat yourself by using a product that’s too harsh.

Go out for a spin

Going for a drive at least once a fortnight is a good way of keeping your car in working order over autumn and winter, rather than leaving it cooped up in the garage for months at a time. This helps to prevent degradation of the engine oil and fuel and keeps the battery charged.

After a drive, clean and dry the car thoroughly before putting it back in storage, especially if the roads have been salted or gritted due to ice. Always hose off salt from the car’s lower parts to avoid damaging the paintwork.

On average, 15% of classic and vintage cars disappear from the UK market each year, according to data published by Hagerty. A vehicle can be considered vintage at only 25 years old, but it may come as a surprise that cars from the 1990s tend to vanish quicker than older models. Cars made between the 1960s and 1980s are becoming rarer, but they still seem to have a greater longevity than 1990s models.

Vehicles that have gone from the system may be stored in the owner’s garage, turning up years later and termed a “barn find”.

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