Storage Dangers for Lotus Cars: What Owners Must Know

 Posted on November 07, 2025 in Exotic Car Maintenance

Having a pristine Lotus car tucked away in a climate-controlled garage, driven only on occasional weekends, may be a collector’s dream, but some issues can arise from storage. While having low mileage may seem to increase the value of the car, prolonged storage – especially in humid or temperature-fluctuating environments – can quietly destroy your pride and joy. Hydraulic seals can dry out, bonded adhesives can begin to show "fatigue," and moisture can creep into the aluminum joints.

In turn, this can cause brake leakages, structural delamination, and corrosion, which can compromise the lightweight engineering that makes the Lotus brand famous. If you want to preserve your "garage queen" Lotus the right way, a Baltimore, MD exotic vehicle technician from Rosso Service can provide the service and maintenance your car needs for as long as you own it. We also have a state-of-the-art facility that you can tour. If you are considering purchasing a Lotus or another exotic car, you can benefit from our comprehensive pre-purchase inspections.

What is the "Garage Queen" Paradox?

Many owners of exotic cars attempt to keep the mileage on their exotic vehicles low to preserve collectability. The logic of this seems sound, after all, fewer miles means less wear and tear. However, automotive research reveals a surprising truth that challenges this assumption. In fact, cars that sit unused for extended periods - commonly known as "garage queens" - may develop even more serious problems than those that are regularly driven, which highlights the fact that good intentions can sometimes backfire. So what does happen when an exotic car sits without being driven for long periods of time?  

Engine Oil Can Become Contaminated

Engine oil contains special chemicals, including dispersants and detergents, that are meant to keep debris and dirt suspended, allowing the oil filter to catch them. However, the oil must be circulating for these chemicals to perform their intended function. An engine that sits idle for long periods of time can result in these chemicals settling to the bottom. Temperature changes can create moisture inside the engine, which mixes with the oil to form a thick, milky substance that can actually damage the engine.

Carbon Build-Up in Modern Engines

Short trips and infrequent driving create perfect conditions for carbon deposits to form inside the engine. When engines do not get hot enough, unburnt fuel leaves deposits on engine parts. Direct injection engines, in particular, rely heavily on the engine getting very hot to burn off deposits. Regular highway driving can actually prevent the reduced power, increased fuel consumption, and engine knocks caused by these deposits.

Cars That Are Rarely Driven Can Have Seals That Fail

Every vehicle has dozens of rubber seals that prevent fluids from leaking. These seals need regular contact with oil to stay flexible, and without regular use, the chemicals that keep the seals soft and pliable shrink and become brittle. This can result in oil leaks in a car that has been driven very little.

Modern Engines Can Have Carbon Buildup from Lack of Use

Car engines are designed to be driven; infrequent driving and short trips can cause carbon deposits to form inside the engine. When engines fail to reach the required temperature, unburnt fuel leaves deposits on engine parts.

Corrosion of Exhaust Systems

Exhaust systems also require sufficient heat to work properly; higher temperatures burn off moisture and other harmful substances that would otherwise result in rust. Short trips do not heat up the exhaust system sufficiently to burn off these harmful substances, causing rust to eat through the metal from the inside out.

Tire Damage from Lack of Use

Tires age, even when they are not in use. Cars that sit in one spot can develop flat spots, the sidewalls can weaken, and steel belts can separate from the rubber. Tires should be replaced every six years at a minimum, even when they are not being driven.

Contact a Washington, D.C. Exotic Car Maintenance and Repair Expert

It is recommended that owners of a Lotus or other exotic vehicle drive it for at least 30 minutes a week, including at least ten minutes at highway speeds, with a longer trip of at least 50 miles at least once a month. A Northern Virginia exotic car maintenance and repair expert from Rosso Service can help ensure your exotic car receives the highest level of care. We are specially trained and factory-certified in all categories by Maserati, Lamborghini, and Ferrari. Call 410-638-2886 to schedule your appointment.