How To Take Good Care of Your Oldtimer?
So you've finally tracked down and bought the vintage car of your dreams. You've spent months (if not years) carefully restoring it, and invested quite a bit into replacement parts and a new paint job. Well done! You're the proud owner of a truly unique and beautiful vehicle!
Just don't forget that classic cars can be damaged by bad weather or, worse yet, end up stolen by criminally-minded individuals. Putting your oldtimer in a trusted classic car storage facility in Orange County is an excellent way to keep it safe, but it's not the only thing you should do.
In the following article, we'll give you some tried-and-true classic car maintenance tips. Read on to learn more.
How do you take care of a classic car?
Vintage cars lack modern anti-corrosion systems, and they're generally made using older technologies that aren't as efficient or as durable as their modern counterparts. The good news is that these disadvantages can be minimized with a few simple tricks.
Do the following on a regular basis:
Frequent checkups. Even if you know enough about mechanics to maintain your car on your own, it's never a bad idea to take your classic car to a professional mechanic every now and then,
Cleaning and waxing your car not only makes it look good, it also protects the paint and exposed parts from rust and chipping,
Pump the breaks whenever you can to keep them in good working order and make sure they comply with your local laws,
Drive it regularly. A car's engine, fuel system, and other parts deteriorate faster if they're rarely used. Don't hesitate to fire up the engine and drive out for a nice afternoon at the Doheny State Beach with your family,
Store it properly or at least cover it with a quality car cover to protect it from weather, UV rays, animals, and dirt.
Should you wash a classic car?
Absolutely! In fact, due to the older technologies used in their construction, older cars are more vulnerable to corrosion and cracking, and their paint is more likely to fade and chip. What's more, bits of earth, dead insects, fallen leaves, and other organic matter becomes acidic as it decomposes, and should be removed ASAP.
Storing your classic car indoors is a great way to minimize these problems, but even so regular waxing and cleaning is needed to prevent expensive problems at a later date.
How do you wash a classic car?
Unlike modern vehicles, vintage cars need a more gentle cleaning approach and specialized cleaning products. Don't even think about taking your beloved oldtimer through an automatic car wash, or spraying it with a high-powered hose.
Keep the following in mind when washing a classic car:
Wash it and dry it by hand. This may sound excessive, but you'll discover it's not so bad once you do it a few times,
Say no to abrasives. Go out of your way to get detergents that contain no abrasives. Try to find detergents that are specifically designed for the type of paint your car uses,
Water isn't your friend so use it sparingly. Using too much water can cause rusting in no time, especially on older car models.
What's the premier classic car storage facility in Orange County?
Keeping your hot rod or muscle car in tiptop shape takes a lot of time, care, and energy. If you're unable to do it yourself, or if you're unsure if you can do it correctly, feel free to reach out to Chimera Motors.
As the finest classic car restoration, storage, and painting service in Orange County, we have everything we need to ensure your classic car stays in superb shape for many years to come. Visit our shop today.
