Maintenance Tips To Keep Your Vintage Car From Becoming ‘Antique’

However ‘glam’ or ‘fabulous’ the owners might appear driving around in their vintage classics, we all know that they are paying a hefty sum to maintain the looks of their beloved vehicles. We have already seen a lot of uproar against the ‘Vintage Car AO’ that put heavy restrictions on the use of classic models. Although the defamed bill has been recalled by the Philippine authorities to be reconsidered from scratch, it still puts a lot of questions regarding the upkeep of such cars. The main reason for such a drastic measure by the government can be explained as their attempt to curb people from driving vehicles with old engines manufactured prior to 1975. It is technically impossible to maintain your engine in a fresh condition after all these years. Nevertheless, we have some easy to follow tips that can help maintain that fresh look on your treasured gas guzzler.

1. Paint Brake-Calipers Regularly

It is common for vintage vehicles to have cast iron brake calipers that are prone to corrosion and rusting. Hence it is a must to paint them regularly to prevent any rust from building on them. Moreover, there are several other components such as the fittings over the brake pipes and bleed nipples can also rust, meaning you need to paint or replace them on a regular basis. Rusted braking components not only pose a serious threat to the driver but can also curb the vehicle’s handling. Also ensure that you change your brake fluid once in every 2 years for optimum braking performance.

2. Wash and Wax Goes a Long Way

If it can work for the Karate Kid and Jaden Smith, then it will certainly work wonders for your car even if it’s not a vintage model. Regular washing and wax polishing the car will help the body paint maintain its luster, while providing a considerable amount of protection against sunlight. Washing is the most important if you want to keep your car looking as good as new. Using a high pressure water hose can also help remove all the tough grime and dirt from the car. Waxing will not only provide a remarkable sparkle to your vehicle but also protect it from dust particles and debris.

3. If Stored, Drain Fluids and Remove Batteries

Keeping your vehicle stored in your garage surely sounds like a great idea. But if you plan to store it for longer periods, then you cannot just leave the vehicle lying under the covers. The first step is to drain all the fluids and remove the batteries. Old batteries can often leak acid and cause more problems in the car than what you left it with. Also make sure that the wheels are jacked up and the vehicle’s weight isn’t lying on the tires. Maintaining proper tire pressure can become a really pesky affair if your car doesn’t leave your garage more than once in 3-4 months. So it is better to remove the tires before storage to keep them from degrading under the vehicle’s weight.

4. Take it Out For a Spin Once a Month

Owning and driving a vintage car are totally unrelated aspect and yes, there are owners who rarely drive their prized possessions. Keeping a Bentley Sports displayed in your garage surely sounds charming. But if you do not drive it regularly there’s a high chance that it will give you more problems than it could if you drove it. For best results, take your vintage out for a spin at least once in a month. This will not only keep the mechanical parts in working condition but will also bring problems (if any) to your notice.

5. Engine Tune Up Is a Must

Being the heart of a vehicle, the most problems related to these old vehicles are attributed to their engines. While these engines might be some of the most powerful and advanced technologies during their time, finding parts for their repair and maintenance can be a real tough task. Hence, regularly changing the spark plugs and wiring along with the rotor, distributor cap and the air/gas filters. Changing the engine oil and filter is also a must to ensure a smooth engine performance over the years. You can also get the coolant pipes replaced to avoid any problems with engine overheating (which is a common problem with old drivetrains).

While these vehicles can be considered as technological specimens, this doesn’t really help with their ‘off-the charts’ emission levels. Plus looking at the number of vintage car users in the country, it is quite likely that government will reintroduce a measure that puts the leash on such cars. Hence, regular upkeep and maintenance will ensure that your vintage car does not become the reason for such a bill to be revived.