How to Maintain Your Classic Car: The Top 3 Things You Need To Do

Let’s face it: Keeping an old car going takes a lot of work. You may love the vintage look and feel, but there’s no getting around the fact that these machines are not designed for the modern age. If you want to keep your classic car on the road for as long as possible, then you need to maintain it with care and dedication. This is especially true if you live in an area where driving in the rain or snow is a regular occurrence. An old car can crack and warp from humidity or become brittle from exposure to UV light. All of these things take their toll on a vehicle over time, so here are our top three tips for keeping your classic car in tip-top condition.

Check Your Fluid Levels

Many classic car owners neglect to check the fluid levels in their vehicle. This is a mistake, however, as old fluids can break down and mix with sediment, which can clog vital components like the engine, transmission, and brakes. To check your fluids, you will need a bucket, a few clean rags, and a ruler. Start with the engine oil. With the engine off, put your bucket underneath the oil plug and open it up. Let the oil flow into the bucket until there is about an inch of fluid in the bucket. Then, with the ruler in hand, measure the amount of oil in the bucket. If the level is below the “full” line on your car’s dipstick, you need to add more. Next, check the transmission fluid. With the car in park, put it in neutral and put it in park. Then, place a bucket below the transmission plug, open it, and let the fluid flow. Measure the amount of fluid in the bucket and note the color. If it is darker than copper or if it has an odd smell, you need to have it drained.

Keep The Battery Healthy

Batteries are the unsung heroes of a lot of older cars. They are responsible for a number of different functions, such as powering the lights, ignition, and other electrical components. If your car doesn’t have an alternator, then the battery is also responsible for charging your other systems as well. That means that keeping your battery in top condition is vital. Some things you can do to keep your battery healthy include: 

• Cleaning the terminals periodically to remove any built-up corrosion.
• Ensuring the battery is fully charged when the car is not in use.
• Ensuring your car is regularly maintained, particularly when the weather is cold.
• If you believe the battery is faulty, have it replaced by a professional like those at MOT.

Check Your Tires

Tires are crucial for both safety and performance. When they are worn or have poor traction, you are at risk of a serious accident. Not only that, but it’s also illegal to drive a car with bald tires in many areas. When checking your tires, look for the following issues: – Excess wear on one side of the tire. This is a sign of uneven wear and can cause a loss of control while driving.

• Cracks in the sidewall. This is a sure sign of under inflation or overloading your tires.
• Significant cracks in the tread. These can cause a serious blowout if you’re driving on the road.
• Overdue tire replacement. Tires last around 8-10 years, so if yours are getting older, it’s best to replace them with new ones.