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‘Timeless’ tips to protect the classics!
Posted on Jan 01, 2022
Summer is the time that classic cars are used the most. To avoid this being the ‘summer of discontent’ for your classic car, we’ve got 10 top tips on what you can do to maintain your classic car this summer season:
1. Invest in a smart charger
A smart charger which will keep the battery charged. Remember, on-board computers can be damaged by disconnecting the battery for too long so they should start their car every few weeks and run the engine for 10 minutes.
2. Clean and polish the car
Before storage, remove mud, dirt and road salt that harbours moisture to help prevent corrosion.
3. Plenty of ventilation
If the car is being stored in a garage, ensure that it’s well ventilated and consider investing in a dehumidifier that will keep the air dry as well.
4. Top up with fuel and anti-freeze
Filling the fuel tank will reduce condensation levels that can build up over time. The same goes for anti-freeze – top up the levels and run the engine for a few minutes so they get circulated.
5. Use WD-40 to reduce corrosion
Any unpainted metal parts under the car can be painted with WD-40 to prevent rust. Avoid spraying belts, hoses and braking surfaces.
6. Inflate tyres to correct pressures
Ensure that tyre pressures are correct. If the car is being driven a lot for several months, lift the vehicle to raise the tyres from the ground to prevent flat spots.
7. Don’t use the handbrake
Leaving the handbrake on can allow the brake pads to become fused to the discs. Instead, tyre stoppers should be used to prevent the car from rolling.
8. Invest in a good waterproof car cover
British summers can sometimes mean a wet week or two so get a good sturdy cover. This will keep dust, debris and small animals away from the car. Non-plastic tarp should be used to avoid paint damage.
9. Change the oil and filters
Old engine oil can contain contaminants that damage the engine if left to sit for long periods of time. Oil and air filters should also be swapped at the same time.
10. Make a note of all the work carried out
Write down all the steps taken to maintain the vehicle on a notepad, so when the time comes to restart the car, it won’t accidentally end up being damaged for example, forgetting to pull out the rag left in the exhaust.
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