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3 Minute Read

A Must-Do Scenic Route Through The Oxfordshire Countryside

Posted by - Tim Earnshaw on 9 November 2020
Categories: Advice, Road Trip Inspiration
A Scenic Route Through The Oxfordshire Countryside

The rolling countryside of Oxfordshire was made for motoring. Check your pride and joy out of classic car storage and enjoy a day to remember.

Of course, it’s vital to safeguard your vehicle with classic car storage. But to own a dream machine and never hear it roar is a tragedy. This Autumn, leave behind the stop-start of city driving, and explore the Oxfordshire countryside that lets your classic car show what it’s truly capable of.

With Windrush’s convenient car storage in Oxfordshire, it’s easy to collect your pride and joy whenever the fancy takes you. Even if your vehicle has been in long term car storage, our unbeatable maintenance checkover programme will ensure it’s always in optimum condition and ready for the road. Here are the routes and stop-offs to investigate.

To Cheltenham (via Burford)

Slicing through tranquil emerald countryside and leading you down corridors of trees and dappled sunshine, the A40 deserves its reputation as a motorist’s playground. Check your classic out of Windrush’s car storage in Oxfordshire, then feel the stress fall away on this hour-long run, which features unbroken straights for tickling the gas pedal and sweeping views over fields and valleys. For sustenance, stop off at rustic Burford Garden Centre, where the artisan deli-style café is hard to beat. Or push on to Cheltenham, the ancient spa town where you’ll spend a blissful afternoon kicking up leaves in Pittville Park and shopping on the stylish Promenade.

To Stow-on-the-Wold

Often considered ‘the gateway to the Cotswolds’, Burford isn’t just your jump-off to Cheltenham, but also provides the perfect springboard to Stow-on-the-Wold, starting off on the very inviting A361. You’ll already know the reputation of this impossibly pretty Cotswolds market town, but even the postcards can’t live up to this pocket of olde-worlde charm, with its ancient market square, biscuit-brown buildings and famous tea rooms. If you can spend the night, take a stopover in a renowned hotel like Sheep On Sheep Street, before returning your vehicle to our convenient car storage in Oxfordshire.

Scenic village in the Cotswolds

Buscot Park to Kelmscott Manor Gardens

Combine the best of cruising and culture by dropping in at Buscot Park near Lechlade. The National Trust’s most head-turning site in Oxfordshire invites you to roam the manicured landscaped gardens and recently unveiled Faux Fall water feature, then explore the 18th century home of Lord Faringdon, with its tea room and collection of contemporary glasswork. Back behind the wheel, take your time to roll onward to the limestone manor house of Kelmscott, then complete this journey through history with a hop down the A420 to Kingston Bagpuize House, with its striking Far Eastern-inspired gardens.

To Stratford-Upon-Avon via Chipping Norton

In Oxfordshire, you’re right on the doorstep of Shakespeare’s home turf, so turn the wheel towards Stratford-Upon-Avon, work through the gears and let your classic eat up some of the most pleasant stretches of road in England. This run is about the journey as much as the destination, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled as you pass Chipping Norton: the medieval wool-trading town where you’re now more likely to spot a rock ‘n’ roll legend or retired member of Westminster’s political elite.

Oxfordshire countryside road

Back to Windrush Car Storage in Oxfordshire

Providing specialist car storage in Oxfordshire and London, you’re never far from one of Windrush’s dedicated facilities. Once you’ve finished motoring, it’s important to let your pride and joy catch its breath, and return it to the personalised classic car storage that only Windrush can offer.

At Windrush, we treat every vehicle that comes to us with the same attention to detail: all part of our classic car storage solution. Having completed our twelve-step induction, we’ll welcome your car into a dehumidified, climate-controlled indoor storage bay, with round-the-clock security, twice-daily checks, plus weekly battery and drip tray inspections. Meanwhile, for our long term car storage clients, we’ll carry out a forensic maintenance checkover every 60 days – so your car is always ready for the next big day out.

