It is not out of the ordinary to see a classic car gracing our streets at any given time of the month. What is remarkable is to understand the investment behind such an attraction. Though a vintage car is an impressive asset to look at, it is something that demands a lot of attention and care. Failing to do so can result in the vehicle’s demise. Please read on to find out about more about the proper maintenance routines if you are planning to leave the vehicle parked in a garage for extended durations of time.
Storage options
Before taking your valued vintage into a garage or an outside location for extended parking, it is recommended that you take the proper storage steps. If for example you are parking the car outdoors, then consider purchasing a weatherproof car cover so as to keep it safe from the elements. If you are parking it inside a garage for a few months, then make sure the place is air cooled or air conditioned so as to keep moisture, dust and other destructive elements out.
Note that humidity and high temperatures cause a lot of damages to vehicles that are parked in a place for prolonged durations of time. Storage experts dealing with classic cars in Ansonia, CT recommend air-conditioned storage spaces for people who live in climates that experience temperatures that go beyond 90 degrees. So before picking just about any storage option for your prized vintage, seriously consider opting for air-conditioned parking places or garages.
Refresh the oil
If you are planning to leave the car in a parking slot for more than thirty days, then make sure to have the oil changed. According to the experts, old oil when left in the engine for prolonged durations of time is damaging because it contains destructive acids and byproducts.
Fill up the tank
For prolonged parking, you will need to top off the tank with gas. This keeps the tank seals from drying out and also moisture free. But before doing so, it is recommended that you purchase a fuel stabilizer so as to help prevent ethanol buildup.
Thoroughly clean the car
Parking a dirty car anywhere for prolonged durations of time is damaging to its paint and interior upholstery. So make sure to have it thoroughly cleaned inside and out. Whether it is cleaned by hand or taken to a car wash, ensure that the underbody is free of tar, grease, mud or any other accumulation. Waxing the vehicle will not only make it look extra clean, but it will also keep it looking shiny throughout its stay in the parking.
Make sure to regularly charge the battery
When a car is infrequently driven, its battery eventually loses its charge. If you can’t, it is recommended that you arrange for someone to start the car and leave the engine running for some minutes every now than then, or better still, take it for a spin every few weeks while it is in parking. If you do not want to arrange with someone to be doing this, then invest in a device that provides the battery with electrical power to keep it from dying.
