How Do I Select A Garage To Store My Classic Car?

Think about how few people you let drive your classic car. Pretty short list, huh? Those are the people that you entrust with the care and protection of your car when it’s on the road. Shouldn’t you put that much thought and consideration into the place that protects your car when it’s not on the road?

When you look at it that way, choosing the right garage for your classic car could be one of the most important decisions you make for its long term care. We’ve all heard the stories of “barn finds” and abandoned garage queens in near-pristine condition, but those are the exceptions, not the rule.

If you want to keep your classic car looking as nice as the day you bought it, you need to think beyond just car detailing and winterizing. Here’s what to keep in mind for your classic car’s humble abode, be it at your place or elsewhere.

What Should I Look For in Quality Classic Car Storage?

Whether it’s garage space in your own home, or in a separate dedicated structure, you can probably guess some of the basics: A brick or concrete structure with stable temperature that stays warm in the winter and cool in the summer is the best way to start. Car trailers and wood structures may be more economical, but those enclosures come at a price.

When it comes to climate most people think about keeping their garage heated through the winter, but we’re seeing increasing numbers of owners air conditioning garages as well, especially in locations where high heat throughout the year is a major issue.

Making sure your car is not just temperate but dry is also important - secure garage doors will help keep outside condensation to a minimum, while humidifiers/dehumidifiers can also help keep your cars gaskets, seals, vinyl and rubber in better shape for longer.

Keep the air moving, too -- exhaust is an issue if you’re running your car in the garage for extended periods of time, but stale damp air can contribute to mildew and rot as well. If you’re not storing your car for extended periods of time, you can also crack the windows to keep air moving through and prevent stale odors from developing.

Another no-brainer when it comes to a good garage: Fire suppressors and a good padlock or security system. The best garage in the world doesn’t do much good if an errant spark causes an issue that can’t be quickly controlled, or if someone decides to come in and take your pride and joy for a joyride.

How Do I Find the Best Car Storage Near Me?

If you’re looking to outsource your classic car storage, any professional garage should tick all of the above boxes easily before even considering them for vehicle housing.

In addition to the aforementioned temperature/humidity control and security requirements, a good garage should be able to perform basic maintenance on your car as needed - a good menu of services includes not just washing and waxing but paintless dent removal for the occasional dinger and wheel and tire repair.

Some storage facilities can also arrange transportation for your car to meet you wherever you’re going to be. At the very least, every garage should give your car a basic visual inspection before you arrive, and the air pressure in your tires should be double checked.

Unfortunately, finding all of these things in the same space can be tough. Thankfully, for car lovers in Chicago, Delray Beach, New York and Miami, Hagerty has the solution. Our Garage+Social program has all of the above and more, offering peace of mind with minimal effort on your part. At Garage+Social, you’re not just a customer, you’re a member of a community.

We welcome members for “cars & coffee” breakfasts for driving enthusiasts, we host industry experts for regular seminars and discussions, facilitate social drive days and track outings and our locations are licensed pre-owned dealerships so we can even help you sell to the right driver when the time is right.

If that sounds like a good fit for you (and your classic car) we can start the membership process here.