How to protect a classic car

A classic car is a car that is over 25 years old and has proven to be popular or in demand. Popular classic cars tend to be from the late 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, for example:

• Chevrolet Camaro
• Dodge Charger
• Dodge Dart
• Ford Mustang
• Plymouth Roadrunner

There are many other popular models that are considered classic cars, including domestic, European and Asian models. What they all have in common is that, like a classic car, they need protection to stand the test of time.

Classic cars are one of the few vehicles that can be considered an investment. A classic car, even if it's not a rare model, is often now 10 times more expensive than its original purchase price. They retain their value because they are rare, no longer produced, and treated like valuable assets.

Classic cars require extra protection to keep them in tip-top shape because the technology used to build them didn't meet the same standards as today's cars. The sheet metal may not have been as carefully covered with a protective coating, the windshield may be a more delicate surface, and the paint may not be as resistant to the sun's ultraviolet radiation. If a classic car were treated like a normal vehicle, you would find that it would likely degrade faster than your modern car.

Here's how to protect your classic car to keep it in top shape.

Part 1 of 4: Drive your classic car mindfully

The vehicle is meant to be driven unless it is in a museum. If you have a classic, then you want to enjoy it. The key to driving a classic car is understanding your surroundings and driving with caution.

Step 1: Drive your classic car only when the weather is right.. Because the metal used in classic cars was primed and painted rather than dipped or electroplated as in modern cars, any bare metal is more susceptible to rust and corrosion.

Drive your classic car when the roads are dry and rain is unlikely.

Do not drive soon after rain to prevent moisture from getting on the metal parts.

Avoid driving your classic car in winter to prevent salt buildup, which can seriously damage your car's paintwork and accelerate corrosion.

Step 2. Drive your classic car on quality roads.. Avoid driving on roads with potholes or unknown routes.

Avoid driving on gravel roads where rocks can chip off the paint.

If you encounter an obstacle or pothole in the road that cannot be avoided, slow down to prevent possible damage to tires, suspension or body when driving through or through the problem area.

Step 3 Drive responsibly. While your engine may be powerful and fun to drive, take care where you choose to open it.

If you lose control of your vehicle and get into an accident, it can cause irreparable damage and drastically reduce its resale value with a registered collision - not to mention you could hurt yourself or others!

Avoid parking in shopping mall parking lots or in questionable areas to prevent the possibility of vandalism, attempted theft, or even door chimes from cars parked too close.

Part 2 of 4: Perform Regular Maintenance

Your classic car requires more care than modern cars. They were built in an era when engine repairs were done like normal maintenance and fluids were changed much more frequently. Never put off maintenance to keep your classic car running as long as possible.

Step 1: Change your oil regularly. Oil change intervals have increased by thousands of miles since the classic car era.

In classic cars, the oil and filter should be changed at least every 2,500 miles or at least once a year.

Use high quality oils such as full synthetic oil for better wear protection.

Change the oil filter every time you change the engine oil.

Step 2: Change spark plugs every 20,000 miles.. Spark plugs tend to wear out faster in classic cars due to factors such as a higher chance of engine flooding, a less reliable ignition point system, and lower manufacturing quality standards than modern engines.

Replace the spark plugs along with the distributor cap, rotor and spark plug wires for best results.

Step 3: Change coolant every 3-5 years.. The coolant in your engine and radiator goes bad whether it circulates or not.

Drain and add coolant every 3-5 years to keep it from leaving deposits inside the engine and radiator.

Change the engine thermostat every time you change the engine coolant.

Step 4: Replace the air filter annually. The air filter is the least expensive maintenance item on your vehicle and ensures that only clean air is fed into the engine to burn.

A clogged air filter causes performance problems, including increased fuel consumption, engine jerks, difficult starting and even stopping.

Part 3 of 4: Keep your classic car clean

Necessary materials

• Bucket
• Set of clay rod
• Napkins (microfiber)
• Шланг
• Glove (microfiber)
• Soap

Your classic car will last the longest if you properly clean and protect it, whether you drive or leave it parked.

Step 1: Keep the outside clean. If you drive a car, it is exposed to environmental elements, including tree sap, bird droppings, beetles, and acid rain, which can damage paintwork.

Wipe off the paint and chrome surfaces of your classic car as soon as you notice something sticking to the paint.

Classic car paint is more susceptible to corrosion than modern car paint, so taking immediate action will help reduce the chance of paint damage.

Use a microfiber mitt and mild car wash soap and wash your classic car by hand.

Dry it completely with a microfiber cloth or chamois to remove water stains.

Step 2: Use a clay block. If the paint appears gritty or gritty, scrape the paint even further with a clay bar for detailing.

Spray the parts lubricant onto the paint and rub the parts clay into the paint to remove any contaminants such as rail dust or road salt.

You can also clay your classic car to remove old car wax before applying a new coat.

Step 3: Wax the outside regularly. Car wax protects your car's paintwork from UV rays, protects against permanent damage caused by the elements of the environment, and makes your car shiny and attractive.

Wax your classic car annually if you keep it in storage, or every 6-8 weeks if you drive your classic car.

Step 4: Protect Your Tires With Tire Conditioner. Apply a high quality tire conditioner which will also turn the tires dark black.

Tire conditioner prevents premature tire degradation due to sun exposure and aging.

Step 5: Keep the Interior Clean. It is best not to put items in the car that could cause a mess.

If you end up with a stain on your carpet or seats, treat it immediately with an upholstery cleaner before the stain sets.

Part 4 of 4: Store your classic car

Whether you're putting your car away for the winter or only exhibiting it at car shows, storing your classic car safely will ensure it lasts as long as possible.

Step 1: Find a place to store your climate controlled car. While you can park your car in the garage at home, most home garages are not equipped to monitor and control humidity levels.

A constant moderate temperature will help your car last much longer.

Keeping a climate-controlled car off-site also means less potential for damage, such as when a child leans a bike against your expensive classic car or a box is placed on the car's hood.

Step 2: Use the car cover on your classic car. Whether you choose to store your classic car at home, offsite in a climate-controlled space, or in your driveway, using a high quality car cover will prevent dust and dirt from settling on your paint, UV radiation from the sun. , and possible scratches from an accident.

Step 3. Register your saved classic car.. Check your classic car every 3-6 months to make sure it's in good working order.

Make a short trip to keep the mechanical parts moving and prevent them from binding.

Whether you drive your classic car regularly or keep it in storage, it's important to make sure it has the correct amount of insurance. Evaluate it every few years and insure it with your insurance company for its estimated value. If your insurance company does not provide sufficient coverage for your classic car, reputable classic car insurance companies such as Hagerty will provide coverage for you.