Auto Service Tips to Keep Your Vintage Car Humming

There’s a certain pleasure to be derived from parading your prized vintage car around town. It’s all worth it when you turn heads with your sweet ride. Chances are, if you have owned the same car since 1968, you already know a great deal about maintaining it to last. but if you just recently got lucky, you may not know some of these auto service tips that will help you keep your newest acquisition in mint condition.

While most auto service tips are the same as for newer cars, such as keeping fluids up to date and checking tire pressure, there are a few things to consider with a vintage car you may not experience to the same extent in a modern car.

 

Rust

The older your vehicle gets, the more likely you are to encounter rust. Even the smallest paint chips, dings or dents can lead to those unsightly sores. Rust isn’t just limited to the body of the car either. Your engine, suspension, and even some interior parts are subject to it. Once rust gets a hold of your vehicle it’s difficult to eradicate. Keep some touch-up paint on hand and make a paint chip inspection part of your routine auto service. Likewise, repair any body damage in a timely manner, before rust can get a foothold.

Road dirt can contain abrasive particles that basically scour the underside of your vehicle. Washing the undercarriage often can help prevent some of the long-term wear and tear caused by dust and debris. This is especially true during the winter months when the roads may be treated with salt and gravel.

 

Sunlight

Sun damage and heat are perhaps even more dangerous to your vintage car than road grime. Over time, sunlight will take its toll on your paint job, but also dry and crack weather stripping and your interior. Dry heat can destroy your tires and high humidity can rot away essential rubber parts in a very short amount of time. Checking for dry rot and cracks should be part of your regular auto service routine.

Even if you avoid extremes in temperature and despite regular auto service, parts deteriorate over time. If you are planning on storing your vintage car for any length of time, make sure to preserve it well. Replace fluids and coat rubber and plastic parts with silicone to prevent dry rot. A full auto service is recommended when you take your vintage car out of storage to make sure there is no damage to tires, hoses or any other vulnerable parts.

With regularly scheduled maintenance from a professional auto service provider, your vintage car can continue to hum for decades to come.