Driving Your Classic Car after Long Term Storage
Updated: March 15, 2024
How Do you Start a Classic Car that’s Been in Storage?
Picture this: you are just getting out of the cold winter months and wish to cruise the spring away in your elegant classic vehicle.
Not just yet! Classic cars that have sat un-started for ages, perhaps even without oil, don’t respond kindly to an abrupt shake-up. They can be as savage as a grizzly bear suddenly jerked out of hibernation, and you will suffer the price of its displeasure.
Whether a car has been in short-term storage for a few months or out for a long time, there are certain procedures that must be followed before leaving the classic car storage facility and driving down the road, especially if you want to guarantee many happy years on the road. Before starting up, check for leaks, corroded fittings, rotten hoses, and weakened seals. Inspect everything from leaks in the power steering system, engine, transmission, rear axle, and brakes. Learn more with LaFontaine Classic Cars.
Here are quick tips to ensure you get the best out of your classic cars:
Visual Inspection of a Classic Car
Before rousing your prized possession from its nap, take a walk around the vehicle and look for any weather damage or unusual presentations. Look around for creatures snuggling up in areas such as the engine compartment. Animals will seek refuge from the cold in any crevice they can find. Starting the engine with a creature inside can be problematic and take a long time to clean up. If you had placed any covers over the exhaust or air filter to keep the animals out, remove them.
Also, look out for tire issues such as tire pressure. Air pressure constantly fluctuates as the outside temperature causes air pressure to change frequently; air expands in hot weather and contracts in cold weather. Look out for any other unusual signs, such as stuck windshield wipers, then proceed to a mechanical inspection.
Mechanical Inspection
There are several steps to conducting a mechanical inspection:
Replace Fluids
The need for fluid replacement will be dependent on your car’s storage period. The length of time your car has been sitting will determine what fluids must be drained and replaced. For instance, if your classic has been in long-term car storage, you’ll need to empty or flush all fluid systems before refilling them.
Check your fuel tank. If your car has simply been hibernating for the winter, do a full oil filter change, then empty the gas tank and carburetor. Drain, flush and replenish the radiator coolant after flushing the fuel lines. Replace your engine oil and brake fluid and check to ensure all other fluids are filled to the proper levels, the oil filter is restored, and ensure your tires are properly inflated.
Check the Battery on your Classic Car
Dead batteries are a common problem with stored cars. Hopefully, if your classic was parked away for an extended period, the battery was disconnected, uninstalled, and stored carefully away from moisture. In this case, all you have to do is clean the battery terminals and connections with a baking soda and water solution, charge it, and reinstall it.
If, however, the car has been sitting for a long time with the battery still intact, you should replace it with a new battery and fresh wires. As for battery cable’s age, their copper loses conductivity.
Prepare for Ignition
Your car’s spark plugs are at risk of rust and corrosion as the ethanol in gas attracts moisture. If the car has been resting for 90 days or more, mark each plug wire before removing the spark plugs, then remove them. After they have been removed, inject a lubricant into the cylinders. Inspect the spark plugs and replace any that have minor rust spots or appear corroded, white, or oily.
After returning the spark plugs, filling your fuel tank, and ensuring the oil pressure gauge reads normal, fire up your engine and let it warm up a while as you check underneath the car for leaking fluid and any other inconsistencies. You can then give it a short 20-minute drive to loosen your classic up and check for any engine rattles, knocks, and misses.
Once you get back home, make a list of your observations and any potential problems. You can take a longer cruise with your reborn classic only when you’ve solved the issues. Don’t forget to take it for regular maintenance afterward.
How do you Start a Stored Car?
Starting a stored car can be a bit tricky, especially if it has been sitting idle for an extended period. Whether you are reviving a vintage classic or bringing your everyday vehicle back to life after a winter break, there are a few important steps to follow. In this article, we will outline a step-by-step guide on how to start a stored car and ensure a smooth and successful start-up.
