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The two most expensive things you’ll likely ever buy are a new car and a house. If you’re lucky, both of these investments will last over twenty years. But if your classic car is only going to live for another year or two, why bother?
You may not care about your classic car as much as you care about other essential things in life, but you can give your wallet peace of mind by extending your car’s lifespan beyond its natural end. Even if you don’t drive it much, there are some easy and essential ways you should take care of your classic car.
Ship with care
The best thing you can do to extend the lifespan of your classic car is to ship it with a reputable shipper. Experienced shipping professionals who provide enclosed auto shipping services will carefully load your vehicle and transport it using either open or closed carrier transport according to your preference and budget. Just be sure to pick a classic car transportation company that is insured and bonded for maximum security.
Your auto transporter will take the utmost care in loading your car into the enclosed transport for travel safe from the elements. Many classic cars are worth much more than new ones, so shipping costs tend to be higher for classic cars than they do for new cars.
Only use specialized cleaning products
In today’s world, your car might have a vast number of electronic components, all of which can stop working at any time. Therefore, it is more important than ever to take good care of your classic car’s engine, so it continues going strong for as long as possible.
Specialized cleaning products designed for classic cars will help prolong the engine’s life and other parts by removing dirt and grime that regular car washes may miss. Spray on a combination of water and these cleaners, then use a soft cloth or sponge to wash off the dirt. When selecting the best car wash bucket to have, consider options with durable construction and convenient features like a grit guard to prevent scratches and swirl marks on your vehicle’s paint, ensuring a thorough and safe cleaning experience.
Finally, rinse with water from a hose or nozzle. You can find everything from special shampoos to tire cleaners suitable for older vehicles online and at auto body supply shops.
Attend to all maintenance
Maintenance is a crucial factor to consider when caring for your classic car. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure: the minor repairs and improvements you make now will save you from having to deal with much more significant issues down the road.
Classic cars are prized for their vintage looks, which means that original parts may be difficult or expensive to replace. Be sure to order replacement parts online from reputable vendors–and only if they are necessary. If possible, try repairing damaged items yourself using spare parts from another vehicle or local auto recycling shops.
This way, you can avoid paying the total retail price for one-of-a-kind items needed to keep your car running in tip-top shape.
Keep tires properly inflated
Your tires are something else you should regularly inspect, not necessarily only when there is an air leak. Keeping your tires inflated at their proper level will help ensure safe handling and prolong their lifespan by reducing wear and tear on the tread and sidewalls. However, underinflated tires can also lead to overheating, resulting in early failure.
Make sure you choose the correct size tire for your car and that there is ample tread left on them before replacing any of these crucial components. If you notice one or more tires are much lower than the others, it’s best not to drive the car until they are fixed to avoid causing further damage. Otherwise, consult a mechanic for professional advice before fixing this problem yourself.
Monitor fluid levels
Your classic car’s engine and other parts can be affected by changes in temperature and humidity. These factors will cause some fluids to expand or contract, which means there is a risk of leaks down the road.
Regularly check your oil, coolant water, brake fluid, power-steering fluid, and transmission fluid to ensure all are at their proper level. If you notice one of your fluids is running low—or worse, empty—don’t drive the car until you refill it with an approved replacement product.
Doing so could cause further damage if any of these fluids are allowed to run out. After adding new fluids, check again in a couple of days to ensure they have not dropped below acceptable levels yet again.
Conclusion
The more effort you put into repairing and maintaining this vehicle promptly, the longer it will stay in excellent condition, meaning it will be worth more money over time when you go to sell or trade-in it. It will also receive more positive attention if you bring it out for display at any car shows.
