6 Things That Could Destroy Your Classic Car

Owning or restoring a classic car is a dream for many vintage car enthusiasts. However, just as with any antique or Revology cars ensuring you maintain your vehicle takes effort, time, and care.

Most classic car strong, especially the ones built around 1950 and 1960 with solid steel. Still, some factors can damage your vehicle, and there is nothing more heartbreaking than seeing your cherished possession deteriorate. Classic cars are worth a lot of money if properly maintained.

If you want your classic car to last a lifetime, be aware of these risks and take the necessary steps to lessen the damage.

1. Not using the car

A classic car isn’t necessarily going to be the vehicle of choice for daily use since it’s subject to the daily grind’s wear and tear. However, keeping the car for long periods without use can have a detrimental effect on the vehicle. Batteries can run flat and rust; the engine parts can corrode and cause all manner of issues. The oil will run dry and even start to leak. The gas in the car gets stale and turns to varnish, and the tires may develop flat spots.

Taking your trophy out for a spin now and then will keep it running, and you will be able to spot any problems and deal with them as they come.

2.Rodents

Although you may think that household pests can’t damage your classic car, the most destructive force is vermin like rats and mice. The same rodents that wiped out more than half of the population of Europe with plague can also kill your classic car. They chew insulation and upholstery and can even use your vehicle to make nests and breed where they will poop and pee on your car. Worse of all, they chew on wiring harnesses where it isn’t apparent until something smokes and catches fire from the engine of your favourite car.

You can use dryer sheets – inexpensive and can be found in any dollar store. Lay the sheets over the entire interior,  the trunk, under the hood, on top tires, and in the exhaust pipe. When you take your car out of storage, you can remove the sheets and throw them away. Not only will it deter any mice, but your classic vehicle will smell as if it came out of the dryer.

Alternatively, you can use mothballs though they don’t smell as great, or use D-Con ( a rodent control product) or traps which are also suitable for removing mice and rats from any place.

3.The Elements

Without proper protection, the weather can damage your classic car. Leaving your vintage car exposed to rain and moisture promotes rust which will damage your vehicle. Rust repairs are possible, but they are time-consuming and quite costly.

Too much sun, on the other hand, can cause your paintwork to blister or even fade. Exposure to long periods of heat can also cause dry rot, and this enacts damage much faster than moisture. Heat is terrible for plastic components and leather upholstery. Invest in a proper cover or park your classic car in a garage to protect it. When parking it somewhere, find a parking spot with adequate shade or shelter.

Additionally, if you plan to store your classic car away for the winter, you can place a few boxes of baking soda inside the vehicle to absorb all the moisture creeping into the car. Open the windows regularly while in storage to let in air and dry out the humidity to prevent deterioration over time.

Also Read: What Entrepreneurs Need in a Car

4.Road salt

One of the key reasons that most classic car owners store their prized possessions away from the winter is road salt. Road salt is usually used to keep wet and icy roads safe for drivers, but it creates a chemical reaction when exposed to steel, which causes corrosion. However, most people don’t realize how quickly the damage is done. One drive on a salty wet road is enough to give your classic car an ugly coating of rust and an underside that is not well protected.

” A season or two of driving under such conditions is enough to let the salty mud get into the nooks and crannies of your classic car, like the suspension parts, the frame, and the exhaust.” And don’t think you are safe because your car is made of fiberglass; there’s plenty of steel to rot away under your plastic panels.

Being rained on now and then isn’t necessarily bad for your vehicle as long as the trunk and carpets don’t get wet and stay that way.

5.Lack of cleaning

Give your classic car a nice detailed wash occasionally to prevent rust, chipped paint, and general build-up of dirt and grime that contribute to poor performance and future problems. According to Telle Tire & Auto Centers, taking care of your tires is the number one factor for a functional and safe car.

If you want your classic car to retain its value for as long as possible, it’s essential to provide the proper care to keep it in top condition. After cleaning your vehicle, remember to ensure that all the soap is rinsed off. Residual cleaning products left on your cars can cause damage over time, and it won’t look good either. Treat your vintage vehicle every six months to wax to help it shine.

6.Bad driving habits

The most dangerous thing you can do to your classic car is not letting it warm properly once you start it. There is a lot of harm done to the engine if you drive off as soon as you start the car. Always let your car warm properly and let it reach optimal engine temperature before driving off.

Taking care of your classic car is a labor of love for most people. Don’t let all your time, money, and sweat go to waste by ignoring maintenance. Store your cars during extreme weather, don’t forget to perform regular checks to ensure everything is running correctly, clean your classic cars, and don’t let the rodents get to it. Additionally, don’t forget to take out insurance cover for your vehicle to protect it against any unforeseen events; it’s better to be safe than sorry.