Taking care of a classic car isn’t the same as looking after any other vehicle. If you are new to classic cars and you don’t know much about the right way to look after them and preserve their appeal, this handy guide will provide you with key information on what you need to do. Classic cars need a lot of attention and love to make the most of them. There are different things that you will need to think about when it comes to protecting your classic car from the elements, cleaning it properly, storing it the right way, and much more. Below you will find our expert tips on how to keep your classic car in top shape.
Learn How To Store Your Classic Car
Storing your classic car correctly is a crucial part of its upkeep and maintenance, especially if you have spent the summer and spring driving it. To prevent corrosion of the original parts, you should do more than simply park them in a regular garage. Any type of damage can have a significant effect on its level of performance, as well as its value. When looking for a place to store your classic car, choose a spot that is well-protected from moisture and temperature extremes. Some good options to consider include a brick garage or wooden compound to protect it from bad weather conditions.
Consider Getting Classic Car Insurance
You have likely invested a large amount of money, time, and attention into getting a classic car and ensuring it is well-maintained. Therefore, it makes sense that you would want to keep your vehicle safe at all times. It may be beneficial to take out classic car insurance through a trusted provider, such as Lancaster Insurance. Their extensive experience in arranging classic car insurance for over 35 years means that you will have peace of mind that your cherished vehicle is in safe hands. Thanks to their thorough knowledge of the industry, Lancaster Insurance provides comprehensive and bespoke insurance solutions.
Give It A Thorough Clean
Cleanliness is another key component of preserving your classic car’s value. If you don’t commit to a regular cleaning schedule, this can have devastating results in the long run. Therefore, you should ensure you give it a thorough clean on a regular basis, preferably each time after you drive it. To prevent any issues with the paintwork, it’s important to use the right cleaning agents. Picking just any cleaning agent can also result in serious damage to your vehicle. Also, remember to wipe down and vacuum the interior to prevent dust and dirt from building up over time.
Wax Your Classic Car
Before your vehicle is ready to get on the road, it’s important to ensure that it is polished and waxed. This will not only keep the paint shiny and looking good, but it also means that your car will be fully protected from any changes in the weather. There are many different car waxes on the market, so it’s important to look for one that will produce a rich shine. When applying wax, it’s advisable to do it in straight line passes instead of circular motions.
Service It Regularly
Even if you believe that you know everything that is going on with your classic car, it’s still essential to get it serviced on a regular basis. If you want to ensure that everything is working well, you will need to have your vehicle checked over at least once a year. An experienced mechanic will be able to tell you if there are any problems that need to be dealt with. Be sure to choose the right mechanic by looking at their credentials to ensure they have plenty of experience servicing classic cars.
Get Rid Of Unpleasant Smells
Unpleasant smells may gather from time to time, so it’s advisable to open the windows to provide good circulation. This will let fresh air in, ensuring that you won’t have to deal with any bad odours. All you need to do is leave the front windows slightly ajar to make a difference in how your car smells. Moreover, this can also be a good way to prevent mould from appearing. If you can’t determine the odour’s source, it may be helpful to use a bar of scented soap in the car, which will mask the unwanted smell until you can figure out what is causing it.
Keep Water Levels And Oil In Check
Two of the most important things that you will need to keep an eye on are the water levels and oil in your car. Topping up the fluids regularly will ensure that everything is working as it should. With any other vehicle, it might be easier to see when fluids are running lower. However, when it comes to taking care of a classic car, you will need to be proactive. You may encounter serious issues if you fail to keep water levels and oil in check. Therefore, it might be a good idea to set up reminders in case you forget.
Set Up A Strict Maintenance Schedule
Setting up a strict and consistent maintenance schedule is one of the best things you can do for your classic car. Although this might be expensive from time to time, it will be worth it in the long term, as you can often detect issues before they become serious. If you decide to sell the car, it can be useful to show potential future owners that you have taken good care of the vehicle. Some things you can do include flushing the cooling system, looking for rust, and testing the brakes regularly.
Connect It To A Battery Conditioner
If you haven’t used your classic car for a while, the battery may lose charge, so it’s worth connecting your vehicle to a battery conditioner. This can help you prevent your battery from draining in cases when your car has gone for long periods without being used or has only been taken out for short trips. Replacing a car battery can be costly, so preventative measures such as getting a battery conditioner can save you money and worries in the future.
Get A Car Cover
Another useful thing you can do if your car hasn’t been used for a long time is to get a car cover. This can help you protect your car by preventing dust and dirt build-up, keeping your vehicle looking its best. These covers can also be customisable to fit popular classic car models to ensure that each part of your vehicle is well-protected. It’s best to go for an indoor car cover as opposed to an outdoor one, as outside moisture can easily get trapped beneath the car cover.
Drive Your Classic Car
Don’t forget to take your classic car out for regular spins to keep the fluids flowing and remember to practise good driving habits. Be sure to drive your car at least once or twice a month and avoid driving on salted roads, as this can result in rust build-up. Also, be careful when starting your car to ensure there is no stress on the motor. Slow starts are preferable and as you accelerate, you can smoothly change gears.
Pay Attention To Details
At times, you may notice that there are some signs which indicate that something might be wrong with your car. However, you will need to pay attention to details to ensure that you don’t miss these signs. For example, you may hear screeching noises, which means that you may need to check the brakes. It’s crucial not to ignore these signs when you notice them. Instead, you should act straightaway to prevent things from getting worse. If you feel like something is wrong, chances are that this could be an indicator of future problems and you are unlikely to be imagining it.
Take Care Of The Bodywork
You should also focus on taking great care of the bodywork to keep your classic car in top condition. With time, it’s inevitable that your vehicle may experience a few bumps and light scratches from time to time. However, the key thing here is to take care of these problems immediately. Even if something seems insignificant at the time and you feel tempted to let it be for the time being, reacting fast to any issues will be better for your car. It’s a good idea to reach out to a professional who can help you with all types of problems.
Have Fun
Lastly, having a classic car doesn’t have to be all about maintenance and cleaning. You should also enjoy the experience of classic car ownership. Remember that although it might be difficult to always keep your car in pristine condition, your efforts will pay off in the future and this can be a great accomplishment. If your classic car is your pride and joy, you will find that it is much easier and more enjoyable to do everything else and take good care of it. Once you commit to the process of looking after your classic car, you will become better at dealing with any issues that might come up.
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