Storing a classic car
Winter lay-up checklist
By Jon Cosson · Last checked
Every step from our winter lay-up guide on one sheet of A4. Tick the boxes as you go on screen, or print it and keep it in the garage. Ticks are not saved: if you leave or reload the page, they clear.
Winter lay-up checklist
Car details
Before the last drive
On the day
During the winter (monthly)
Before the first start
From thorntonledale.org, The Classic Car Owner's Guide: winter lay-up checklist. Checked 13 October 2026. General guidance only; follow your car's handbook and specialist advice.
Using this checklist
The checklist follows the order of our winter lay-up guide, which explains each step and the evidence behind it, including the different views on fuel and on starting the engine during storage. For the garage itself, see damp and condensation; for proofing and traps, see mice and rats. The full storage guide covers where to keep a car and the rules on tax, SORN and insurance. A spring recommissioning checklist is in preparation.
FAQs
- Does this checklist save my ticks?
- No. Ticks and notes stay on screen only until you leave or reload the page. Print the page to keep a record.
- Will the checklist print on one page?
- Yes. It is laid out for a single sheet of A4, without the website's header and footer.
- Why is "engine not started" on the winter list?
- Short idling does not warm the engine fully, so water from combustion condenses in the engine and exhaust. Either run the car until it is fully warm, ideally by driving it, or leave it alone until spring.
- What battery voltage means I should recharge?
- Battery maker VARTA advises recharging a stored battery when it reads 12.5 volts or less, and checking it every two months.
Checked 13 October 2026. The sources for each step are listed on our winter lay-up guide.
An independent guide from Thornton-le-Dale. Not connected with Mathewsons or the programme.