Why Your Car Deserves More Than a Corner of the Shed

Owning a classic or collector car isn’t just about driving — it’s about preserving. These vehicles are often rare, valuable, and sometimes irreplaceable. They deserve to be protected, and that protection begins with storage. While it may be tempting to tuck your Ferrari, Aston Martin or classic Porsche into a home garage or lock-up, improper storage can quietly and catastrophically reduce the condition and value of your car.

At Birch, we regularly see the consequences of poor storage.

It’s a story that’s repeated too often — a prized car left in a damp garage over winter – or just for a few months that turn into a few years -  only to emerge with blistered paint, musty interiors, and electrical gremlins that cost a small fortune to rectify.

Let’s break down the pitfalls of storing your car in the wrong place — and how Birch helps you avoid every one of these.

Humidity and Temperature Swings: Paint and Chrome Damage

Many classic cars were built long before modern corrosion protections. This makes them particularly vulnerable to temperature fluctuations and damp conditions. Even in a seemingly “dry” garage, overnight humidity swings can cause:

Paint blistering from trapped moisture

Chrome pitting and tarnishing on bumpers, trim, and grills

Surface rust that creeps into seams, panels and wheel arches

At Birch, we have a monitored indoor environment where humidity and temperature do not suffer from big fluctuations. Our facilities maintain stability, ensuring that both bodywork and chassis are safeguarded from silent deterioration.

If you’re serious about preserving your car’s cosmetic and structural integrity, purpose-built storage is essential.

Poor Ventilation: Mould, Mildew and Interior Degradation

You might not think of ventilation as a deal-breaker — until you smell that familiar musty odour that comes from a car left too long in a stagnant space. Leather, wood veneers and fabric interiors are highly susceptible to moisture damage, even in “clean” garages.

Here’s what poor airflow and damp can cause:

Leather shrinkage and cracking

Mould and mildew in seats, carpets and headliners

Delamination of dashboards and trim

Our airflow and humidity management at Birch are designed specifically with heritage materials in mind. It’s not just about keeping cars clean — it’s about preserving originality, craftsmanship and the tactile joy of owning a collector car.

Don’t let your investment fall victim to the air around it. Birch gives your car the conditions it needs to remain timeless.

Battery Failure and Electrical Issues

One of the most common headaches we see is electrical failure. Even relatively modern collector cars, such as 1990s Ferraris or AMG Mercedes, can suffer badly if stored without care:

Battery drain and cell failure

Faulty ECUs, sensors, and immobilisers

Dashboard warning lights and systems gremlins

A replacement battery might only cost a small amount, but the costs of damaged ECUs or wiring harnesses can quickly escalate.

At Birch, we offer ongoing battery maintenance, with smart charging options and regular condition checks. Your car stays healthy and starts without drama — whether it’s tomorrow or six months from now.

Suspension Damage and Flat-Spotted Tyres

Cars are made to move. Leaving one stationary for months at a time can cause:

Tyre flat-spotting, which ruins ride quality and grip

Suspension bush deformation

Shock absorber and spring sag

We can keep your car gently exercised while in storage, using regular movement protocols to avoid any long-term wear issues. We even offer concierge services if you need it collected, prepped or delivered — road-readiness is always guaranteed.

Depreciation: The Silent Killer

The most significant cost of poor storage isn’t immediate — it’s cumulative. A car that’s suffered from bad storage tends to show it, both in the details and in how it drives. And buyers notice.

Auction valuations dip significantly for poorly presented vehicles

Pre-sale inspections often reveal avoidable faults

A reputation for neglect follows a car through the years

A well-stored car not only performs better but holds its value. In many cases, it appreciates faster than one with “stories” caused by corrosion, neglect or repair.

Think of Birch as an insurance policy for your car’s value. We don’t just store — we preserve, protect, and enhance the provenance of every vehicle under our care.

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Your Car Deserves More Than a Corner of the Shed

Enthusiasts often spend thousands on detailing, maintenance, and restoration — only to undermine all of it by choosing substandard storage. At Birch we believe that exceptional cars deserve an exceptional home.

Our secure, discreet facility near Gatwick is purpose-built to meet the needs of collectors and high-end vehicle owners. We store everything from concours-level classics to modern supercars, each one treated as the unique asset it is.

If you’re ready to protect your investment properly, we’re ready to help.

Visit Birch to enquire about tailored storage solutions for your collection. Because when it comes to cars like yours, cutting corners always costs more in the end.