One of the reasons a classic car is so cool is that not many older automobiles are still running. A classic car can be a hefty investment, so how  you choose to store it is very important. Things like rust and harsh weather conditions can age your classic car more than any wear and tear you can cause by putting mileage on it. If you are looking to store your car away for a while, make sure you safeguard it by storing it correctly.

When you know that you aren’t going to be driving your car for a while, it doesn’t make much sense to risk it getting damaged, leaving it sitting in your garage, or taking up necessary space when you can find a great winter tires storage unit in Canada. If you want to find a facility to store it over the long term --  meaning over a month -- you can either rent a storage unit or ask your local mechanic's shop if they have space available to rent.

The best time to store your car is during the cold winter months, when harsh weather conditions can freeze pipes or cause other damage to the paint or underpinnings. Also, if you live in places where there is a lot of salt -- like at the beach -- leaving your car unattended for a long time can damage it.

Whether you store your car in a storage container, facility or warehouse, the way you prep the vehicle can have a huge impact on how well you preserve it.

Keep it under wraps

No matter where you store your classic car, you are going to want to cover it. That will make sure to protect it from the elements. Even if you choose a storage space, a cover can help to keep out dust and debris. If you are going to store it outside, make sure to use a waterproof cover to keep the car dry.

Get it detailed

Before you store your car, it is a good idea to have it detailed. If you have any stains or spills in the automobile, they can add up to some potential damage to your car if you let them sit without cleaning them. Make sure to clean the underside, the fenders, and for additional protection you might want to wax the car to preserve the finish. Anything corrosive that is allowed to sit, either inside or outside the vehicle, can turn into something major.

An oil change can do wonders

Before you store your car, make sure to have the oil changed. If you leave used oil sitting in the engine, the contaminants in the old oil can cause damage.

Fill the tank

Always store your car with a full tank of gas. If you are going to store it for more than 30 days,  topping off the tank will prevent the seals from drying out. It is also a good idea to use something like Sta-bil, which will help to prevent ethanol from building up and protect the engine from varnish, rust, and gum. A fuel stabilizer will also keep the gas from decomposing during long storage times.

Don’t forget to charge the battery

If you are going to store your car for an extended period, it is imperative that you keep the battery charged. You will want to run the car for about 15 minutes at least every two weeks. There are also benefits to driving it periodically to maintain the battery’s charge. It will ensure that the car stays fully lubricated. Running the heating and cooling system is also a good idea to help keep everything in working order.

If you are storing the car where you can’t get to it, you might want to disconnect the negative cable leading to the battery. Although you will lose the clock and other settings, it will save your battery life. Also, you can purchase a trickle charger. It is a device that you hook up to your battery and plugs into the wall outlet to prevent the battery from going dead.

Maintain the tires

The best way to prevent damage to your tires is to keep the recommended tire pressure constant. If you don’t, the car can develop flat spots. If you are planning on long-term storage, you might want to put the car on jack stands so that the tires don’t develop flat spots from the weight of the car.

Your classic car is a cherished friend. If you aren’t going to take it out to play, then it is a good idea to store it in a safe place and take the proper steps to ensure that it is ready to go when you are ready to take it out again.