Tips to Maintain Your Classic Car

Owning a classic or vintage car is like owning expensive jewelry, it’s something you keep safe and only take out on occasion.  Just like jewelry, not only do classic cars look amazing, but they are also highly valuable, and their value only increases with time – unlike regular cars.  Whether you have a hobby of collecting antique cars or you have just one parked in your garage, it’s important to keep your valuable possessions well protected. 

Many people think they just need to keep their antique cars stored away from the Ontario cold, put a lock on the door, and call it a day, but that’s not the case. 

To maintain and increase their value, classic cars need to be well taken care of, and we’re here to tell you all about how you can keep your classic car looking gorgeous! 

1. Store It Well 

First things first! Before we get into the details of maintenance, we need to make sure you’re storing the car the right way. Proper storage is the key to keeping your classic car in peak condition. You need to make sure the environment in the car’s storage space is suitable to prevent any damage. The ideal storage space for a classic car would be a brick garage that protects against severe weather conditions and has secure locks to prevent theft. 

Your classic car’s storage space must overall be dry and well-ventilated to avoid the development of corrosion due to moisture. If you suspect the area has any moisture, consider using an airflow tent or a dehumidifier. 

There are also a few things you need to do before putting your classic car in storage, like disconnecting the battery to prevent it from going flat and lifting the wipers away from the windscreen to prevent them from sticking to it. 

Don’t forget to add a stabilizing product to the fuel tank. Over time, the ethanol can cause water to form and damage your engine. 

2. Keep Your Car Clean and Waxed 

You might think that because the car is not being used, it won’t need that much cleaning, but that’s a mistake many make and regret. 

The fact is that regular cleaning of your stored classic car is the only way you can protect your car from corrosion, which develops when dirt, salt, and moisture build up. 

We recommend doing a thorough clean-up once a month with special attention to hard-to-reach areas, which are the main areas where rust builds up. 

Don’t take the easy way and take your classic car to a car wash where there’s a risk of damage; these one-of-a-kind models need to be hand washed. 

Waxing is another step you shouldn’t skip, since it protects your car against severe weather conditions. 

When you’re cleaning your car, it’s also important that you don’t use soap that could ruin the paint job. Make sure you use cotton or sheepskin towels, and a toothbrush for those hard-to-reach areas. 

3. Do a Regular Fluid Check 

A car’s fluid levels are very significant for its continuing functionality, and even more so for classic cars. A regular fluid checkup for your classic car is a must to ensure the car is up to standard. 

One of the fluid levels you should check is that of the oil, and you should check it every few weeks and especially before driving. The oil should be pure without any grit or dirt; it must be a clear amber color. 

Another important fluid to check is the brake fluid, which should also have a pure, golden color. Since it’s prone to retaining moisture, brake fluid should be flushed out and replaced once a year to prevent brake failure. 

4. Get Classic Car Insurance 

Yes, there is such a thing as an insurance policy for classic cars in Ontario! That’s how valuable they are – they need to be protected with a unique policy that has differs from regular car insurance. 

Getting classic car insurance in Ontario can save you a lot of money when your classic car sustains covered damage. Not only that, but classic car insurance can also protect the value of your car in the market! 

The good news is that classic car insurance in Ontario costs less than standard car insurance, since classic cars are mostly in storage. The policy’s price is determined according to each classic car’s make and model and where it’s stored, among other factors. 

Contact one of our expert auto insurance brokers and get a free classic car insurance quote! 

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5. Do Your Own Maintenance Checks 

Sure, you take your classic car for a thorough check-up with a professional mechanic occasionally, but those check-ups are usually spread out over long periods of time.  

There are certain check-ups that need to be more frequent, so why not do it yourself? 

There are some simple things you can do on your own, and when you run into a problem that’s out of your league, you can take it to the shop. 

Some of the things you can do include topping off the oil level, checking the tires and adding air if necessary, and treating rust spots with a lubricant. 

Don’t forget to also take a look at spark plugs as well since they can cause ignition problems. You should make sure they’re not melted or forming unusual deposits. 

6. Take Your Classic Car Out for Test Drives 

We know your classic car is not meant for daily driving, but for safe keeping. However, it’s necessary for your car’s maintenance to take it out for a drive every now and then. 

We recommend a 30-minute drive a few times per month to flush out any dampness or condensation. Just remember to give the car some time to warm up if you’re taking it for a drive during the winter. 

7. Prep Your Car Well for Driving Season 

You’ve been waiting all year for the warm weather to take out your classic car for a ride and enjoy the sun. However, before you let the excitement take over, you need to do a few things to prep your car to be driven more often than usual. 

You’ll need to finish all the major maintenance before the warm weather comes along so you can make the most of the summer driving. Make sure you do a quick servicing where the brakes are checked along with the tire pressure.  Your car may have lost power during the cold months, so it’d be wise to recharge the battery. Finally, give it a good cleaning and waxing to protect the paint job from sunlight and any other weather conditions.