TOP CLASSIC CAR AND MOTORCYCLE SHORT TERM STORAGE TIPS
TOP CLASSIC CAR AND MOTORCYCLE SHORT TERM STORAGE TIPS
By Emma Airey, Head of RH
Winter is approaching and now is the time when you should start to think about getting your vehicles ready for hibernation. After all, can you justify taking your TD21 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 Alvis 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: The car’s exterior should be thoroughly cleaned and dried. Pay 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 battery in tip-top condition. If you’ve got several classics, replacing batteries can be an avoidable expense.
SORN (Statutory Off Road Notice): If you’re thinking of laying your car up for winter, this can save you from paying road tax (if eligible) while it’s not on the road. Your SORN is automatically cancelled when you tax your vehicle again or it’s sold, scrapped or permanently exported. Simple to do, you can SORN your car online via the DVLA website. Just make sure you re-tax the car before you take it out on the road again or you could face a £2,500 penalty.
Insurance: If you are going to lay your Alvis up for a few months this doesn’t mean you should skip insurance coverage. Talk to us about the cover you need to keep your car 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 – ‘accidental damage, fire and theft’ – providing the vehicle is kept garaged and it proves cost effective to do so.
If you would like to discuss any aspect of your Alvis, or other specialist marque’s, insurance needs – call the RH Team on 0330 912 0028 or email enquiries@rhspecialistinsurance.co.uk.