Driving a classic car is a dream of every car enthusiast. Classic cars by definition are vehicles manufactured more than thirty years ago. These are often confused with vintage cars which belong to a much older generation. Just like their older counterparts, classic cars are loved by collectors. These cars require proper maintenance and adequate storage.
See the following guide on classic car maintenance and its storage.
The Six Commandments of Classic Car Maintenance
Classic car maintenance is different from modern or vintage car maintenance. Whether you are continuously driving it or not, maintenance is a must. Here are the six most important maintenance tips for the classics.
Check Engine Oil
Engine oil is the most significant lubricant for classic cars. Give priority to engine oil over any other maintenance activity. Check the oil at regular intervals, or at least every time you fill up the fuel. Do not delay engine oil change even if you rarely drive the car.
Start the Engine
To stop the ageing of your classic car and to keep it in proper shape, it is necessary to start it at least once a month. If not for driving, at least start the engine and engage the gears for a while. Otherwise, the rubber sealings and other parts will wear out and malfunction. Heating up an engine for half an hour will complete the heat cycle and also get rid of condensation.
Use Special Car Washing Formulas
It is strictly prohibited to use normal detergent and clothes to clean a classic car. You should only use a soft rag and automotive soap wash. If you do not have these at home, buy auto accessories for sale in the UAE and protect your classic car. Using a normal detergent can scrape away the wax coating over the paint, exposing paint to external elements.
Clean Regularly
It is recommended to clean the car’s interior and exterior twice a month. Properly wash the exterior and vacuum the interior. Deep clean car carpets and do not leave any dirt or debris. The dirt can accumulate in auto parts and decrease their efficiency. Whereas, the debris collected increases dampness and speeds up the corrosion process.
Maintain Tyre Pressure
Tyres can affect the handling, fuel economy, comfort and stopping distance. Therefore, it is essential to maintain your classic car tyres. Not to mention, classic cars usually have tyres different from the ones we have these days. Make sure you are well aware of how to take care of those specific tyres.
Fluid Levels
Ensure that your classic car has optimum levels of essential car fluids like oil, water, brake fluid and others. You should check these levels even if you don’t drive that car or drive it too often. Fluid quality and condition can degrade even if not used for a long time. Bad quality fluids will eventually cause other issues like corrosion or build-up.
Classic Car Storage
Storing a classic car at an appropriate place is an essential part of maintenance activity. The storage plays a significant role in the ageing of the car. Here we have provided some classic car maintenance tips and details about its storage.
Garage: Classic car garage needs to be different than a regular garage. A covered garage with temperature control facility is the best option.
Wooden Unit: Wooden units are the immediate solution for parking classic cars. These pre-built units are easy to install and protect cars from extremes. However, these units can get damp easily and require a source of fresh air.
Outdoor area: Parking a classic car outdoors is the last option if you do not have any of the above-mentioned facilities. Use purpose built car covers to avoid the weather extremes. Do not use standard tarpaulin, as it can fail to provide the needed protection. Purchase a plus size of cover and cover the car to the tyres. It is recommended to raise the car from the floor to avoid tyre melting from excessive heat.
What to do after Selecting a Storage Place
Once you have selected an adequate classic car storage facility, you have to take further precautions. We have listed the necessary safety precautions after selecting a storage place.
Do not park in a place which is too small for the car. The storage place should provide enough space to open one side of the car’s door.
There should be no dirt and debris to avoid corrosion. Wash, wax and dry the exterior of the car and vacuum the interior of the car. Make sure not to leave any part wet.
Leaving windows open is essential to avoid odour development in the car. Slightly rolling down the front windows is enough to circulate fresh air in the cabin.
The car paint can get damaged from direct sunlight. If your storage place is receiving even a small ray of direct sunlight it can fade the car’s color. Therefore, saving car from sunlight tops the classic car maintenance checklist.
Disconnect the batteries before parking the car. If you are not driving your car regularly it will drain the car battery. If you can not disconnect it, drive a car every week for at least ten minutes.
Can I Drive Classic Car in the UAE?
You can drive classic cars in the UAE after the initiative taken by the government. It was announced that cars manufactured before 30 years will be considered classic cars and will require special registration. However, your car has to pass basic safety tests like: seatbelts, brakes and wheels.
This was all about the classic car maintenance guide. Owning and maintaining a classic car requires more efforts and time. If you aren’t sure you have the time to invest in such high-maitenance cars, take a look at these modern used cars for sale in the UAE.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information on classic cars.
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