Top tips for keeping classic cars in mint condition 

If you are about to pick up your first classic car, you might be wondering how to keep it in good enough condition so that it can compete for first prize at the Show and Shine contests in your area.

By following a few cardinal rules that collectors like Robert Bassam swear by, you’ll be able to keep your roadster in tip-top condition for the foreseeable future.

1) Detail your car once per year

This is one of the most obvious steps, but it is also one of the most dreaded. Detailing your car is a very labor-intensive procedure, as it involves deep cleaning, vacuuming, washing and waxing the interior and exterior of the vehicle.

Neglect this important task, and your classic car will gradually accumulate dust, dirt, and grime, which are all things that will cause its good looks to fade.

Remember that you only have to do this once per year: put in one solid weekend afternoon of effort, and your car will look amazing for the rest of the year.

2) Keep your garage rodent-free

As much care as you put into the prior step, your effort will be for naught if your garage ends up becoming infested with mice and rats.

If they are allowed to invade its walls, they will eventually find their way inside, and they will end up chewing up the upholstery of your classic car.

While you may be certain that your garage and home does not contain rodents, it is it best to consult with a pest control expert, just to be sure.

3) Take it out / start it up once per month

If you’re like most collectors, you don’t acquire cars just so they can collect dust in your garage. You dream of being able to take them out during the summer and drive them down the main streets of your community. However, there are some times, especially during the cooler months of the year, where your car will sit dormant for extended periods.

Not starting the vehicle for a long time can be stressful on its systems, as moisture and condensation conspire to create leaks that can hasten the aging process.

By taking out your car at least once per month, you will be able to dry up any sources of moisture by heating up the vehicle.

If it is too cold outside, run the vehicle in your garage with the doors and windows open during the off-season.

4) Park them well away from other vehicles

There’s a reason why you rarely see any classic cars on the road after the first snow flies. It’s has nothing to do with with classic cars being out of style once summer is over, and everything to do with what is put on the roads once they begin to freeze.

Road salt is incredibly destructive to classic cars, so unless you have no choice but to move your vehicle, it is best to leave your baby parked in the garage until spring arrives.

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Give Your Vehicle the TLC It Needs

Would you consider yourself someone who goes above and beyond what is necessary to take care of one’s vehicle?

If so, you are like millions of other car and truck owners nationwide.

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That being the case, given many cars and trucks are built these days to last longer, it is a sound investment for you to take care of your vehicle. Not only will it mean lower auto insurance and registration fees down the road, but you will also save money on major repairs by doing regular maintenance.

That said where you live and where you drive both play roles in how long you can typically keep a car or truck (see more below). Between weather conditions and area roads, your vehicle can take a beating over time. If that is the case in your situation this all the more reason to be attentive to your vehicle’s needs.

So, are you giving your vehicle all the TLC it needs?

Note Your Weather and Road Conditions

Even if you don’t use your vehicle all that much, the time it spends outside (assuming you don’t garage it all of the time) and the roads it must tackle can take a toll.

With that being the case, here are some helpful reminders to preserve the life of your vehicle for as long as possible:

  • Weather – One of the things that can wear on a vehicle over time would be the weather conditions. As bad as some roads may be, your vehicle being out in snow, ice, heat etc. can be a real game-changer. For example, if you live in the Phoenix area, you know all too well how hot it can get from May to October. As such, your vehicle can literally bake in the summer sun, leading to possible paint damage and other issues. If you are considering purchasing a new BMW in Phoenix or another make or model, think about your choices. For instance, buying a black car in Arizona or other hot climates may not be the wisest choice, especially when those hot days roll around. Meantime, for those residing in rainy areas of the country like Seattle, buying a vehicle with a sunroof may not be the wisest choice. Although sunroofs provide a look and feel that many drivers like, a leaky sunroof can turn into a real problem, especially if it provides continuous problems. The best option no matter where you reside is to have a garage or even a carport to house your vehicle. In doing so, you will typically increase the life of your vehicle, saving you money when all is said and done;
  • Roads – Unless you are retired and/or you don’t have to drive all that often, your vehicle is going to come across its share of potholes, bumpy roads, roads where you have to brake often etc. As such, expect your vehicle to get a true workout. Although some contact with potholes and other road issues is all but inevitable, do your best to avoid such issues. From your tires to your brakes, how you drive on local roads and highways will go a long way in determining how many years you keep that vehicle. Lastly, make sure you know the road conditions as much as possible before setting out to drive. This is especially the case in the wintertime. Roads that appear to be safe can turn on a dime when snow and/or ice come in contact with them. By taking extra time to get where you need to go, you and your vehicle will likely arrive safely.

Regular Maintenance is a Necessity

  • Maintenance – Finally, are you one of those drivers with an avoidance of your area mechanic at all costs? Just like some people never want to see a dentist, some drivers are missing in action when it comes to taking care of their vehicles. Even if you decide regular maintenance updates (30K, 60K, 90K miles etc.) are not going to happen, at least get your recommended oil changes, have the tires rotated, and get the brakes inspected. Not only are those check-ups important for the life of your vehicle, they also improve your safety odds each and every time you get behind the wheel.

If giving your vehicle some TLC has been an afterthought as of late, drive forward with better habits this year and down the road.

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