So while you don’t need to keep most cars in 100-point concours condition all the time, you shouldn’t let them get dirty enough for onlookers to inquire after “the original color.” 3. It can also contaminate your fluids when you check or change them. Under the hood and in the running gear, excessive dirt can act as an insulator, raising the temperature of critical fluids or components. On the exterior, dust and dirt buildup can hide the appearance and development of rust and corrosion – or even aid the process. Keep Your Classic Car Clean and DryĬan you harm your classic just by letting it get dirty? You’d be surprised. It’s never a bad idea to leave plain white office paper under known leak spots so you can get a quick idea of what’s leaked out – but remember that some fluids also evaporate, while others can migrate elsewhere in the car, away from where they are needed. Got a Citroen? Then you’ll need to check the hydraulics as well – but remember, “blinker fluid” is just a joke we tell each other. As a minimum for classic car maintenance, you should periodically “preflight” your classic by checking levels for oil, coolant (if that applies!), brake fluid, power steering fluid, (again, if you have it) transmission fluid, and differential fluid.
Keep Your Eye on Fluids – Watch Their Levels and Conditionĭo you check your oil after your classic car has been sitting for a while? Of course you do! But you’ll want to do more than that. We put together eight tips for your classic car maintenance checklist to help keep your treasure in top shape and ready for its next adventure. There’s a reason classic car collectors joke about the phrase “running when parked.” If you want to avoid that particular fate, it’s best to get ahead of your maintenance and stay ahead of it! By doing so, you’ll ensure that your classic ride won’t let you down when it’s time to hit the road. Consider the following: every “barn find” candidate for restoration was once a completely functional automobile. Owning a collector car is a joy, a privilege, and a great way to meet new people – but it’s also a bit of a responsibility when it comes to classic car maintenance.