With winter now in full swing, are you thinking about putting your car into storage?
Tempting though it is to drive our classics all year round, there is always the nagging doubt about how much use they will actually get in the winter months (particularly if heating and weather protection are a bit rudimentary), and the effect that salt-laden roads might be having.
Plenty of owners choose to lay-up their pride and joy until the return of better weather and to help you, we have produced a three part help guide for effective storage.
Put it away in the garage
Keeping your car under cover is the ideal way of protecting it from the elements and if you’ve got the space, it isn’t too late to think getting yourself a garage.
Some are assembled by the supplier, though there is also the option of self-assembly depending on the construction. A single concrete section garage starts at around £2000 from GBC Group, while you’ll pay just over £3000 for a similar garage in steel from AutoBuild.
Steel items can be susceptible to condensation but a roof membrane combats the problem, and further insulation options are available. For a timber building, prices at Passmores start at around £2300 for a single garage, and £4200 for a double.
Before taking this route though, it’s worth bearing in mind that you may need planning permission while building controls might also apply. Generally speaking this depends on the size and location of the structure, and if the garage is less than 30 square metres and detached from your house it should be fine. The planning department of your local council can provide advice on the current regulations, so be sure to contact them before you start any work.
If a garage is too ambitious, a car port or temporary shelter could be just the job. Hamilton Classic has a range to choose from including the innovative ‘AutoPod’, a fully-enclosed, shelter that’ll keep the bad weather at bay. Or there is always the option of car storage companies. Space Contained charge around £50-70 per month for covered storage.