Classic Car Care Tips

While it feels like Winter has only just begun, it is never too early to start dreaming about Car Shows and Cruise-Ins coming up in the Spring. If you are the owner of a classic car, you may know that they require a little extra maintenance to keep them in top condition. Giving your car regular care and attention can go a long way when trying to keep it running and looking great. Here are some areas to focus on when caring for your classic car.

Regular Maintenance

Since the engines of classic cars are older, they require a little extra attention to keep them running properly. Since they are less common, parts for older cars can be expensive to replace. This is why it is very important to perform regular maintenance on your vehicle, so the parts do not deteriorate as quickly. One way you can do this is to regularly change the oil. Old or low oil can be very damaging to your motor. Since oil can break down over time, you will want to change your oil 1-2 times per year while your car is inactive. Keep in mind that cheaper oils tend to break down faster, so be sure to use a high quality brand.

Pay attention to other fluids in your car as well. You should flush out your cooling system at least once a year. You will also want to replace your old coolant with a 50/50 solutions of coolant and distilled water to keep your cooling system from corroding. Pay attention to your transmission fluid and gear oil to keep everything running smoothly.

Proper Storage

When storing such a precious machine, you will want to store your car the right way. To keep your car away from extreme temperatures, store it in a climate-controlled building. Use a fitted car cover or a soft cotton cloth to keep dirt, dust and other particulates from ruining your clear coat. To keep your battery from losing charge, keep it tendered when sitting for a long period of time. You should also keep your car on cushions when in storage. If you let your tires sit on a hard surface for an extended period, flat-spotting can occur.

Even if you plan to store your car for an extended period of time, try taking it out for a drive at least once a month. This will keep your engine in good shape and will also help you determine if there are any premature mechanical issues that need to be addressed.

Keep It Clean

To a lot of car enthusiasts, keeping your car looking beautiful is one of the most important parts of classic car ownership. Taking your car in for a detail once or twice a year will keep it looking show room new all year. A high quality detail will include machine buffing with compounds, polishes and a Grade No. 1 Carnauba Wax, which will remove swirls and restore your paint to its original luster. If your car has a leather interior, you may want to consider having it conditioned when you have it detailed. This will bring out the natural beauty of your leather and help protect it over from UV exposure.

Do you need help caring for your classic car? GK’s Custom Polishing, Inc. in Avon, OH are the premier classic car restoration company in the Greater Cleveland area. We offer detailing, climate-controlled storage and enclosed vehicle transporting for all types of automobiles. To get a free quote on how we can help you care for your car, give us a call at (440) 937-4457 or send us an email at frontoffice@gkspolishing.com.