5 Minute Read

Classic car storage in London – How to protect a prized vehicle in the capital

Posted by - Tim Earnshaw on 3 September 2018 (Updated 18 September 2023)
Categories: Advice, Classic car storage, Road Trip Inspiration, Tips & Tricks, Video

Owning a classic car in London is a joy. Not only do you have the chance to dive into a city populated by petrolheads with a penchant for vintage machinery, but every week you’ll find countless events and meetings to attend across the capital.

Classic car storage in London is a different matter, however, and when it comes to your vehicle’s downtime, it pays to have a strategy. So whether you’re considering your first vintage purchase, or are years into the love affair, let our guide shed some light on the pitfalls that can be avoided with Windrush’s London car storage.

Avoid urban damage with London car storage

car-storage-london

In London’s hectic streets, the risk of damage to street-parked vehicles is very real (and that’s even assuming you can secure the elusive parking permit). From dents to deliberate vandalism, Windrush clients often turn to our London car storage following such traumatic events. Having seen cases of bird droppings damaging paint, jealous passers-by keying bodywork – and even an urban fox biting a vehicle spoiler! – our classic car storage team in London routinely caters for those who have experienced the sharp end of urban vehicle ownership.

Find peace of mind with off-grid classic car storage

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With vehicle crime in the capital’s prestige areas becoming alarmingly commonplace over recent years, the importance of secure London car storage is paramount. It’s easy to be tempted by the notion of underground car parks, but in reality, even high-end private accommodation of this kind comes with the risk of access for non-residents. Ultimately, the only option for those seeking peace of mind for their pride and joy is a private-access, secure facility overseen by a trusted team. At Windrush, knowing that your car is hidden away from prying eyes – in an off-grid location that we don’t even reveal until you become a customer – is a huge plus.

Choose classic car storage over private garaging

long-term-storage

But what about private garaging – could that be a good option to head off the aforementioned risks of capital car ownership? Perhaps not. The fundamental issues with private garaging in London are availability and facilities. In such a densely populated city, private garages are scarce and therefore costly, while most don’t even offer the basics required to keep your car at its best (with lack of electricity often a fundamental problem). Without access to power, the delicate batteries of classic cars cannot be trickled when not in use, which can limit the life of the battery. Compared to professional classic car storage, it’s a false economy.

London car storage that works to your schedule

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All classic cars have their quirks, and at Windrush, we take pride in knowing what makes your vehicle tick, allowing us to keep it ‘on-the-button’ and ready for you at a moment’s notice. When you fancy a spin in your weekend toy, be assured that you can simply turn up, jump in and go – no hassle, no accessibility issues, and no more time spent on cold, hard concrete checking tyre pressures. Going a little further? Trust Windrush’s London car storage team to help with anything you need, from an extra detail before an important dinner to preparation for an international road trip.

The #1 choice for classic car storage in London

When it comes to protecting your vehicle in the urban jungle, make Windrush classic car storage in London your first port of call. We’re an expert team who take pride in our individual-led approach, offering a bespoke classic, modern, supercar and EV car storage solution to Londoners from every walk of life.

Having set the wheels in motion with our renowned twelve-step induction process, we’ll lead your car to its own climate-controlled indoor storage bay. From there, our London car storage goes far beyond industry standard, with your vehicle given 24/7 security, twice-daily checks, weekly battery and drip tray inspections, plus a top-to-bottom maintenance deep-dive every 60 days. Consider us the gold standard for classic car storage in London.

We’re proud to set the pace for classic car storage in London. Get in touch with the Windrush team on info@windrushcarstorage.co.uk and let us tell you more

Get in touch
Call Cotswolds +44 (0) 1451 821 008
Call London +44 (0) 207 458 4418
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.
dehumidified-car-storage-main-original-1.jpg?w=1024&h=682&scale
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Dehumidified Car Storage - What does “climate…

