Putting Your Classic to Bed for the Winter
We get it—you’d drive that old truck or car year-round if you could. But once the air gets cold and the roads start getting salty, it’s time to think about putting your classic away for the season. Whether it’s a restored muscle car, a patina-covered farm truck, or just something with a little sentimental value, proper winter storage can save you a heap of problems come spring.
Here at B&R Repair, we’ve seen what a rough winter can do to a classic that wasn’t stored right—dead batteries, flat-spotted tires, rust, critter nests... the works. So before the first snow flies, give your old ride a little attention and set it up for a smooth start next spring.
1. Change the Oil and Top Off Fluids
Even if you didn’t put many miles on it this year, don’t skip the oil change.
Old oil holds moisture and acid that can corrode engine parts
Top off your coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid to prevent air pockets
Add fuel stabilizer to your gas tank to keep the fuel from going bad
Bonus tip: Run the engine for a few minutes after adding stabilizer so it gets into the whole system.
2. Protect the Battery
If your battery dies over the winter, it might not come back to life—especially if it freezes.
Disconnect the battery and store it somewhere warm
Or better yet, hook it up to a trickle charger to keep it healthy
Make sure the terminals are clean and corrosion-free
No one wants to start spring with a no-start.
3. Give It a Good Wash—Yes, Even If It’s Just Going in the Garage
Dust, grime, bird droppings, or road gunk can eat into paint and chrome if it sits all winter.
Give it a good wash and dry, including the undercarriage
Wax the body to help protect the finish
Clean the interior, vacuum the carpets, and wipe down surfaces
Leave a box of baking soda or a moisture absorber inside to keep things dry and must-free
And yes, mice love a warm garage. We recommend a few dryer sheets or mothballs in the engine bay and interior to keep critters out.
4. Take Care of Your Tires
Flat spots are real—especially if the vehicle sits in one place for months.
Inflate your tires to the proper pressure
Park it on wood planks, rubber mats, or carpet—concrete can pull moisture into the tires
Or, if you’re serious, put the car on jack stands to take weight off the suspension
5. Cover It (But Let It Breathe)
A quality car cover is worth every penny—especially one that’s made to breathe and won’t trap moisture underneath.
Use a soft, breathable cover designed for indoor storage
Avoid using tarps or plastic—those can do more harm than good
If you’re storing it in a barn or shed, cover any open vents or tailpipes to keep rodents out
We Can Help You Get It Stored Right
If you’re not sure what your classic needs before it goes into hibernation, bring it by B&R Repair. We’ll give it a quick once-over, take care of the fluids, check the battery, and help you get it tucked away properly.
We offer:
Oil and fluid services
Battery maintenance and removal
Light repairs and tune-ups before storage
Mouse-proofing advice (seriously—we’ve seen it all)
Ready to Put Your Classic to Bed?
Let’s make sure your old ride wakes up in the spring just as sharp as it is now. Give us a call or stop by—we’ll help you store it the right way, so you can spend less time fixing and more time driving when the snow melts.
Call us at (815) 699-2641 or swing into B&R Repair at 12985 2100 North Ave Princeton, IL, just off the Wyanet-Walnut blacktop, about 5 minutes outside of Manlius.
Proudly helping car lovers across Bureau County keep their classics on the road—season after season.