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Located in the Cotswolds our private car storage facility is highly secure, anonymous, climate controlled and full staffed
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winter-driving-advice-main-original-1.jpg?w=1024&h=683&scale
5 Minute Read

Winter Driving Advice

Read Article
So you’ve placed your pride and joy in the care of the professionals at Windrush Car Storage. But…
Read Article
So you’ve placed your pride and joy in the care of the professionals at Windrush Car Storage. But what about you’re everyday car? Winter driving can be far more demanding than at other times of the year; darker evenings, wetter weather and too few gritting lorries! Below we have put together a few things to take note of when driving in winter conditions. Even if you are aware of the following, they may still make useful advice to pass onto an inexperienced driver or spouse… Windscreen Dirt and grime builds up quicker during winter, mostly due to leading and passing vehicles. It is especially important to clean the wiper blades. Doing so will eliminate those annoying streaks and smears when using your wipers. For best results wiper blades should be replaced once a year, ideally when the car is serviced. Windscreen washer fluid You would be surprised by the amount of times friends have asked to ‘borrow’ some! In winter make sure that the fluid is of adequate strength to ensure it does not freeze in the pipes. Most branded products will give a mix ratio on the label which may vary depending on expected temperatures. Don’t forget to check the rear wiper reservoir if separate to the front as well! Lights Some modern vehicles have separate headlight washers, which are activated with the front windscreen washer. Another reason to ensure washer fluid is topped up. If your car doesn’t have separate headlight washers, it is a good idea to ask your passenger very nicely to wipe them clean before your journey – or while you pay for fuel. Antifreeze Antifreeze both lowers the freezing point of the water used to cool your engine and raises the boiling point (notice how the gauge can sit close to 100?C and the water doesn’t boil like your kettle?). Check that it is of adequate strength with an appropriate gauge. Antifreeze also has anticorrosive properties so check that the solution is clear – not cloudy. Most respected garages will be able to check for free. Battery If the weather turns chilly the battery is one thing you may only notice when it’s too late. The day you get in your car, turn the key and nothing happens is the day we all dread, and is more common with long term car storage. Preventative maintenance is key!  Batteries will generally last five years of average use but there are things we can do to help them. When you start your car you are putting the most amount of strain on the battery. Think of it like asking a teenager to get out of bed at 8am, tidy their room and help around the house all at once – tricky to say the least. Because of this there are a few things we can do to help. When starting your car make sure that there is nothing else using power as well. Turn off the radio, lights, demisters and the heater, this will allow all the battery’s power to go to only starting the car. When the engine is running you can of course use all of these. Think of it like asking a teenager to do something when they’re actually out of bed. An ice scraper and deicer are handy tools to have in cold weather but are of little use if you can’t get into your car. In some cold conditions door surrounds can freeze to the bodywork making entry rather difficult and potentially damaging. Deicer could be used to help free a frozen door if left on a garden wall or in your coat pocket overnight. Tyres The UK legal minimum tread depth is for ‘a minimum of 1.6mm in a continuous band throughout the central three-quarters of the tread width, throughout the whole of the circumference.’ Winter driving can often mean wet and occasionally snowy or slushy driving conditions. In order that cars maintain grip on the roads in such conditions most premium tyre manufacturers recommended that cars have a minimum of 3mm, especially in winter conditions. How do you check the tread depth? Easy – rummage in that loose change in your car and find a 20 pence piece. Insert the coin between the tread. If you can see the outer edge of the coin; the tread depth is less than 3mm. Handy eh? Tread depth can also affect braking distances. The Highway Code says braking allowances should be doubled in the wet and multiplied by ten (yes x10!) in icy conditions. A tyre with a tread depth of 3mm will stop in 91m from 70mph. The same tyre with a tread depth of only 1.6mm will stop in 135m from 70mph. A staggering 44m difference! Have a look at the spare as well – easier to check it now than on the hard shoulder! When doing so check that you have a jack, wheel brace and locking wheel nut key as well. A spare wheel in good working order is of little use without the tools to change it! Air conditioning Air conditioning keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter – huge surprise I know! It also dries the air out inside your car.  Ever been driving when its cold, maybe it starts to rain and your windscreen starts to mist over? Leave the air conditioning on and it will help to dry the air far quicker, allowing you to see much easier. Any thoughts of turning it off to save fuel should be expelled! By continually not using it, seals in the system can become ineffective – leading the A/C gas to leak out over time and a funny smell when you do use it. Most of the time we drive we’re not setting a record for the most amount of miles driven on one tank so leave it on and enjoy the benefits. Wash your car regularly Unfortunately winter driving is when most of the dirt and grime can build up on your car. Because of this your car should be washed more regularly in winter. Use a pressure washer in and around wheel arches. Most big petrol stations will have a ‘jet wash’ as well as a drive through car wash. Washing the salt off alloy wheels will also help prevent salt corroding and getting beneath the lacquer. That annoying squeal you might get when you brake can be caused simply by dirt between the brake pad and disc. Washing it off means you won’t get it every time you put your foot on the brake peddle! Safety equipment As seen over the past few years there is often little warning when severe weather can strike. Make sure you have a warning triangle, high visibility vest, some warm clothing and any extra supplies, e.g. a container of screen wash fluid.
will-my-classic-car-deteriorate-if-stored-long-term-main-original-1653910856.jpg?w=1024&h=682&scale
3 Minute Read

