As the golden days of summer motoring give way to the long shadows of autumn, many owners of cherished cars face a familiar decision: what to do when the season of spirited drives and open roads draws to a close. For some, a simple garage might suffice. For others – those who understand that a classic Ferrari, a historic Aston Martin or a modern hypercar is more than transport, but rather heritage, passion and investment – the question of winter storage is one of stewardship.

Storing a car properly over the winter is both a science and an art. It requires technical knowledge, attention to detail, and the right environment. When done well, it preserves beauty and mechanical integrity; when done poorly, it can actually accelerate wear, corrosion, and depreciation. At Racing Green Car Storage, we believe that specialist cars deserve specialist care.

Why winter storage matters

We all know that leaving a special car exposed to the elements is going to accelerate its ageing – but even getting it under cover or into a garage won't be enough to truly protect it. Every winter brings with it risks that can undermine a car’s condition and value. The cold and damp that permeate ordinary, poorly insulated garages can lead to condensation, corrosion, mould and mildew. Flat batteries, seized brakes and flat-spotted tyres are common afflictions when a car is left standing for many months without attention. Leather interiors dry out and crack, while brightwork can tarnish almost overnight in a damp environment. Rodents, too, are opportunists; engine bays and upholstery make tempting winter nests – and if you've ever had to make an insurance claim for a new wiring loom, you'll know how worrying a moment that phone call is…

For high-value cars, and even cars you have a strong emotional attachment to, these are not inconveniences but potential catastrophes. The cost of rectifying water-damaged interiors, repairing corrosion or recommissioning seized components can run into the thousands — to say nothing of the diminished value in the eyes of collectors. In contrast, careful preparation and professional storage ensure that when spring returns, your car emerges justas you left it: immaculate, responsive, and ready to delight.

Preparing your car for its winter retreat

Before a car is put away, it deserves a final flourish. A thorough wash, polish and interior clean do more than simply please the eye; they guard against the creeping advance of dirt and moisture. Road salt is particularly corrosive, and any residue left clinging to wheelarches, undersides or seams can trigger rust long before spring arrives.

At Racing Green Car Storage, as a minimum we recommend a thorough snow-foam wash including beneath the car, followed by a really good blow-dry using a neat bit of kit like our BigBoi BlowR, to chase away water that gets behind trim and panels.

For the ultimate end-of-season pampering, the next step is to treat your car to professional detailing prior to storage, finished with a wax or ceramic coating to seal and protect the paintwork. Inside, glass polish, leather conditioners, fabric treatments and specialist plastic treatments keep cabins fresh and supple. This is not indulgence; it is protection. Owners who value their cars understand that event a seemingly small detail can become a fault line if neglected.

Mechanical wellness

A car’s health depends not only on what can be seen, but on what flows through its veins. Old oil left standing in an engine can become acidic, attacking metal surfaces. Starting a car and not letting it run up to operating temperature can be bad for it, as water vapour may gather in the crankcase, combustion chamber and exhaust if it isn't burned off as the engine and exhaust get hot.

Brake fluid absorbs moisture, undermining its effectiveness. Coolant that has lost its antifreeze properties can freeze, cracking blocks and radiators – which is why we check its health before putting any car away.  A full tank of fuel, treated with stabiliser or filled with a sustainable fuel that is free from ethanol prevents condensation forming in the tank. Alternatively, if that's not practical, try to leave your car running on fumes before putting it away; then, when you come to next drive it add a can of pump-fresh super unleaded before starting it, then head for the petrol station to fill it.

Battery & electrical care

One of the most common frustrations for owners who store their own cars is a flat battery. Modern vehicles are laden with electronics. Tony Zeal, Technical Training Manager for CTEK, the Swedish manufacturer of intelligent chargers for batteries, says today’s car battery faces all manner of demands. “Even something like a Ford F150 pickup has 150 million lines of code to operate – that’s more than Facebook, the Boeing Dreamliner, the F-35 fighter jet and the Large Hadron Collider combined.” The moment you unlock a car, all manner of control modules – computers, effectively – spring to life priming different mechanical and convenience functions all before the engine is running and the alternator can take care of the battery. Even the battery has its own control module – known as the battery energy management system.

These drain power even when a car is parked and locked. Traditional trickle chargers are crude instruments that can damage batteries if left unattended. Instead, smart chargers are the solution: they constantly monitor, top up and condition the battery, ensuring longevity and readiness.

Racing Green Car Storage employs a range of intelligent charging solutions from CTEK, matched to each car’s battery specification, so that when the monthly warm-up to operating temperature takes place, there is no hesitation – only the familiar surge of life as the starter turns.

Tyres, brakes and suspension

When a car stands in one place too long, its tyres bear the brunt. If not correctly inflated, flat spots can form, creating vibration and compromising performance. Brakes, left clamped by a handbrake, can seize. Suspension bushes can stiffen and suffer under the static weight.

The answer lies in careful preparation. Tyres are set to optimum pressures – we carefully overinflate them beyond the manufacturer's 'high load' recommendation. The handbrake is released, to avoid binding. At Racing Green, where clients wish, we rotate and exercise cars within the private confines of our grounds, preventing stagnation and keeping systems supple.

The storage environment

If preparation is the art, then the environment is the science. A car may be spotless, serviced and meticulously cared for – but if it is left in a damp, draughty garage, nature can take its toll. Temperature swings encourage condensation. Moist air feeds mould and corrosion. Security is too often an afterthought.

This is where Racing Green Car Storage distinguishes itself. Our purpose-built facility is a sanctuary. Our Cotes C65 industrial dehumidifier keeps conditions stable, carefully maintaining relative humidity levels of 55 per cent, and discreet but advanced security with 24/7 monitoring and on-site security ensures peace of mind. Every car is monitored, protected and respected. Our clients know that their cars are not simply stored; they are safeguarded.

Beyond storage: ongoing care

Caring for a car that is being stored does not end with parking it up indoors. Over the winter months, a car benefits from gentle care: batteries conditioned, tyres rotated, engines run to temperature under controlled conditions. Some clients request monthly exercise drives, others prefer to leave their cars in quiet repose. At Racing Green, our service is bespoke, tailored to each car and each owner’s wishes. But without exception, all private clients' cars are carbon-balanced, meaning their annual emissions have been offset, making them less impactful than an electric car.

This is, in essence, a concierge service for cars. We can arrange detailing, servicing, MOT management, wrapping, and transportation for all of these – or indeed to events, airports, hotels or another home. What unites our approach is reassurance: your car is always in expert hands.

Proper winter storage is not merely a precaution; it is an investment in preservation and peace of mind. For owners of high-value cars, the consequences of neglect are measured not just in pounds but in lost originality, diminished enjoyment, and compromised heritage.

At Racing Green Car Storage, we believe that great cars deserve great care. We provide not just a place to park, but a sanctuary of custodianship, expertise and discretion. For those who understand that their cars are both passion and asset, there is no better way to protect them through the long winter months.

The season may be closing, but with Racing Green Car Storage, spring will always bring a renewal worth waiting for.