Steps for getting your classic vehicles winter-ready

Autumn is approaching and now is the time when you should start to think about getting your summer vehicles ready for their winter hibernation. After all, can you justify taking your 1969 TVR Tuscan out on roads slick with ice and snow? We think not! To help get your vehicle ready for winter, check out these maintenance tips and spare some time to review your current vehicle values and levels of cover with us (details of which can be found on your Policy Schedule).

Storage: Ideally, you’ll want to store your classic in a secure garage. This space should have plenty of room for your vehicle, be well ventilated, and securely locked at all times. If you don’t have garage space available, consider renting space at a specialist storage facility. Your vehicle will be much better protected from the elements under a garage roof than under an outdoor cover.

Clean: You will naturally want to ensure your cherished vehicle is sparkling before tucking her away for the winter. Clean the exterior, paying special attention to remove any bird droppings and tree sap that could damage the car’s paint. Wipe down and vacuum the interior, too.

Fuel: Fuel breaks down over time and can cause damage to your carburettor or fuel injection components. Be sure to add a fuel stabiliser to prevent a breakdown. This can keep your petrol fresh for up to a year. Once you’ve added the stabiliser, take the car on a quick drive around the block to ensure that the product and the fuel have mixed together successfully.

Tyres: Ensure the tyres are at the correct pressure before storing your vehicle. To avoid flat spots and increase your tyres’ lifespan, prop your vehicle onto jack stands and cover the sides, front and back with a light coat of lubricant. This helps to keep them from drying out and cracking.

Battery: Good batteries, especially for specialist vehicle models, are expensive these days. Leave a trickle charger connected all winter to keep your vehicle’s batter in tip-top condition. If you’ve got several classics, replacing batteries can be an avoidable expense.

Insurance: Just because you’re not driving your cherished vehicle for a few months doesn’t mean you can skip insurance coverage. Talk to us about the cover you need to keep your classic protected over the winter. If you’re planning to enjoy a few trips out on the warmer/dry days (and/or your vehicle is valued above £50,000), it might be best to leave your vehicle insured with us on a comprehensive basis. If not, we might be able to offer our basic level of cover – ‘damage, fire and theft’ – providing the vehicle is kept garaged and it proves cost effective to do so.