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With the consumer desire for superlative car storage higher than ever, the term ‘climate control’ is now commonly…
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With the consumer desire for superlative car storage higher than ever, the term ‘climate control’ is now commonly included in most descriptions for a dehumidified car storage environment. While the basic meaning is understood, less commonly discussed are the factors involved in controlling climate and, more importantly, what these physically mean for your vehicle when in storage. True climate control requires the monitoring and control of two variables: temperature and humidity. To understand the importance of controlling these two variables, you must also understand the results of exposing your car to an uncontrolled environment. Temperature It is well known that a cold environment is not preferable for storing a car, especially when considering long term car storage, with a mix of metal, perishable componentry and soft interior furnishings at risk of contracting and accelerating the aging process. A common misconception is that simply heating your storage area solves temperature-related problems, but unfortunately there are more factors to consider. Warm air is able to carry more moisture than colder air, therefore potentially increasing humidity. However, should the air be too cold it can reach ‘dew point’. At this point the air is fully saturated, and should anything else in your storage area be below this dew point condensation will form and corrosion risk rises dramatically. Furthermore, a particularly damaging yet less documented detrimental factor is a rapid change in temperature – such as pulling your car out from a toasty garage into a crisp day. As with any material, this change in temperature can cause rapid contraction and expansion which is ultimately damaging to your car, and if this is a common occurrence can quickly impact vehicle condition. Humidity When it comes to humidity, there is a fine line to walk. It is commonly understood that too high a humidity level will introduce moisture to the vehicle, and therefore a common mistake is to reduce the humidity too much. By drying out the air too much there is a risk of dashboards splitting, wood trim perishing and leather cracking due to a damaging lack of moisture. Industry grade dehumidifiers reduce and maintain humidity, which is a key differentiator from domestic units which simply reduce. Almost as important as the dehumidification is the monitoring of this, with top-tier storage facilities monitoring this on a second-by-second basis and routinely assessing the environment. Windrush Car Storage are experts in climate control and dehumidified car storage, so much so that we consult on the appropriate storage of perishable items out with automotive. Should you have any questions on climate control, our process and our storage facilities, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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What does the new Ultra-Low Emission Zone…

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The new Ultra-Low Emission Zone (“ULEZ”) has seen a few common questions raised by car owners in London. What does this new zone entail? Where is the ultra low emission zone in London? ULEZ will cover the same area as the existing Congestion Charging Zone initially, with an expansion due on 25th October 2021 which will see the zone expand as far as the North and South Circular. Unlike the Congestion Charge, which stops pre-7am and post-6pm weekdays and entirely at weekends, ULEZ runs 24/7, 365 days a year. How much is the ultra low emission zone charge? The cost of entering the ULEZ in an ineligible vehicle is £12.50 per day, one pound higher than the Congestion Charge and is charged on top of the Congestion Charge – should you venture in with an ineligible vehicle and during Congestion Charge Zone hours you will be charged for both at a cost of £24. The penalty charge for not paying your ULEZ charge is £160, reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days. Why was the ultra low emission zone charge introduced? ULEZ has been created to reduce emissions within London and as such a vehicle’s eligibility is based on its emissions. For classic car owners this new zone doesn’t presently offer a concern, as cars manufactured before 8 April 1979 were instantly exempt when the scheme was introduced and other cars are subject to a 40 year rolling rule provided the vehicle in question is registered as a historic vehicle (therefore if your car was registered on 20th May 1979, from 20th May 2019 your car will be ULEZ exempt provided it is registered and taxed as a historic vehicle). Which cars will be most affected by the ultra low emission zone charge? The burgeoning modern classic movement will be arguably the most affected by ULEZ, with ever popular models such as the BMW E30 from the 1980s or the Porsche 993 from the 1990s to be charged under the ULEZ scheme until they reach 40 years old. For supercars and other modern vehicles, the general ULEZ requirements are that the vehicle meets Euro 4 emissions standards for petrol and Euro 6 for diesel. The ULEZ is enforced based on the declared emissions of the vehicle rather than the vehicle’s age, but broadly speaking petrol cars first registered with the DVLA after 2005 meet the required standards and diesel cars first registered with the DVLA after September 2015 are also of the required standard.
  • 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.
  • dehumidified-car-storage-main-original-1.jpg?w=1024&h=682&scale
    2 Minute Read

    Dehumidified Car Storage - What does “climate control” really mean for my car?

