Probably one of the most tragic
mistakes car owners make is keeping their ride out of use for long periods of
time. While it’s probably not wise to take your 67 Chevy on a 3,000 mile ride
across country it is extremely important to take her for a spin around the
block a few times at least once a month. Just like muscles, car parts get weak
when out of use and must be exorcised in order to maintain endurance. Running
your car frequently keep all the fluids moving lubricating any gears that may
otherwise become dry or sticky.
It’s also important to keep your
cars body from rusting. Rust and corrosion are irreversible problems and the
older your car, the more time it has to become rusty. Storing your vehicle in a
cool dry place when not in use is one simple way to prevent such damage. Also,
keep an eye on the overall condition of your cars exterior; if you notice a
problem spot you may want to use a rust preventative product. But keep in mind
that any product used on your car must be both strong enough and mild enough
not to cause additional damage accidentally.
This is especially important
even with cleaning products used on painted parts of your vehicle. Know what
type of paint was used to paint your car prior to choosing cleaning products,
and beware that cleaning some substances off the paint may require a specific
technique. Acidic materials such as bird droppings or soda must be carefully
removed with the right type of cleaner. Too mild of a cleaner may cause
particles in droppings to scratch the surface, and too powerful of a cleaner
may take the paint right off with every wipe. Keeping a cover over your vehicle
when it’s outside would prevent all these problems.
Interiors to classic cars may
need special care as well. The craftsmanship that was once put into the
production of what we now call a classic car simply doesn’t exist anymore so if
the leather on your seat covers begins to crack you’ll need to take it to a
expensive expert to get the nostalgic look you’re aiming for. So keep the
inside of your car clean, out of direct sunlight, and moisturize leather and
plastic coverings.
One final piece of advice is
this; be gentle with things likes knobs, buttons, and locks. These simple
touches add a specific feel to your vehicle, and without them they lose a
little of that authenticity. If it’s hard trying to find the right hose for
your car, it’s probably impossible to find the right radio knob. Take good care
of your dated car and be sure to keep her classy.
