When it comes to classic cars, they need far more attention and care than your average vehicle. If you’ve shelled out a ton of money on a vintage motor, it’s your responsibility to keep it in excellent condition. However, this will take effort, time, and more than a little dedication.
Whether you just love gazing at your classic car or enjoy taking it out on regular spins, you must take proper care of it to get the ultimate experience. For first-time classic car owners, here are some tips on how to safely look after and maintain your vintage motor.
Store It
If you’ve got a garage at home, use it for your classic car. Storing it there is the best way to protect it from the elements. Doing so prevents the onset of rust too which could cause severe damage to the look and style of your vintage motor. For those who haven’t got a garage, there may be services nearby that can house your classic car for you. However, be prepared to pay a monthly fee! Normally, these services will have the expertise and experience on what’s required to care for a classic car. This should bring peace of mind that you know your vehicle is being well looked after.
Take Out Insurance
Considering how much cash you’ve put into your classic car; you’ll want to do everything possible to keep it protected and safe. A large part of this includes taking out specialist insurance. You can take out classic car insurance from Lancaster. They have provided cover for over 80,000 classic cars, meaning you’re in good hands.
Start It Regularly
For your classic car to stay in its best shape, you must start it regularly. This will ensure everything is working as it should and there’s no risk of anything seizing. When starting the vehicle, let it reach eh optimal running temperature. This gives it chance to warm up. You should take it for a quick 10-minute drive if you can. This will stop the brakes from sticking or any malfunctioning. Considering how much classic cars cost, it’s likely you will want to get out in it as much as possible. Even if the weather isn’t up to scratch, starting it often is the next best thing for keeping it well maintained.
Unhook the Battery
If you know you will not be able to get to your vintage motor to start it for a while, it’s a good idea to unhook the battery. Doing this stops the battery from going flat, meaning you can climb back into the car and drive off once you return. If you don’t trust another party to unhook the battery, it’s wise speaking to a professional mechanic who can give advice. There are battery trickle chargers you can look into also. These will stop the battery from going flat if you’re unable to drive it for a long period.
Don’t Engage the Handbrake
Unsurprisingly, your classic car is an older model. This means there’s a higher risk of its cables seizing up should you leave the handbrake on for too long. Understandably, you need the handbrake when driving, especially if you are parking on a slope. To overcome this, keep your car in gear, even when the engine is off. You can put blocks behind the wheels to prevent your vehicle from drifting down the slope. While this isn’t exactly ideal in regard to parking, doing this prevents the handbrake from getting stuck.
Check It Over
You may like to think of yourself as a car expert. However, your knowledge and expertise pale in comparison to a mechanic. For your classic car to work and stay in great condition, you must get it serviced and checked over annually. You are best finding a mechanic who has lots of experience with classic cars. Make sure to look at their credentials and whether they’ve worked on similar models to yours. This will reduce stress knowing you’ve got the best person for the job inspecting your classic car.
Top Up the Fluids
Water levels and oil are two of the most crucial things for your classic car. This means you must regularly check and top up the fluids. While a modern vehicle will notify you when the levels are running low, an older car may not provide this luxury, so you must be diligent. Should you fail to keep fluids at the right level, severe issues can quickly arise. If you do not trust yourself to remember, making notes on your calendar will serve as a reminder when it’s time to replenish water and oil. Topping up your classic car fluids is paramount for safe and efficient driving.
Use Suitable Cleaning Agents
While we all like to take pride and joy in our cars, classic cars in particular need to be cleaned properly and with the right agents. You will want to make sure you’re using the correct shampoo. This will prevent any streaks or issues with the paintwork. Don’t just pick up any cleaning agent off the shelf. If you use the wrong products, this could cause serious damage to your classic car exterior which may cost a fortune to rectify.
Keep the Windows Open
Let’s be honest, no one wants to climb into their classic car and get hit with a strange smell. Older vehicles have a habit of creating this, so you must keep it well ventilated. This is simple to do too. Crack open the windows slightly so air can circulate without allowing the elements to wreak havoc on the upholstery.
Once you achieve the dream of purchasing a classic car, you’ll want to know all your hard-earned cash put into it has paid off. Once you take it out for a ride and find it is everything you’d hoped it would be, this isn’t the end. Now you’ve got the vehicle and can drive it wherever and whenever you like, it’s your duty to take care of it.
Proper care and maintenance are of the utmost importance for your classic car. Doing all the above will keep your vintage motor in pristine condition and lower the risk of any wear and tear.
