Getting Your Classic Car Ready for Summer
The sun is shining, the days are longer, and the temperatures are rising. It's the perfect time to bring your classic car out of hibernation and back onto the road.
However, the summer heat, sun, and inclement weather are brutal on classic cars. If not properly prepared, these elements can cause severe damage. So before you rev up the engine and take your classic car on the highway, here are some tips to ensure your pride and joy is primed and ready to perform in the sunshine.
Summer-Ready Tips
A Full Inspection
First, you'll want to inspect your car thoroughly. This way, you can discover and fix any leftover problems from the winter months, like a dead battery or a leaky hose. Here are the things you should check:
The Exterior
Start with the exterior by walking around your vehicle and looking for any potential problems, including:
Scratches
Chipped paint
Peeling windshield wipers
Headlights and taillights that are dull
Broken window glass
Tires that have gone flat
Use a scratch kit to fix cosmetic flaws and scratches. More significant issues, might require replacement.
Even if your tires seem in good shape, checking their air pressure is a good idea. Extreme temperatures, such as the cold winter, can affect tire pressure. Therefore, it's wise to check it frequently in the winter and the summer. Adjust your tire pressure if necessary by comparing the current pressure to the recommended pressure.
Under the Hood
The next step is to look under the hood and check for the following:
Bite Marks. Yes, bite marks. Animals seek shelter from the cold, and warm engines are an ideal place. Check the belts, hoses, and other engine parts for critter-caused damage. Look for debris, such as leaves or food, left over from the animals.
Fluid Leaks. If you see signs of fluid under the hood, it’s best to address those leaks before attempting to start your vehicle. Especially if one of those leaks happens to be fuel.
Fluid Levels. This includes the transmission fluid, engine oil, brake fluids, coolant, and power steering fluid. Coolant is vital for the upcoming scorching temperatures; bad or adequate coolant could spell disaster for your classic in the sun's beating heat. Fluid levels should be checked and topped up if necessary.
Battery Function. If you don't drive your classic during the winter, the battery is likely low on charge or even dead. Test your battery by trying to start the car. A swollen or odorous battery, a reset stereo, and dim interior lights are all signs of a compromised battery.
The Interior
Finally, slide into the driver's seat. Check for any interior leaks caused by cracked windows or broken hoses.
Take a Test Drive
Assuming there aren't any apparent issues (or you've fixed the minor ones), take your classic car for a test drive. A quick drive around the block will usually suffice. Take note of how your car sounds and feels during your test drive. Can you maneuver the steering wheel easily? Are you able to start and stop the car smoothly? Do you hear unusual noises like grinding, pinging, or squealing? If you find that driving your vehicle is more complicated than it used to be or if your car makes a lot of noise, there is a good chance of a mechanical problem that needs repair.
Clean and Wax the Exterior
If your car is dusty or otherwise dirty, take the time to clean your car thoroughly. However, if your car has exterior flaws, like scratches, repair them before washing. You could make the damage worse and more expensive to restore.
Hand washing older cars is a safer method than using a car wash. You will need a non-abrasive cleaner, and a soft cloth to do this. Use water sparingly to wash your car, as moisture exposure can cause rust. Dry your car as much as possible with a cloth, then let it sweat out the remaining water in a warm place. Also, clean the interior by using vacuums to clean the floor and Q-tips or hand dusters for cleaning the vents and dash.
Waxing your vehicle is another thing to consider. Wax not only makes your car shiny and luxurious, but it also protects against dirt, the sun, and rust. If you want to protect your classic car from the summer heat, wax is a good investment.
And with that, you're ready for a summer out on the road with your classic car! Be particular with your preparation; you'll vastly reduce the chances of problems when the sun is shining, and you're raring to get out and about.
A Passion for the Classics
Muscle Car Beach is passionate about keeping classic cars, hot rods, street rods, custom rides, and muscle cars on the road. General repair shops don't always have the experience, or time, for working on customized classics. Unfortunately, custom car builders rarely have the knowledge to diagnose drivability issues or work all the little bugs out of a hand-built work of art.
We are here to fill that gap and help you enjoy more time behind the wheel! Call (360) 933-1000 or text us at (360) 383-8721 to schedule an appointment.
Sources
https://extramile.thehartford.com/auto/maintenance/classic-car-warm-weather-prep/
https://www.ellingsonmotorcars.com/blog/GettingYourClassicCarSummerReady