[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/winter-protection-classic-car\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/winter-protection-classic-car\/","headline":"Winter Protection For Your Classic Car","name":"Winter Protection For Your Classic Car","description":"The saying \u2018They don\u2019t build them like they used to\u2019 is true in many walks of life and when it comes to cars it\u2019s perhaps for the best. Older cars are more susceptible to rust and failures. If you don\u2019t stay on top of potential deterioration, the results can be depressing and cripple your bank balance, with breakdown a very real possibility if the engine is not properly maintained. These issues are intensified in the colder months and there\u2019s no […]","datePublished":"2016-09-29","dateModified":"2016-09-30","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/#Person","name":"Isabelle Lawrence","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/","identifier":30,"description":"Max Wheeler is a leading motoring journalist and classic car specialist at Smart Motoring, renowned for his sharp insight and infectious passion for all things automotive. With years of experience covering motoring news, supercars, and the enduring legacy of classic cars, Max brings stories to life with style and authority. Whether it\u2019s the roar of a Lamborghini, the elegance of an Aston Martin DB5, or the cultural impact of vintage motoring icons, he delivers expert commentary that inspires enthusiasts and collectors alike. Dedicated to celebrating the heritage and future of driving, Max Wheeler is your trusted voice for classic car news and beyond.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Smart Motoring","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/feature-48.jpg","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/feature-48.jpg","height":520,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/winter-protection-classic-car\/","about":["CLASSIC CARS","LATEST CAR NEWS"],"wordCount":576,"keywords":["classic cars","Classic Cras","Storing Cars","Storing Cars at Winter","Winter Cars"],"articleBody":"The saying \u2018They don\u2019t build them like they used to\u2019 is true in many walks of life and when it comes to cars it\u2019s perhaps for the best.Older cars are more susceptible to rust and failures. If you don\u2019t stay on top of potential deterioration, the results can be depressing and cripple your bank balance, with breakdown a very real possibility if the engine is not properly maintained.These issues are intensified in the colder months and there\u2019s no stopping winter\u2019s approach – it is coming and it wants to do unspeakable things to your classic car.But you\u2019ve probably spent thousands of pounds on your classic and you\u2019re not going to let something silly like plummeting temperatures and a bit of snow scupper your pride and joy.So what can you do to keep your classic in tip-top condition during the colder months?Store it It\u2019s the equivalent of hiding under your bedsheets but at least your car won\u2019t have to endure all that rain, snow and rust-aggravating grit on the road.However, if you have somewhere to store your classic, make sure you do it right – improper storage can do more damage than driving it through a damp British winter.If you have a dry, airy barn, that\u2019s the ideal place to store your classic. If not, a wood or brick garage is good too. Try to avoid pre-cast concrete units, which can sweat in super cold conditions.All machines work best with frequent use, so you need to make sure that your classic gets a regular ticking-over. Once a month, set aside some time to take the car out for a short drive to get the engine up to running temperature and you won\u2019t be left gutted when the first proper drive of spring comes round.Before you put the car into hibernation, give it a good clean – inside, underneath, on top, every inch of bodywork – and then let it dry out. A thorough waxing won\u2019t go amiss either. Vacuum the interior and clean any leather with a good quality shampoo. Wipe over any wood surfaces with a linseed oil-soaked cloth.Pump the tyres up to 50psi too, if possible. Of course, you don\u2019t drive them like this but it will prevent flat-spotting.Charge the battery, stick some petroleum jelly on the terminals and attach it to a trickle charger. If you think the car will lie dormant for four months, disconnect the battery altogether.Drive itBut what if you need your car all year round? It\u2019s entirely possible to drive your classic through winter without it disintegrating into a pile of rust.The key to surviving winter driving is maintenance. Check everything: the battery, the tyres, the tyre pressures, coolant, wiper blades, washer jets, washer bottle, fuel gauge.Make sure your tyres are suitable and will cope in ice, snow and rain. If they\u2019re looking a little tired, sling them because you could be thankful of that extra grip in icy situations.If your battery has struggled a couple of times in the last 12 months, then now\u2019s the time to get a new one in there too because cold engines need more effort to get going.As for your coolant, make sure you have a 1:1 mix of water and antifreeze. Changing your wiper blades is probably cheaper and easier than you think.Happy winter motoring."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Latest News","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Winter Protection For Your Classic Car","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/winter-protection-classic-car\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]