Storing a classic car
Spring recommissioning checklist
By Jon Cosson · Last checked
The jobs to do after a winter lay-up, on one sheet of A4. It follows on from our winter lay-up checklist. 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. For a car that has stood for a year or more, or a barn find, use our recommissioning guide instead.
Spring recommissioning checklist
Car details
Before you touch it
Paperwork
Under the bonnet
Wheels and brakes
First start
First short drive
After the first drive
From thorntonledale.org, The Classic Car Owner's Guide: spring recommissioning checklist. Checked 13 October 2026. General guidance only; follow your car's handbook and specialist advice.
Using this checklist
The checklist pairs with our winter lay-up checklist and follows the spring steps in the winter lay-up guide, which explains the reasoning, including on fuel and brake fluid. If you find signs of mice, follow the safe cleaning advice on mice and rats before you work on the car. If the car has stood for more than a winter, or you have just bought a non-runner, the recommissioning guide covers the much fuller job, and long-term storage explains how to prepare a car for a longer stay. Tax, SORN and insurance are covered on the main storage guide.
An independent guide from Thornton-le-Dale. Not connected with Mathewsons or the programme.
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.
- Is this checklist enough for a barn find?
- No. It is for a car laid up properly over one winter. A car that has stood for a year or more needs a full recommissioning: see our recommissioning guide.
- Why check the wheels after the first drive?
- A wheel that is much hotter than the others after a gentle drive can mean a brake is binding, a common problem after a car has stood. Have it checked before driving further.
Checked 13 October 2026. The sources for each step are listed on our winter lay-up guide and recommissioning guide.