Step 1: Inspection and Preparation
Before attempting to start a stored car, it is crucial to inspect and prepare it properly. Begin by checking the exterior for any signs of damage or pest infestation. Look for cracks in the windshield, dents, or scratches that may have occurred during storage. Similarly, inspect the tires for any flat spots or uneven wear. In case of any concerns, it’s wise to consult a professional mechanic before proceeding.
Next, open the hood and examine the engine bay. Look for signs of rodent nests, chewed wires, or any other mechanical issues. If you notice any damages, it is essential to address them before starting the car. Consider cleaning the engine bay to remove any dust or debris that may have accumulated during storage.
Step 2: Fluid Checks
The second step involves checking and replacing various fluids in the car. Start by checking the engine oil level and condition. If the oil appears dirty or low, it is recommended to replace it before starting the engine. Next, move on to checking the coolant level and inspecting the coolant for any signs of contamination. If necessary, top up or replace the coolant to ensure proper engine cooling.
Don’t forget to check the brake fluid, transmission fluid (if applicable), and power steering fluid levels as well. These fluids are essential for the proper functioning of their respective systems, and low levels can lead to issues when starting the car. If any of the fluids are significantly low or contaminated, it is best to consult a professional for further guidance.
Step 3: Battery Inspection and Charging
One of the most common challenges when starting a stored car is a dead or weak battery. Before attempting to start the engine, inspect the battery for any signs of corrosion or damage. Clean the battery terminals and cables if necessary.
If the battery has been sitting idle for a long time, it may have lost its charge. In this case, it is recommended to recharge the battery using a battery charger or jump-start the car using jumper cables and another vehicle.
Why Choose LaFontaine Classic Cars in Milford, MI?
LaFontaine Classic Cars are the best and most reputable classic car dealership for all your classic automobile and truck needs. Our team has extensive experience dealing with classic automobiles for sale. Whether you want to sell your classic or purchase one from us, you can count on us to go all the way for you.
We are also a highly ranked and reviewed vehicle dealership, having a 4.6 out of 5-star rating on Autotrader and a 5-star rating on Facebook. All customers wishing to purchase or sell classic vehicles and trucks may count on us to provide excellent service.
Your Key to the Best Classic Cars & Trucks
Lafontaine Classic Cars is your ultimate home for everything that involves classic cars, from American Chevrolet to German Volkswagen and more. Do you want to purchase a classic car but don’t wish to sift through classified advertisements and wonder how your car runs?
At LaFontaine Classic Cars, you don’t have to sweat through all that. We proudly sell high-quality classic automobiles across Michigan and the United States as a reliable and trusted classic car dealer.
As a family-owned and operated business, LaFontaine is dedicated to offering professional yet client-friendly services. It is not only about the vintage appeal. It’s also about the smile you leave with. Contact us today for the finest classic car and truck services.
Image Credit: Virrage Images/Shutterstock
Worked with Zach and Declan to purchase an 09 G8 GXP. From the outset, Zach went above and beyond to ensure that I, as an out-of-state buyer, had all the information I needed to make an informed decision, including providing additional pictures of specific areas of the car at my request. Responsive, communicative, and accommodating throughout the entire process and the end product was just as described, if not a little bit better. Car was competitively and realistically priced as well. Highly recommend Zach and Team.
Recently purchased a vehicle from LaFontaine classic cars. I really appreciate their focus on their customers. This was a long distance purchase and Zakary, Declan and Andrew made the experience seamless. The vehicle came as it appeared in the photos and in the video. As a first time customer, there was some anxiety but the easiness of the buying process put it to rest. Thank you LaFontaine. This was the same model car I had when I met my wife. Except mine never looked or sounded this good.
Worked with Mackenzie from LaFontaine Classic Cars! Was honest and upfront regarding all aspects of my purchase. He answered any and all questions I had regarding my purchase of a 1967 C10 Truck. Would definitely recommend LaFontaine Classic Cars to anyone looking to purchase a good ol classic car without the stress and worry of being taken advantage of. Thanks again for everything!!!!! Semper Fi Ki
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