Would you like to keep your classic car in tip-top condition? if so, it is good to follow the following handy care tips:
As a classic car owner, I am sure that you know the great responsibility to maintain your car. This is because a classic car needs a higher level of TLC to run smoothly and look new. To ensure that your classic car is well maintained, follow a routine maintenance schedule inside and outside your car and check for any car problems.
Maintaining your vintage and classic automobile requires a lot of time and effort but the good news is that it will help make your car a source of pride. The tips and tricks below will help you ensure that your classic car stays in tip-top condition even during storage:
Change Out the Oil
Changing the oil is Car Ownership 101 but when it comes to classic and vintage models a committed routine is required. You may have been checking your oil levels after every 3000 miles or so but you should remember that a classic and vintage car is not a car you drive on a regular basis.
This means that as an owner of a classic car, you need to focus on how long oil has been in your car’s engine and less on the number of miles the car has covered. Keep in mind that, over time, oil can break and when oil loses its lubricity, it can cause major engine damage. It is recommended that you change your oil every 6 months regardless of the number of miles your car has covered.
It is also a good idea to check for leaks in your car’s cooling system, power steering, drive axle, and transmission. This is because you don’t drive your antique car on a regular basis especially during snowy winters. To lubricate your classic vehicle’s engine and transmission, avoid leaks and prevent the seals from hardening, start your car every week or every two weeks.
Wash Your Classic Car by Hand
Taking your classic car through an automated car wash is never a good idea. All car enthusiasts know that washing a car by hand preserves a vehicle’s exterior. Even though most of those who own antique cars like washing their cars all by themselves, you can choose to look for a luxury detailer to clean your car. Just ensure that the materials used are safe on your car’s paint. Use cleaners that don’t have abrasive materials and use soft towels, sponges or mitts to wash your vehicle’s surfaces.
Wax Your Car on A Regular Basis
Waxing your car’s exterior is equally important as washing it. It is a good idea to wax your car at least once every 6 months. To prevent was from drying too quickly and to get the results you desire, apply it out of direct sunlight. This is because it is harder to buff dry wax. Before waxing your car, ensure that it is dry and apply a very thin coat over a small area at a time. It is a good idea to follow these directions as they will make the exterior of your car get a proper shine and maintain the luster of your car’s paint.
Check the Brakes
Brake shoes and pads get worn out after a while and it can be difficult to know when you should replace the brake pads and shoes of your classic car as you don’t drive it on a regular basis. It is a good idea to pump the brake shoes and pads of your car on a regular basis to prevent them from being worn down to the metal and to prevent them from squeaking when you pull up to a stop sign.
This can damage your car and cause safety problems. Besides, it is important to inspect the brake lines and cylinders or calipers for leaks since cars age. Whenever you run your car’s engine every week or so during storage, consider backing up and moving forward a short distance as it will help you prevent brakes from seizing. If you require professional work done on your car to restore it to its former glory, look no further than Whites Bodyworks.
Store Your Car in a Safe Place
Ensure that you store your car in a temperature-regulated and enclosed space. Doing so will protect your car from pests and the elements. Using a car cover is also something worth considering even when storing your vehicle indoors. This is because a car cover protects your car from dust and debris build-up. There are different materials used to make car covers. So, do extensive research to find a material that will meet your needs before buying a cover.
Protect your antique or classic vehicle against pests such as mice and other rodents which can damage your antique or classic vehicle. As such, it is good to try as much as you can to protect your car against pests. One way to protect your car against pests is to put fabric softener sheets, Irish Spring soap, and lavender mothballs throughout your vehicle’s interior.
You can also keep pests out by laying softener sheets on the tires and putting mothballs in the trunk and engine compartment and cowling. Some owners of classic vehicles lay regular mothballs on the floor around their vehicle and lay traps to keep pests away.
Rodents can cause costly damage to your vehicle. Therefore, it is good to protect your vehicle against rodents and other pests. In addition, looking for a material matching the color of your classic car can be a daunting task. So, take good care of your classic vehicle to avoid odor damage, cleanup, and expensive repairs.