Will my classic car deteriorate if stored…

Read Article
Will my classic car deteriorate if stored long term? It’s a common question for those fortunate enough to…
Read Article
Will my classic car deteriorate if stored long term? It’s a common question for those fortunate enough to find themselves as a classic car custodian – you work hard to own such a machine, but what will happen to your pride and joy while you are away funding it? Undeniably, extended periods of slumber have a negative impact on classic cars, some more than others. However, this can be controlled with some prior planning, preparation and persistence…   Paintwork and chrome Exposure to the elements can have several different detrimental effects on both paintwork and chrome, such as water spots, sun fading and of course scratches. Whether you own an unrestored example with delicate original paint or a freshly restored example with a mile-deep shine, these components need protection. The ideal conditions are indoors, dry, dark and covered. Accessing the correct knowledge for simple areas such as car cover choice can have huge benefits to your paintwork, and although finding such a space in central London can be difficult, the investment is undoubtedly worth it. After all, it’s the first things anyone sees…   Climate Put simply, classic cars need no encouragement to rust. That’s not to say they are overly delicate beasts, but some small oversights in storage can cause big problems long term. Beyond visible moisture, climate and humidity of the space comes into play when considering long term storage. Moisture needs certain conditions to prosper, and having the incorrect climate, or most commonly a variable climate, can encourage moisture to develop and linger around your car. Be sure to assess the climate of any space your car is being held in for extended periods.   Mechanical and electrical components Though they are works of art, classic cars are designed to move, and as a result the life of their componentry can be greatly diminished if left static for too long. As such, it is important to routinely get these components moving. Batteries can quickly lose charge if left unattended, and delicate components such as fuses can find themselves ravaged by time. Ensuring correct starting procedures are adhered to, with regular checks of spark plugs and carburettor, will pay dividends for your engine. Be sure to move the car back and forth, even if only slightly, to alleviate brake seizure. This will also help with another common issue – square tyres.   Square tyres This is not an issue only faced by classic cars, but extended periods of time weight bearing on a singular contact patch can cause car tyres to flatten and change shape. The levels of this are of course variable between different cars, but even a lightweight racer can fall foul of this without due attention. Monitoring tyre pressures, as well as routinely moving the car back and forth, can alleviate this issue. With classic car tyres especially this is worth keeping an eye on, as period correct replacements can be costly.   Summary With both modern and classic cars, for best results speak to the experts. Located in both the Cotswolds and Central London, Windrush Car Storage are on hand to care for your pride and joy – please do not hestitate to contact us for further information.
the-ultimate-supercar-storage-facility-main-original-1.jpg?w=1024&h=682&scale
1 Minute Read

