Owning a classic car isn’t just about admiring its beauty or enjoying the nostalgia. It’s about preserving a piece of history. These vehicles are often irreplaceable, and protecting them properly can mean the difference between a well-maintained masterpiece and a faded memory.
So, how do you protect something that valuable? It’s not just about keeping it clean or storing it away for the winter. True protection goes deeper than that.
1. Invest in a quality car cover
Your car’s first line of defence starts with something simple, but often overlooked. A proper car cover. A quality cover shields your car from:
- Sun exposure – UV rays fade paint, dry out rubber seals, and damage interiors over time
- Moisture – Rain, snow, and even morning dew can encourage rust if your vehicle isn’t sealed off properly
- Dust and dirt – These might seem harmless, but over time, they can scratch paint and wear down finishes
- Bird droppings and tree sap – Both are acidic and can eat through paint if left sitting for long
- Prying eyes – A cover adds a layer of privacy and lowers the risk of theft or vandalism
As you can see, there are many benefits of investing in a cover! With so many classic car covers to select from, make sure to choose a breathable material that prevents condensation from building up underneath. Make sure the fit is snug but not tight enough to cause rubbing. And never, ever cover your car if it’s dirty.
2. Keep it stored indoors whenever possible
The weather is one of the biggest enemies of classic cars. Even with a cover, prolonged exposure to the elements can speed up deterioration. If you have access to a garage, that’s the ideal place to store your vehicle.
But not just any garage will do.
Take time to ensure the space is:
- Dry and well-ventilated
- Free from pests like mice or insects
- Temperature-stable, avoiding extreme heat or cold
- Protected from leaks or damp patches
If the garage shares space with tools or machinery, keep a safe distance to avoid accidental scrapes or spills. And for added safety, lay a soft mat under the car to block ground moisture from creeping up through the tyres or chassis.
3. Stick to a regular cleaning routine
A classic car might not be your daily driver, but that doesn’t mean it can go months without attention.
Dust, dirt, and grime don’t need much time to settle in and start causing damage. Washing your car regularly keeps the exterior protected, and waxing adds a defensive layer between the paint and whatever the road or air throws at it.
The inside needs love too. Vacuum carpets, condition leather, and check for mould in damp corners. Over time, an unattended interior can wear faster than the outside.
This routine also gives you a chance to spot small problems before they become big ones. Cracked seals, rust spots, or oil leaks are easier to fix early on.
4. Use fuel stabiliser if you’re parking it for a while
Old fuel doesn’t just sit quietly. Over time, it breaks down and leaves behind residue that clogs fuel lines and damages the engine.
If your car is going to be off the road for more than a few weeks, add a fuel stabiliser before filling the tank. This helps preserve the quality of the fuel and prevents costly repairs down the line.
Once you’ve added it, run the engine for a few minutes so the stabilised fuel moves through the system.
It’s a small step with big benefits.
5. Start it up regularly, even if you’re not driving
Letting a classic car sit for too long without running can cause a few issues. Batteries lose charge, fluids settle, seals dry out, and moving parts start to stick.
Starting the engine every couple of weeks helps keep everything lubricated and in working order. Let it idle for about 10–15 minutes. If it’s safe and dry, even better to take it for a short drive around the block.
While it’s running, keep an ear out for odd sounds. Any knocks, pings, or squeals can be early warning signs of something going wrong.
6. Check and maintain tyres, even during storage
Tyres lose air over time, even when they’re not being used. That’s bad news for classic cars, especially if they sit in one place for weeks or months at a time.
Underinflated tyres are more likely to develop flat spots. Over time, this affects both comfort and safety once the car goes back on the road.
Here’s what to do:
- Inflate tyres to the recommended pressure before storage
- Rotate the wheels every few weeks if the car isn’t being moved
- Consider using tyre cushions or cradles to spread the weight evenly
- Avoid parking on bare concrete without protection underneath
Also, check for cracks in the sidewalls and dry rot. Ageing tyres might still look fine at a glance but could fail without warning.
7. Schedule mechanical inspections, even if it seems fine
Just because your classic car starts up and looks good doesn’t mean everything underneath is perfect.
Older vehicles have more delicate systems that can wear down in ways that aren’t always visible or obvious. Rubber hoses degrade, fluids break down, and corrosion can sneak into the tiniest gaps.
A professional inspection once or twice a year can save you thousands. These checks typically include:
- Brake condition and fluid levels
- Suspension and steering components
- Electrical systems, lights, and battery health
- Engine timing, belts, and gaskets
- Exhaust condition
Catching problems early means cheaper repairs and fewer surprises when you decide to take it out for a drive.
Worth the effort, every time
Looking after a classic car is a commitment, no doubt about that. But it’s also incredibly rewarding. Every bit of effort you put in now helps preserve the car’s value, beauty, and performance for years to come.
These vehicles aren’t just machines. They’re stories on wheels, and it’s up to you to keep them rolling.
Make protection part of the routine, not an afterthought. Your future self will thank you every time you turn the key and hear that engine purr.
Article and permission to publish here provided as Contributed Content. Originally written for Supply Chain Game Changer and published on May 28, 2025.
Cover photo by Juan Pablo Melo on Unsplash.