In the automotive world, you never know which cars will exponentially rise in price, and which ones will just end up being tossed in the scrap heap. However, you can do quite a bit for maintain vehicle value you have already got. This way, if it becomes a classic, you are set.
But how do you take care of a classic car and keep it in top shape eternally? After all, do not most cars go to pieces in less than twenty years?
In this post, we’ll see. Here’s what you need to do:
Keep It Stored Properly
Classic vehicles are much more susceptible to the elements than their modern counterparts. In the past, the quality of metal, paint and rubber treatments was not as high as it’s today. Cars often corrode, requiring a mechanic to do so replace all body panels.
The trick here is to keep your car properly stored. You want to be sure you keep it out of the elements long term so sun, rain and snow cannot damage it in any way. If the car is very old, you may want to store it in a climate-controlled room to avoid damaging high humidity levels that lead to metal fatigue.
Replace Short Life Components Regularly
If you drive your classic car (which you should if you want to enjoy it), you will want to replace shorter-lived components regularly. Make sure that you get oil change and tire rotation every six months or 3,000 miles, whichever is sooner. Mechanics can have a look and see where your vehicle may be experiencing the most wear and tear and fix problems before they become bigger problems.
Stay Original
Adding plenty of modifications to a classic car may seem to be a terrific idea. After all, modern components are better and often help older vehicles go faster.
Unfortunately, collectors do not see things like this. They want a 100% original vehicle so they can get a classic experience. They want to feel like the original owner, way back in time.
The excellent news is that many mechanics now specialise in supplying genuine (or clone) parts for traditional vehicles. They aren’t hard to find and are often made to a much higher standard.
Wash Routinely
You do not want to use too much water on your classic car, but you do want to keep it clean. Remove dust and dirt reduces wear and tear and helps keep sensitive components, such as rubber, in optimal condition.
Rinse your car every few months or so, even if you left it parked, then wipe it down with a leather chamois. Keeping your car looking clean helps you stay happy with it, removing any debris that might change its appearance.
Avoid Modification
Finally, don’t modify classic cars any way, even if it is like the Ford Cosworth which is the vehicle of a real male racer. For investment purposes, focus on maintaining originality at all costs.