The ultimate supercar storage facility

Read Article
Windrush - where every last possible thing your priceless car can be taken care of
Read Article
Windrush - where every last possible thing your priceless car can be taken care of
  • winter-driving-advice-main-original-1.jpg?w=1024&h=683&scale
    5 Minute Read

    Winter Driving Advice

    Read Article
    So you’ve placed your pride and joy in the care of the professionals at Windrush Car Storage. But what about you’re everyday car? Winter driving can be far more demanding than at other times of the year; darker evenings, wetter weather and too few gritting lorries! Below we have put together a few things to take note of when driving in winter conditions. Even if you are aware of the following, they may still make useful advice to pass onto an inexperienced driver or spouse… Windscreen Dirt and grime builds up quicker during winter, mostly due to leading and passing vehicles. It is especially important to clean the wiper blades. Doing so will eliminate those annoying streaks and smears when using your wipers. For best results wiper blades should be replaced once a year, ideally when the car is serviced. Windscreen washer fluid You would be surprised by the amount of times friends have asked to ‘borrow’ some! In winter make sure that the fluid is of adequate strength to ensure it does not freeze in the pipes. Most branded products will give a mix ratio on the label which may vary depending on expected temperatures. Don’t forget to check the rear wiper reservoir if separate to the front as well! Lights Some modern vehicles have separate headlight washers, which are activated with the front windscreen washer. Another reason to ensure washer fluid is topped up. If your car doesn’t have separate headlight washers, it is a good idea to ask your passenger very nicely to wipe them clean before your journey – or while you pay for fuel. Antifreeze Antifreeze both lowers the freezing point of the water used to cool your engine and raises the boiling point (notice how the gauge can sit close to 100?C and the water doesn’t boil like your kettle?). Check that it is of adequate strength with an appropriate gauge. Antifreeze also has anticorrosive properties so check that the solution is clear – not cloudy. Most respected garages will be able to check for free. Battery If the weather turns chilly the battery is one thing you may only notice when it’s too late. The day you get in your car, turn the key and nothing happens is the day we all dread, and is more common with long term car storage. Preventative maintenance is key!  Batteries will generally last five years of average use but there are things we can do to help them. When you start your car you are putting the most amount of strain on the battery. Think of it like asking a teenager to get out of bed at 8am, tidy their room and help around the house all at once – tricky to say the least. Because of this there are a few things we can do to help. When starting your car make sure that there is nothing else using power as well. Turn off the radio, lights, demisters and the heater, this will allow all the battery’s power to go to only starting the car. When the engine is running you can of course use all of these. Think of it like asking a teenager to do something when they’re actually out of bed. An ice scraper and deicer are handy tools to have in cold weather but are of little use if you can’t get into your car. In some cold conditions door surrounds can freeze to the bodywork making entry rather difficult and potentially damaging. Deicer could be used to help free a frozen door if left on a garden wall or in your coat pocket overnight. Tyres The UK legal minimum tread depth is for ‘a minimum of 1.6mm in a continuous band throughout the central three-quarters of the tread width, throughout the whole of the circumference.’ Winter driving can often mean wet and occasionally snowy or slushy driving conditions. In order that cars maintain grip on the roads in such conditions most premium tyre manufacturers recommended that cars have a minimum of 3mm, especially in winter conditions. How do you check the tread depth? Easy – rummage in that loose change in your car and find a 20 pence piece. Insert the coin between the tread. If you can see the outer edge of the coin; the tread depth is less than 3mm. Handy eh? Tread depth can also affect braking distances. The Highway Code says braking allowances should be doubled in the wet and multiplied by ten (yes x10!) in icy conditions. A tyre with a tread depth of 3mm will stop in 91m from 70mph. The same tyre with a tread depth of only 1.6mm will stop in 135m from 70mph. A staggering 44m difference! Have a look at the spare as well – easier to check it now than on the hard shoulder! When doing so check that you have a jack, wheel brace and locking wheel nut key as well. A spare wheel in good working order is of little use without the tools to change it! Air conditioning Air conditioning keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter – huge surprise I know! It also dries the air out inside your car.  Ever been driving when its cold, maybe it starts to rain and your windscreen starts to mist over? Leave the air conditioning on and it will help to dry the air far quicker, allowing you to see much easier. Any thoughts of turning it off to save fuel should be expelled! By continually not using it, seals in the system can become ineffective – leading the A/C gas to leak out over time and a funny smell when you do use it. Most of the time we drive we’re not setting a record for the most amount of miles driven on one tank so leave it on and enjoy the benefits. Wash your car regularly Unfortunately winter driving is when most of the dirt and grime can build up on your car. Because of this your car should be washed more regularly in winter. Use a pressure washer in and around wheel arches. Most big petrol stations will have a ‘jet wash’ as well as a drive through car wash. Washing the salt off alloy wheels will also help prevent salt corroding and getting beneath the lacquer. That annoying squeal you might get when you brake can be caused simply by dirt between the brake pad and disc. Washing it off means you won’t get it every time you put your foot on the brake peddle! Safety equipment As seen over the past few years there is often little warning when severe weather can strike. Make sure you have a warning triangle, high visibility vest, some warm clothing and any extra supplies, e.g. a container of screen wash fluid.
  • will-my-classic-car-deteriorate-if-stored-long-term-main-original-1653910856.jpg?w=1024&h=682&scale
    3 Minute Read

