The Hidden Dangers of Winter for Your Classic Car

If anything signals the coming autumn and winter more than the chilly mornings and darker evenings, it’s the arrival of several rare and exotic classic cars at SHY Automotive. Similarly to these three beautiful cars – an AC Ace, a Porsche 911 2.7 Targa and a Ferrari 330 GTSeries I – we are now seeing a rapid increase in inbound vehicles at our purpose-built vehicle vault for storage over the colder months.

Many cars will have been enjoyed all summer, taking in road trips, coffee runs and classic car events, but now their owners store them with us as the roads get frosty. And they’re not just being precious either; the winter months can play havoc with classic cars, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage over time.

Freezing Temperatures

Engine Damage: Cold weather thickens the oil in the engine, so if you start your car on a cold day it may not be effectively lubricating components, causing wear on the engine, leading to expensive repairs. If liquids freeze solid, they can expand and cause cracks in the engine system.

‍Rubber and Plastic Degradation: Classic cars often use rubber and plastic components (such as seals, hoses, and belts) that can become brittle and crack in freezing temperatures, leading to leaks.

‍Battery Issues: Classic car batteries tend to discharge faster in cold conditions, especially if left unused for extended periods. In temperatures well below zero the electrolyte can also freeze which can permanently damage a battery.

Salt Damage

Corrosion and Rust: Road salt accelerates rust and corrosion, particularly on exposed metal parts. Salt acts as a catalyst that speeds up the oxidation process, leading to rust on the undercarriage, wheel wells, and body panels.

‍Brake and Suspension Wear: Salt can also damage mechanical components like the brakes and suspension. Corrosion on the brake callipers, lines, and pads can lead to decreased brake performance, while suspension parts can corrode, leading to a rougher ride or failure.

‍Chassis Damage: The metal frame or chassis of a classic car is particularly susceptible to rust from salt. Prolonged exposure can weaken structural components, leading to expensive restoration efforts.

Moisture

Interior Damage: Classic car interiors, especially those with leather or fabric seats, can suffer from moisture build-up, leading to mould and mildew. If water seeps into the interior through cracks in seals, it can result in costly repairs for reupholstery or professional cleaning.

‍Electrical System Corrosion: Moisture can also affect a vehicle's electrical systems. Classic cars often have less advanced electrical protections compared to modern vehicles, and moisture can cause corrosion in wiring, fuse boxes, and connectors, leading to electrical shorts and system failures.

‍Paint Deterioration: Water, when combined with contaminants like salt, can cause the paint to blister, peel, or fade. Moisture trapped under avehicle’s paint can lead to rust forming under the surface, weakening the bodywork over time and requiring paint corrections.

‍Fuel Freezing: If water gets into the fuel system, it can freeze in colder temperatures, causing blockages in the fuel lines. This leads to difficulty starting the engine or poor performance until the system is thawed out

With proper care, major repairs of a classic car can be a once-in-a-decade expense. It’s why we consider storing at SHY Automotive as an investment rather than an additional expense. Many classic car owners can vouch for our total peace-of-mind car storage, which doesn’t only provide the perfect conditions, but also has mitigations against fire damage, theft, and accidental damage.  

To learn more about SHY Automotive click here https://www.shyautomotive.com/car-storage/home