Frequently asked questions
Winter storage.
A well-prepared car comes through winter unharmed. The steps that matter, and what the Riviera climate changes.
Preparing the car.
How do you prepare a classic car for winter storage?
In a few steps: a clean, dry car, a full tank, the battery on a maintenance charger, the tyres protected from flat spots, the handbrake off, a breathable cover and a dry, ventilated space. An oil change before storage avoids leaving used oil in the engine all winter.
The detail, step by step: winter storage for a classic car.
Should you fill the tank before storing a car for winter?
Generally, yes. A full tank leaves less room for air, and so for condensation and internal corrosion. Fuel does age, however: a fuel with a low ethanol content, or a stabiliser, is preferable if the car will stand for a long time.
How do you look after the battery over winter?
With a maintenance charger, which keeps it topped up without overcharging. Failing that, disconnect it; on a modern car the charger is preferable, as disconnecting the battery can upset some systems. A battery left to drain for a long time may never recover.
How do you stop the tyres from flat-spotting?
By avoiding prolonged load on the same spot. Two solutions: inflate a little above the usual pressure, returning to normal pressure before driving, or take the weight off the wheels with suitable chocks or axle stands. Lasting flat spots are felt afterwards as vibration.
Should the handbrake be left on during storage?
No, it is better left off: pads or shoes left clamped for a long time can stick to the discs or drums. The car is held instead by a gear engaged and wheel chocks, on level ground.
The place and the habits.
Where should a classic car be stored in winter?
In a dry, ventilated space, sheltered from swings in temperature. Damp is the enemy: it attacks the metal, the chrome and the interior. A closed but damp garage does more harm than an airy one. Think too of rodents, which are fond of wiring looms and interiors.
Tarpaulin or car cover: how should the car be covered?
With a breathable cover, shaped to the car and soft on the inside. A plastic sheet traps moisture against the paint and encourages corrosion. The car should be clean and dry before it is covered.
Should you start a stored car from time to time?
Only if you drive it long enough for it to warm up properly. A few minutes’ idling on the spot creates condensation in the engine and exhaust without clearing it. If the car is not going to be driven, it is better to leave it at rest and take care over recommissioning.
On the French Riviera.
Does a car need winter storage on the French Riviera?
Not necessarily. Winters are mild on the coast, and a classic car can be driven there on fine days. The damp sea air still needs watching, and a car that will not go out all winter deserves the same preparation as anywhere else.
Is the salt on mountain roads a risk for a classic car?
Yes. As soon as you climb into the hinterland and towards the ski resorts, the roads may be salted. Salt clings to the underside and inside box sections, where corrosion begins. After a drive on salted roads, a thorough wash of the underbody is essential.
What should be done before driving again in spring?
Check before starting: tyre pressures, fluid levels, the battery, any leaks or signs of rodents. The first miles are driven gently, testing the brakes, which may have seized. A start-of-season service puts the car back in order; for a slot: book an appointment.
Can the workshop store and prepare my car for winter?
Yes. The workshop offers storage and seasonal preparation, for the winter as for any long absence: the car is prepared, kept, then recommissioned for your return. Terms are given on request, through the contact page. Transport to the workshop can be arranged.
Winter storage.
A well-prepared car comes through winter unharmed. The steps that matter, and what the Riviera climate changes.