    Will my classic car deteriorate if stored long term?

    Read Article
    Will my classic car deteriorate if stored long term? It’s a common question for those fortunate enough to find themselves as a classic car custodian – you work hard to own such a machine, but what will happen to your pride and joy while you are away funding it? Undeniably, extended periods of slumber have a negative impact on classic cars, some more than others. However, this can be controlled with some prior planning, preparation and persistence…   Paintwork and chrome Exposure to the elements can have several different detrimental effects on both paintwork and chrome, such as water spots, sun fading and of course scratches. Whether you own an unrestored example with delicate original paint or a freshly restored example with a mile-deep shine, these components need protection. The ideal conditions are indoors, dry, dark and covered. Accessing the correct knowledge for simple areas such as car cover choice can have huge benefits to your paintwork, and although finding such a space in central London can be difficult, the investment is undoubtedly worth it. After all, it’s the first things anyone sees…   Climate Put simply, classic cars need no encouragement to rust. That’s not to say they are overly delicate beasts, but some small oversights in storage can cause big problems long term. Beyond visible moisture, climate and humidity of the space comes into play when considering long term storage. Moisture needs certain conditions to prosper, and having the incorrect climate, or most commonly a variable climate, can encourage moisture to develop and linger around your car. Be sure to assess the climate of any space your car is being held in for extended periods.   Mechanical and electrical components Though they are works of art, classic cars are designed to move, and as a result the life of their componentry can be greatly diminished if left static for too long. As such, it is important to routinely get these components moving. Batteries can quickly lose charge if left unattended, and delicate components such as fuses can find themselves ravaged by time. Ensuring correct starting procedures are adhered to, with regular checks of spark plugs and carburettor, will pay dividends for your engine. Be sure to move the car back and forth, even if only slightly, to alleviate brake seizure. This will also help with another common issue – square tyres.   Square tyres This is not an issue only faced by classic cars, but extended periods of time weight bearing on a singular contact patch can cause car tyres to flatten and change shape. The levels of this are of course variable between different cars, but even a lightweight racer can fall foul of this without due attention. Monitoring tyre pressures, as well as routinely moving the car back and forth, can alleviate this issue. With classic car tyres especially this is worth keeping an eye on, as period correct replacements can be costly.   Summary With both modern and classic cars, for best results speak to the experts. Located in both the Cotswolds and Central London, Windrush Car Storage are on hand to care for your pride and joy – please do not hestitate to contact us for further information.
  • the-ultimate-supercar-storage-facility-main-original-1.jpg?w=1024&h=682&scale
    1 Minute Read

    The ultimate supercar storage facility

    Read Article
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