Winter isn’t exactly the friendliest season for cars, especially rare or older ones. If you own a classic car in Raleigh, you already know how much care it demands year-round. But during cold months, that level of attention needs to stretch even further, particularly when towing comes into play. The combination of freezing temperatures, icy roads, and road salt makes winter towing a bit riskier than usual.
Towing a classic car in winter isn’t just about getting it from point A to point B. It’s about keeping the car’s paint, frame, and mechanical parts safe through the trip. Knowing which steps to take ahead of time and what sets winter towing apart can make the process smoother. Whether you’re relocating it for storage or heading to a show, preparation matters.
Preparing Your Classic Car For Winter Towing
Skipping prep work before a winter tow can be a costly mistake. Classic cars tend to have more delicate components than modern vehicles. They weren’t built for road chemicals or extreme cold, so giving them some attention beforehand can help prevent wear or damage.
Here are a few things to check and do before your car gets hitched up for towing in the winter:
1. Top off your fluids. Make sure your antifreeze is filled to the proper level and mixed right to handle Raleigh’s winter temps. Check your oil too, as thicker oil doesn’t move well in freezing weather.
2. Inspect your tires. Classic car tires age faster from lack of use. Double-check that they’re properly inflated and still have solid tread. Old rubber gets stiff in the cold and won’t grip the road.
3. Secure loose parts. Decorative details like chrome trim, hubcaps, or mirrors should be tightened or even removed, especially if they’re not firmly mounted. These bits can loosen from vibration or freeze in place and snap off during transport.
4. Cover the interior. If your vehicle has a soft-top or older seals, moisture might sneak inside while it’s on the road. Using interior covers can help protect the seats and dashboard from mildew or water damage.
5. Clean the surface. It might feel unnecessary to wash before the tow, but wiping away dirt, leaves, and leftover salt makes the cleanup easier later and helps protect the paint.
Winter weather can shift quickly. A few extra minutes spent checking these points can go a long way toward keeping your vehicle safe.
Choosing The Right Towing Service For Your Classic Car
Towing a collector car isn’t the same as hauling a regular car. These older vehicles often need special handling, unique loading angles, and added patience. That’s why picking a towing company with classic car experience should be a top priority.
Look for services that use flatbed trucks and have equipment for handling low-clearance vehicles. Flatbeds are safer for vintage rides because they keep the vehicle fully off the ground and reduce the risk of salt and debris splashing up beneath. Wear and tear from hooks or wheel-lift systems isn’t worth the risk.
Also, find someone who talks to you before loading the car. If you mention a modified exhaust or fragile trim, they should have ideas for how to avoid damaging it. For instance, one Raleigh customer with a 1965 Mustang had trouble with clearance using standard ramps. We used extra-long ramps and loaded it at a shallow angle, keeping everything protected.
This level of detail only comes from working with a team familiar with classic car towing. If your car matters to you, make sure it matters to the people moving it too.
Winter Towing Precautions
Winter hazards don’t stop once the prep work is done. There’s still snow, ice, and road salt to contend with during the actual tow. Taking time to safeguard your classic car on the road is just as important as what you do before and after.
Use a snug, weather-resistant car cover that won’t flap around. Loose covers can scratch the paint or even fly off, defeating their purpose. Covers also help protect the car from road slush and salt that blow up during transit.
Stick with flatbed towing. Keeping the entire car lifted above the road provides extra protection. Wheel-lift setups pose a higher risk in winter conditions, especially for older suspension systems that aren’t built for sudden jolts.
Low-clearance vehicles should be eased up with ramps or boards to prevent scraping the undercarriage. Soft tire straps can secure the car gently. Chain straps can buckle trim or leave dents in softer paneling.
Ask the towing operator to take it slow and avoid brine-soaked or icy roads as much as possible. Chemicals can cling underneath the car in spots you wouldn’t expect. The less exposure, the better.
Classic car towing through Raleigh in winter isn’t just about snow. Road salt and winter grime can take a toll. With the right precautions, you can avoid headaches once the car reaches its destination.
What To Do When Your Classic Car Arrives At Its Destination
Arrival is a relief, but don’t wait to inspect your car. The faster you catch an issue, the easier it is to fix or file a claim if needed. A quick walk-around right after the tow can save time and frustration.
Check for scratches, cracked areas, or loosened parts. Pay special attention to the corners and lower panels. Look closely at tow strap contact points for signs of rubbing or shifting.
Pop the hood and take a look around the engine bay, especially if you had the car running recently. Snow or ice runoff might have crept inside. A quick soak and wipe can stop future corrosion.
Under the car, gently check the suspension and exhaust areas. If slush built up during the drive, hose it off and towel dry. Letting winter grime linger under the frame isn’t good for any car, much less a vintage one.
Inside, test things like the battery power, light switches, and heater controls. Cold drains older batteries quickly, so give it a test before assuming it’s ready for the next drive.
Take photos of anything that looks off or unfamiliar. That record can make repairs easier or help you explain any claims down the line.
What It Takes to Keep a Classic Car Safe in Winter
Getting your classic car through a winter tow in one piece involves more than just showing up with a truck. From inspecting fluids to protecting the body and working with the right towing professionals, the process calls for a little planning and attention.
You’ve already invested time and probably a good deal of money into preserving something special. Don’t let a poorly planned winter tow set you back. With smart prep, careful handling, and service from those who know what they’re doing, you can keep your vintage vehicle protected and ready for warm weather again.
At East Coast Towing, we handle classic car towing across Raleigh with the detail it deserves. It’s not just metal and parts. It’s someone’s pride. Whatever the winter throws your way, our team is ready to get your vehicle moved safely.
When it comes to safeguarding your classic car during the winter months, trusting the right towing service makes all the difference. Learn how East Coast Towing can provide reliable and professional support, making sure your vintage vehicle is handled with the care it deserves. For expert help with classic car towing, count on a team that treats your prized possession like their own.
