Classic vs supercar storage explained: splitters, batteries, security, tyre care and discreet logistics. See what’s different and what to ask a provider.

Classic vs Supercar Storage: What’s Different and Why It Matters

September 24, 2025

Car Storage

Quick Answer

Supercars need everything classics do, and more. Low ride height, complex electronics, lithium batteries and privacy/security demands mean your storage partner must prove splitter-safe access, conditioning routines and discreet logistics.

The differences at a glance

Category
Classic
Supercar
Ride height and access
Classics usually have higher clearance. Standard ramps are fine.
Low ride height and wide tyres. Needs low-angle ramps, wheel dollies and trained handlers.
Electrics and batteries
Lead-acid battery with a suitable trickle or AGM profile where needed.
AGM or lithium-ion systems. Use a smart conditioner with soft wake-up and tidy cable routing.
Tyres and brakes
Narrower tyres and iron discs. Watch flat-spotting during long storage; correct pressures and occasional movement usually suffice.
Wide, soft compounds and carbon-ceramic brakes. Control pressures and rotate or shuffle; tyre cushions can help on extended lay-ups.
Security and privacy
Alarmed, CCTV-monitored facility with controlled access.
Keyless theft mitigation with Faraday key protocol, movement logs, discretion and NDAs available.
Logistics
Occasional moves and local transport as required.
Track-day support, covered transport and airport hand-offs on request.

Supercar-specific risks (and how good storage prevents them)

  • Splitters & diffusers - low-angle ramps, guides, no kerbs
  • Parasitic battery drain - correct conditioner profile (AGM/Li-ion), tidy cable routing
  • Keyless entry risk - Faraday storage, key handling protocol
  • Tyre care - set pressures correctly and rotate or shuffle the car periodically. For longer lay-ups, consider tyre cushions (sometimes called tyre cradles) for extra protection.
  • Active aero & DCT gearboxes - trained movement only, gentle warm-throughs by agreement

See how Auto Classica does it

Correct battery conditioner connected to a supercar in dehumidified storage.

Classic-specific risks that differ from supercars

  • Corrosion & interior mould risk (older seals/metals)
  • Carb/fuel system issues (ethanol, perishing hoses)
  • Lead-acid maintenance & trickle profiles
  • Rodents & fabric/leather care

See how Auto Classica handles classics

Classic car under a breathable cover in dehumidified storage.

Where both need the same fundamentals

  • Dehumidified, stable environment (RH in the safe band)
  • Clean bays, bonnet-out parking, movement logs
  • Clear insurance docs and access policy

Interested in Dehumidified Car Storage?

See FAQs

Which setup is right for your car?

If you’ve got a weekend supercar that sits for weeks, choose a dehumidified bay with the correct AGM/Li-ion conditioner profile, bonnet-out parking and quick-book access. At Auto Classica we set tyre pressures to reduce flat-spotting, keep a simple movement log, and (if you choose) schedule gentle shuffles or a brief warm-through so it’s ready to drive at short notice.

For a track-focused supercar (with Silverstone nearby), prioritise splitter-safe ramps, trained handlers and discreet logistics. We can prep the car before events (pressures, battery, visual checks), arrange covered transport to and from the circuit, and provide secure overnight storage between track days, so you focus on laps, not logistics.

If you’re storing an appreciating classic that mustn’t deteriorate, preservation comes first: stable humidity, breathable cover, lead-acid trickle or AGM profile as needed, and fuel/ethanol management for longer lay-ups. We document movements, avoid unnecessary cold starts, and keep interiors clean and dry to protect leather, wood and seals - so condition and value stay on your side. For longer lay-ups we can place the car on tyre cushions to minimise flat-spotting.

Request a tailored care plan for your car

Discreet, CCTV-monitored access at a secure car storage facility.

Local convenience (Milton Keynes, London & Home Counties)

Proximity benefits, typical travel times, discrete routes | Our Locations

Location map showing Auto Classica in Milton Keynes with travel times to London and the Home Counties.

FAQs

Do supercars need a different battery conditioner than classics?
Often, yes. Many classics run conventional lead-acid (sometimes AGM) batteries, while modern supercars may use AGM or lithium (LiFePO₄) 12V units. Use a smart conditioner set to the correct chemistry/mode and keep cable routing tidy; avoid cheap “always-on” trickle chargers. In our facility we supply PAT-tested maintainers and document connections as part of the routine.

Is it safe to store hybrids/EV supercars?
Yes. Just follow manufacturer guidance and treat high-voltage systems with respect. As a rule of thumb, store at a moderate state of charge (roughly mid-pack), disable non-essential background features, and ensure the 12V system is maintained per the OEM. For example, Porsche publishes long-term storage guidance for Taycan owners, and Tesla advises avoiding very low states of charge and charging to appropriate limits. We then add the same environmental protections (dehumidified, secure, controlled access).

Do carbon ceramic brakes need special treatment in storage?
They’re highly durable and far less prone to corrosion than iron discs, but common-sense care still matters: put the car away clean and dry, avoid leaving the handbrake on for long periods (use chocks instead), and keep a simple movement log to prevent pad imprinting. Carbon-ceramic systems are engineered for longevity; sensible storage habits protect them further.

Should I use tyre cushions on a supercar?
Tyre cushions are optional. The big wins are correct pressures and periodic movement to reduce flat-spotting on wide, soft compounds. Cushions add a layer of protection for very long lay-ups or sensitive tyres. Some owners still say “tyre cradles”, but the function is the same. See our guide to choosing the right option. Contact us

How do you protect against keyless theft during storage?
We combine physical security, controlled access and movement logs with key-handling protocols: keys are stored in signal-blocking (Faraday) pouches/boxes, well away from vehicles, and wireless features can be disabled on request. UK police guidance also recommends Faraday pouches and keeping keys out of range - good practice at home, too.

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