Sharing the Love: Classic Car Maintenance

Valentine’s Day is approaching and love is in the air. Why not devote some extra time and dedication to your classic or vintage car?  After all, people aren’t the only ones who benefit from affectionate gestures.  Taking a few moments with your antique vehicle will help prepare it for springtime excursions.  Check out our maintenance and motor insurance tips—your mechanical sweetheart will rejoice.

Seal the Hatches

When it comes to car maintenance, most of us probably think about the engine, brakes, and other automotive innards.  Checking the interior, however, goes a long way towards preserving your investment.  One good step involves inspecting the doors and windows’ rubber seals.  They are your main defense against  rain and overflowing potholes.  Isn’t it better to discover crumbling lining or cracks before water observes it for you?At any rate, there’s no denying that Malta has plenty of dampness and humidity.  Valuable classic cars certainly don’t need moisture seeping inside—particularly if you can prevent it.

Start Scrubbing

Can you see dust or muddy footprints inside your car?  Sweeping up isn’t done merely for looks. Over time, dirt gets grounded into the upholstery and carpets.  Get a vacuum and remove loose particles before your shoes grind them into the fibers.  For impacted dirt, purchase a decent brand of foaming upholstery cleaner.  After focusing on little sections at a time, get a compressed air canister to ruffle up the surface fibers.

Devil in the Details

Cars, particularly vintage ones, have plenty of areas that are difficult to clean. Buttons, beveled panels, and fine vents defy probing fingers.  In such circumstances, get a car-cleaning wipe and wrap it around a screwdriver for easy dust removal.  Another helpful approach is to spray solvents and cleaners on a vertical surface from bottom to top.  Doing so helps avoid streaks and drips.  As a safety measure, though, don’t polish the pedals or steering wheel—you might make them dangerously slippery.

Slow and Steady

Older cars may have better looks than most modern ones, but they aren’t nearly as tolerant.  For instance, if your vehicle has rested during the winter, don’t speed out of the garage on the first day of spring.  Instead, let the engine idle for several minutes before hitting the road.  Proper fluid levels are another consideration.  You naturally check these with any car, but sensitive classics require particular attention.Autos that haven’t moved for several months probably need to have essential liquids drained and replaced.

A few tire tips will also help prepare your car for springtime.  If you’re the keen and exacting type, think about removing each one for a thorough inspection.  Warning signs like uneven wear and bald spots suggest that winter maintenance isn’t over yet.  While you’re in the area, help prolong the life of your brake calipers by following this simple suggestion:  pop the transmission into neutral and spur the car forward by 30 centimeters or so—just enough to get some movement going before spring arrives.  Finally, take things easy when you’re ready to motor.  Keep that first New Year’s drive short and stay close to home in case trouble strikes.  Fortunately, this is easily accomplished in Malta!

Did you know that Laferla offers more than just routine motor insurance? In fact, clients can purchase affordable classic car insurance. Laferla understands that your antique vehicle isn’t just a machine—it’s your treasured hobby and investment. Contact us today and we will happily assist you.