They’re the cars that turn heads, and the ones that really attract the crowds at organised auto events. Classic cars represent the zenith of car-driving, and are the automotive envy of many. But, how do you keep such coveted vehicles looking clean and pristine? This is Autoparts’ guide to keeping your vintage vehicle in evergreen shape.
Keep it moving
You might be planning to store yours over winter to keep it out of the elements, but did you know that some of the biggest issues with older cars occur because they're not used regularly?
It might sound counterintuitive to some, but one of the best things you can do to slow down the ageing process is to keep your car moving. It's advised you take it out for a spin at least once a month to check everything's working as it should, keep everything lubricated and avoid seals and rubber components drying out and causing leaks.
If you're worried about trying to keep a low mileage, just remember that whilst low mileage is nice, ultimately condition is more important to potential future buyers. Excessively low mileage can be problematic, particularly if the vehicle has been stored for long periods of time. And anyway, what's the fun of collecting classic cars if you can’t show them off?
Store correctly
Classic cars can be sensitive souls, especially when faced with the UK elements, and require special attention when storing to help reduce corrosion and maintain the condition and value of your vehicle. Ideal storage conditions are dry, well ventilated and insulated with temperature regulation.
In an ideal world, classic cars should be stored in a heated garage, but we don't all have that luxury. If you have no choice but to store your car outside, invest in a quality car cover. Another top tip is to try to park on a surface with good drainage where water won't pool under your car, and avoid parking on moisture loving surfaces like gravel or sand.
Keep it clean!
Exterior
An excess of dirt can hide, and cause, a multitude of sins from chipped paint, to rust - so clean your car often to avoid dirt and dust building up.
Simply put, the cleaner you keep your vehicle, the longer it will last, so it's important to invest in good quality valeting products to keep your classic car looking its best.
Top cleaning tips:
- Say no to salt: Completely rinse your wheels and tyres after driving. Salt is a nightmare for any car, so the more you can remove the less likely you are to see rust appear over time.
- Gentle touch: To clean your car thoroughly and avoid scratching the paintwork, make sure you use a soft microfibre or lambswool wash mitt. Once you're done cleaning, use a soft drying cloth to dry your car thoroughly and prevent water marks by removing any soap you may have missed.
- Wax on!: Wax can both enhance and preserve your paint job. Generally it's best to use a wax that's designed to last.
If your car cleaning kit is missing something, check out our huge range of valeting products and kits.
Soft top convertible?
No, you can’t just get by with a clean, wet sponge and dry cloths alone – you need the correct cleaning products too. Keep snow, grit and grime – essentially whatever the convertible-driving off-season can thrown at your car – at bay, with a good quality soft top cleaner.
We recommend: Car Gods’ Helios soft-top cleaner. It's a specially-formulated, dual-action fabric convertible roof cleaner designed to effortlessly remove bird lime, dirt, grime and moss, whilst cleaning and revitalising the appearance of the hood. Its deep-penetrating pH-neutral formula is kind to your vehicle's bare surfaces and gets rid of surface dirt and other corrosives without damaging the hood.
Top tips for soft top convertible cleaning (for all seasons):
-
Never wash your convertible top in direct sunlight
-
Never spot-clean areas of the top; always clean the whole area
-
Rinse it thoroughly with water to ensure that no cleaner product is left on the top
-
Always make sure your top is dry before applying protectant
-
Don’t leave your convertible top down overnight
-
Don’t use citrus, bleach, silicone or petroleum-based products; these break down a convertible top’s resistance to water, and can lead to leaks.
Achieve interior bliss
Maintaining the interior of your car is just as important as caring for its exterior. It might sound obvious, but don't cut corners - make sure to buy quality cleaners suited to the materials inside your car, whether it be wood, leather, vinyl or cloth.
Vacuum often to prevent dirt build up leading to dampness - this can lead to mouldy carpets and eventually dreaded rust in the floor of your car.
Your household upright not up to the job? Karcher’s WD2 wet and dry surface vacuum cleaner is ideal for keeping vehicle cabin surfaces tidy. The powerhouse vacuum cleaner features a 12-litre plastic container; a 1.9m suction hose with two suction tubes; a cartridge filter, and a wet-to-dry floor tool, an impressive car-cleaning arsenal.
Find the answer to all your classic car care needs with Autoparts’ awesome array of products, tools and accessories.
Image credit: Header image by James Orr via Unsplash
