top of page
Snowy Forest Road

PISTONVAULT Winter Storage for Supercars

A Bespoke Approach to Automotive Asset Preservation

​

Supercars are unlike standard vehicles, they are high value, precision-engineered assets, designed without compromise and require the highest level of care. Winter storage is a critical period where correct management preserves not only mechanical integrity, but provenance, originality and long-term value.

​

Our 10 Step guide reflects best-in-class standards adopted by leading collectors, manufacturers, and top level custodians like us.  Our procedure was derived from industry experience with high end OEM and motorsport professionals.

Mclaren decontamination

01

Top Grade Cleaning & Surface Protection

Prior to storage, each vehicle should undergo a meticulous, detail-led preparation:

​

  • Multi-stage decontamination wash

  • Brake and wheel treatment to remove corrosive dust

  • Filtered-air drying and microfibre finishing

  • Application of wax, sealant, or ceramic coating as appropriate

 

This process protects paintwork, exposed aluminium, carbon fibre, and bespoke finishes from oxidation and surface etching during extended inactivity.

02

Fresh Fluids Essential

A supercar should only ever enter storage with fresh, specification-correct fluids:

​

  • Engine oil and filter replaced

  • Coolant tested for concentration and corrosion inhibitors

  • Brake fluid inspected—particularly critical for carbon-ceramic systems

​

Residual contaminants or moisture left unchecked can cause internal degradation while the car is dormant.

Supercar Oil and filter change
Lamborghini Engine Car

03

Fuel Management

High-performance engines demand careful fuel preparation:

​

  • Fuel tank filled to optimal level to eliminate condensation

  • Premium-grade stabiliser introduced

  • Engine run briefly to ensure full system circulation​

​

This is essential for modern direct-injection, turbocharged, and high-compression powertrains.

04

Battery Conditioning

Modern supercars maintain constant electronic activity, even at rest.

​

PISTONVAULT best practice:

​

  • Manufacturer-approved intelligent battery conditioner

  • No disconnection unless explicitly required by OEM protocol

​

This prevents voltage drop, fault codes, and long-term battery degradation.

Supercar CTEK Charger battery conditioning
Ferrari Tyre Management

05

Tyre, Wheel & Suspension

High performance tyres are highly sensitive to temperature and static load.

​

Recommended measures:

  • Correct storage inflation pressures or

  • Specialist tyre cradles to eliminate flat-spotting where specified

  • Utilisation of factory lift systems where fitted

 

These steps preserve tyre geometry, wheel finish, and suspension components.

06

Controlled Environment

PISTONVAULT storage environments are maintained to exacting standards:

​

  • Stable temperature range (10–15°C)

  • Controlled humidity (40–50%)

  • Clean dust free air (Workshop activities strictly separated)

​​

This mitigates corrosion risks across aluminium, magnesium, and bonded carbon structures.

Climate Controlled Storage
Prestige Cars Covered

07

Tailored Indoor Vehicle Covering

  • Individually fitted, breathable, non-abrasive covers only

  • Vehicle must be fully cooled and dry prior to covering

  • Pistonvault can specify the correct cover for your car

​​

This ensures protection from dust while allowing moisture to dissipate naturally.

08

Braking System Management

During storage:

​

  • Parking brakes remain disengaged

  • Discrete wheel chocks employed

​​

This avoids pad adhesion and disc marking, particularly on carbon-ceramic assemblies.

Carbon Brake Care
Ferrari Interior

09

Interior & Cabin Conservation

Cabin environments receive equal attention:

​

  • Leather and trim conditioned with pH-correct products

  • Moisture absorbers placed discreetly within cabin and luggage areas

  • Ventilation protocols applied where environment permits

 

This prevents odours, mould growth, and material shrinkage.

10

Controlled Recommissioning

Returning a supercar to use should be a measured process:

​

  • Battery and system checks completed

  • Tyre pressures and fluids verified

  • Engine started without throttle input

  • Full operating temperature reached before dynamic driving

​

A disciplined recommissioning preserves engine internals, driveline components, and calibration integrity.

Mclaren Rev Counter
Pistonvault Trustmark

THE PISTONVAULT STANDARD

​

At PISTONVAULT, winter storage is not passive. We offer a curated process combining engineering discipline, environmental control and considered custodial care.

​

Each vehicle is treated as a long-term asset, protected, monitored, and preserved to the standard its creators intended:​

​​

​

Performance preserved || Provenance protected

bottom of page