Classic cars are wonderful machines, able to transport you back in time to when life was simpler and more carefree. But they come with certain costs. If you don’t invest in maintaining them, they can depreciate over time, undermining your original investment.
In this post, we take a look at some of the golden rules for anyone thinking about buying a classic car. If you are purchasing a car and want to make sure it arrives problem free then consider using a specialist shipping service such as https://www.shipvehicles.com/classic-car-shipping-services/.
Make sure that you read until the end!
Leave The Handbrake Off
Modern cars have sophisticated technology that prevents the handbrake from sticking when left in the same position for many weeks. But classic cars don’t. In fact, most vehicles built before 2010 will experience some form of stiction if you leave the handbrake on for a month or more.
The trick here is to use contoured blocks instead. Don’t use the handbrake. Just bring the car to a halt and then place chocks behind the back wheels and in front of the front wheels to prevent any unwanted rolling.
Disconnect The Battery
When it comes to classic car batteries, you have two options:
- Disconnect the battery entirely
- Connect it to a separate trickle charger
Classic car batteries are annoyingly temperamental. The vast majority rely on lead-acid technology, which has a habit of degrading and losing charge over time. Disconnecting the battery and then reconnecting it every time you want to take the car out can help a lot. But some owners prefer to use a low-level trickle charger to keep it topped up. Both methods should work.
Store It Correctly
Sites like https://thestorageboxechuca.com.au/ talk about car storage options. If you don’t have a garage at home, you can rent out a professional storage facility made of sealed concrete. Many of these installations also offer on-site security and CCTV, so if you buy a valuable vehicle, you can keep it safe.
Get Your Vehicle Checked Every Year
If you buy a classic car, you should check it for safety every year, even if you haven’t used it a great deal. Take it to your mechanic for an MOT at least once per year unless it’s exempt. And even then, make sure that the automotive stuff gets a service and a full check.
Keep The Fluids High
According to https://www.thinkinsurance.co.uk/, keeping fluids high is essential to prevent your vehicle from seizing up.
Here, again, classic cars differ from their modern rivals. New cars have technology that allows them to circulate oil throughout the engine, conserving it in the process. But classic cars aren’t as sophisticated. They tend to run through their oil reserves much more rapidly. In light of this, they need topping up far more frequently – perhaps every couple of months, depending on the model. And, remember, there’s usually no warning light on the dashboard to tell you when you need to service it. Your only option is to open the bonnet and check the dipstick.
In summary, looking after a classic car takes a bit more effort than a modern vehicle. But, there’s no doubt it’s worth it.
This is excellent information for a newbie blogger. I truly like how you put your article together.