Depending on which part of the country you live in, your weather and possibly a few other factors, you may be among the classic car owners who prefers to store their vehicle away safely during the upcoming winter season. Some owners of classic vehicles are unsure whether they should be part of this group -- what should you be considering while making this decision?

At Andersen Restoration Parts, we're happy to assist classic car owners with all their restoration and upkeep needs, with products that include suspension kits, front-end suspension bushings, idler arms and numerous other vital components. Which key considerations should you be thinking about when deciding whether or not to arrange for winter storage for your classic vehicle? Here are several.

Winter Storage is an Option, Not a Requirement

It's important to remember that no matter which sort of classic car you own, winter storage is not a must-do, and you can feel free to use your vehicle as usual during this season. While there are certainly plenty of benefits associated with winter car storage, you also want to be sure it's something that fits with the needs and preferences of both yourself and your classic car.

To put it a different way: While there are some definite positives to storing your car away for the winter, and many cases where this is absolutely the prudent move based on your circumstances, you're not putting your vehicle at risk if you choose not to do this. It's entirely possible to completely maintain your classic car's value and quality without winter storage, so if you're unsure whether or not this is the right thing for you, don't be afraid to consult with an automotive expert.

Our next several sections will go over factors to consider as you're making this choice.

Weather in Your Area

In some cases, where you live will be a primary consideration when determining whether or not to store your classic car away. If you live in an area where the winter temperatures are often well below freezing, then it can be helpful to have your vehicle tucked away during this time; without heating and insulation, a classic car may have trouble getting through the season unscathed.

However, you might also live somewhere where the winters aren't usually given over to such harsh weather, and therefore winter storage can be a less pressing concern. It's up to you as the owner of your classic car to make this decision; if you live in an area where freezing temperatures or other challenging weather isn't that common for certain parts of the year, then it may not be as critical for you to arrange for storage.

Cost of Storage Fees

Depending on where you live and the condition of your vehicle, the cost of winter storage fees may be an important factor in your decision-making process. If this is something that does align with your budget, then it can be a helpful step toward protecting your car's value in the long term.

However, if you don't feel like this is going to come out as a cost-effective choice in the end, then it may not be worth putting your car away for the winter. It's important to take into account how much you'll spend on storage fees versus what value and benefit you'll get from them. You may find that a few key tweaks to your storage practices, regular checkups by an automotive expert or other steps can further protect your car without being as costly.

Your Preference for Winter Care

Another big consideration is your individual preference for how you care for your vehicle throughout the winter months. Some classic car owners enjoy getting their hands dirty and taking on various maintenance tasks on their own, while others would prefer to have someone else take care of this maintenance work.

If your preference is to get more involved in keeping up with your car's needs during the winter, then you may find winter storage to be less of a necessity. Even if you feel like this is the case, it's still wise to speak with a professional automotive expert or classic car owner who can offer their input on what would work best for you and your vehicle.

Vehicle Limitations

In certain cases, your classic car's capabilities may also play a role in your decision. If you have an older vehicle that isn't in great shape, winter storage can be a way to preserve what value and condition it has left. However, if you own a newer car or one in excellent condition, then there are other steps that may be more appropriate for your needs.

This is another area where weather may force itself into the conversation. If you live in a place that gets very cold and icy during winter, for instance, but your vehicle is not made to handle such conditions well, then this can help you decide whether or not to put your car in storage.

No matter what the factors are that influence your decision about winter storage, it's important to keep safety and maintenance at the forefront of all of your choices. If you feel like any part of your decision-making process is lacking in this area, it may be wise to seek additional input from trusted sources. By thinking carefully about how you'll care for your classic car during the winter months and beyond, you can ensure that you're making the best choices for both its present and its future.

For more on this, or to learn about any of our classic car restoration parts, speak to our team at Andersen Restoration Parts today.