    Read Article
    With the consumer desire for superlative car storage higher than ever, the term ‘climate control’ is now commonly included in most descriptions for a dehumidified car storage environment. While the basic meaning is understood, less commonly discussed are the factors involved in controlling climate and, more importantly, what these physically mean for your vehicle when in storage. True climate control requires the monitoring and control of two variables: temperature and humidity. To understand the importance of controlling these two variables, you must also understand the results of exposing your car to an uncontrolled environment. Temperature It is well known that a cold environment is not preferable for storing a car, especially when considering long term car storage, with a mix of metal, perishable componentry and soft interior furnishings at risk of contracting and accelerating the aging process. A common misconception is that simply heating your storage area solves temperature-related problems, but unfortunately there are more factors to consider. Warm air is able to carry more moisture than colder air, therefore potentially increasing humidity. However, should the air be too cold it can reach ‘dew point’. At this point the air is fully saturated, and should anything else in your storage area be below this dew point condensation will form and corrosion risk rises dramatically. Furthermore, a particularly damaging yet less documented detrimental factor is a rapid change in temperature – such as pulling your car out from a toasty garage into a crisp day. As with any material, this change in temperature can cause rapid contraction and expansion which is ultimately damaging to your car, and if this is a common occurrence can quickly impact vehicle condition. Humidity When it comes to humidity, there is a fine line to walk. It is commonly understood that too high a humidity level will introduce moisture to the vehicle, and therefore a common mistake is to reduce the humidity too much. By drying out the air too much there is a risk of dashboards splitting, wood trim perishing and leather cracking due to a damaging lack of moisture. Industry grade dehumidifiers reduce and maintain humidity, which is a key differentiator from domestic units which simply reduce. Almost as important as the dehumidification is the monitoring of this, with top-tier storage facilities monitoring this on a second-by-second basis and routinely assessing the environment. Windrush Car Storage are experts in climate control and dehumidified car storage, so much so that we consult on the appropriate storage of perishable items out with automotive. Should you have any questions on climate control, our process and our storage facilities, please do not hesitate to contact us.
  • london-ultra-low-emission-zone-ulez-main-original-1.jpeg?w=1024&h=768&scale
    2 Minute Read

    What does the new Ultra-Low Emission Zone in Central London mean for car enthusiasts?

    Read Article
    The new Ultra-Low Emission Zone (“ULEZ”) has seen a few common questions raised by car owners in London. What does this new zone entail? Where is the ultra low emission zone in London? ULEZ will cover the same area as the existing Congestion Charging Zone initially, with an expansion due on 25th October 2021 which will see the zone expand as far as the North and South Circular. Unlike the Congestion Charge, which stops pre-7am and post-6pm weekdays and entirely at weekends, ULEZ runs 24/7, 365 days a year. How much is the ultra low emission zone charge? The cost of entering the ULEZ in an ineligible vehicle is £12.50 per day, one pound higher than the Congestion Charge and is charged on top of the Congestion Charge – should you venture in with an ineligible vehicle and during Congestion Charge Zone hours you will be charged for both at a cost of £24. The penalty charge for not paying your ULEZ charge is £160, reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days. Why was the ultra low emission zone charge introduced? ULEZ has been created to reduce emissions within London and as such a vehicle’s eligibility is based on its emissions. For classic car owners this new zone doesn’t presently offer a concern, as cars manufactured before 8 April 1979 were instantly exempt when the scheme was introduced and other cars are subject to a 40 year rolling rule provided the vehicle in question is registered as a historic vehicle (therefore if your car was registered on 20th May 1979, from 20th May 2019 your car will be ULEZ exempt provided it is registered and taxed as a historic vehicle). Which cars will be most affected by the ultra low emission zone charge? The burgeoning modern classic movement will be arguably the most affected by ULEZ, with ever popular models such as the BMW E30 from the 1980s or the Porsche 993 from the 1990s to be charged under the ULEZ scheme until they reach 40 years old. For supercars and other modern vehicles, the general ULEZ requirements are that the vehicle meets Euro 4 emissions standards for petrol and Euro 6 for diesel. The ULEZ is enforced based on the declared emissions of the vehicle rather than the vehicle’s age, but broadly speaking petrol cars first registered with the DVLA after 2005 meet the required standards and diesel cars first registered with the DVLA after September 2015 are also of the required standard.
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