Maintain classic car
Sun, rain, dirt and dust are factors to which cars are constantly exposed. Therefore, classic cars in particular need a lot of care. Even more important is the classic car care for old cars that are driven all year round. In the cold season, cold temperatures, grit and road salt additionally attack the old sheet metal. But even classic cars that are kept in the garage in winter need good classic car care so that they will be roadworthy again next spring. Valuable tips on how to properly care for your classic car can be found here!
Cleaning the interior - use mild detergents.
The best way to start classic car maintenance is to clean the interior and check the rubber profiles for
cracks and other damage. You should replace broken and porous seals. Regular greasing of the rubber seals
with petroleum jelly or deer tallow increases their service life and ensures that they remain soft and supple.
The best way to clean seats and upholstery is with a vacuum cleaner. Use a device with a narrow attachment
for this purpose. This allows you to reliably remove even stuck dust and debris from crevices and
inaccessible corners. Unattractive stains on upholstery can be removed with upholstery cleaner. Special
upholstery cleaner has the charm of additionally spreading fresh scent. The same applies to leather,
wood and plastic. Be sure to use mild detergents and clean the material with gentle pressure so that it
is not damaged. It's best to ask a professional which classic car care products are best for the interior
of your vehicle.
Oil change - at least once a year
To keep your classic car in shape, you should change the engine oil regularly. Compared to modern cars, classic cars usually drive fewer kilometers. Therefore, it is advisable to change the oil not after a certain number of kilometers, but at least once a year.
Engine wash and tire check
An engine wash is helpful if your classic car's engine is losing oil or has other defects. However, you should leave this undertaking to a professional. A regular check of the tires is equally necessary for a classic car. On the one hand, it is important that the tires have sufficient tread depth. On the other hand, old vehicles in particular that have not been used in winter run the risk that the function of the tires is impaired. Due to temperature fluctuations, the rubber loses elasticity, which no longer ensures sufficient grip.
Paint care pays off
Very important - regular and good paint care pays off! Dirt and contamination will damage the outer shell of your classic car in the long run. Start your care by washing your vehicle thoroughly. Do not go to the car wash, but wash your car by hand and avoid harsh cleaning agents here as well. For optimal protection and shine, we recommend polish or wax.
Rust - the greatest danger for old sheet metal
The greatest danger for old sheet metal is rust. In most cases, classic cars lack a reliable cavity sealant right from the factory. Therefore, inspect your classic car regularly for corrosion damage. As a rule, you cannot prevent rust completely, but you can at least delay it somewhat with good care. Special rust preventatives ensure that every nook and cranny, no matter how small, and all parts of the car are optimally protected.
Winterize classic car
Even if you move your old car only in spring and summer, it does not mean that it does not need classic car care for the rest of the year. Before you put your car in the garage, you should winterize it. In addition to a thorough interior cleaning, we advise you to:
- Take out all loose floor mats, including from the trunk. If you discover damp or musty spots in the process, be sure to clarify the cause. Otherwise, there is a risk of mold.
- Check antifreeze, fill up if necessary and change oil. If your car has been idle for several years, you need a special protective oil.
- If your vehicle does not have a plastic tank, fill the tank. So you prevent rust formation inside the tank.
- Check paint - Residues of bird droppings, insects or secretions of tree resins are often difficult to detect and can eat through to the sheet metal for a long time. Therefore, a thorough car wash followed by polishing is important. .
- Hang the battery every two months for a few hours on the charger, so that the battery remains functional.
- Increase the air pressure in the tires to keep them in shape. It is even better to jack up your classic car to permanently relieve the tires and suspension. .
- Do not apply the handbrake, this could cause the brake pads to "stick". If you have a garage, leave the car window ajar for ventilation.
- To prevent your classic car from getting dusty while it is parked, we recommend that you cover it with a cotton cloth or bed sheet. Due to lack of air and moisture permeability, you should not use plastic film for this.
Admittedly, maintain a classic car is associated with some effort. But at the latest from the moment you are on the road again with your sparkling personality, your effort is rewarded with unbridled driving pleasure!
