While driving a classic car can improve the overall pleasure of owning it, most unmodified classic cars aren’t well suited for today’s motoring conditions. Today’s cars must comply with the latest driving needs, road regulations, lifestyles, and technologies. Therefore, if you’re a classic car owner, you should ensure your vehicle is roadworthy.
Here are some easy solutions to common problems faced by classic car owners.
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Use Adequate Coolants to Prevent Overheating
Classic cars often overheat because they aren’t equipped with advanced cooling systems. The common causes of overheating include:
- Defunct cooling fan
- Low coolant level
- Clogged radiator pipes
- Malfunctioning thermostat
- Broken fan belt
To prevent overheating, ensure that your classic car has the right coolant level and get a reliable mechanic to inspect it regularly.
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Proactively Address Potential Brake Malfunctions
Unlike the standard modern cars, classic cars aren’t equipped with brake warning lights, and it’s thus difficult to determine the status of your brake system. So, make sure to inspect the braking system regularly and ensure that it is well lubricated.
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Prevent Pest Infestations
Classic cars are often unused for long periods leading to pest infestation. Climatic conditions, food crumbs, gaps in door seals, and missing door seals can also lead to pest problems. In case of infestation, opt for a pest control product suitable for vehicles. Also, get your vehicle inspected for openings that may allow pests to access it.
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Lookout for Electrical Malfunctions
Cars come with multiple electrical components, including an alternator, starter, and battery. Batteries typically last between 3 and 7 years. To ensure your car remains in good shape, get its electrical system checked by a mechanic.
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Check Your Engine Oil to Prevent Breakdowns
Old engines can be ruined if you’re using burnt engine oil. Engine oil minimizes wear and tear by lubricating the internal moving parts. You should therefore check engine oil levels after every 2000 miles. To check the level and quality of oil, pull out your dipstick and wipe out the oil on its surface. Then, insert it into the engine and take it out again to check the oil’s texture at the end of your stick. Dipsticks usually have standard level marks on them denoted as words such as MAX and MIN or letters such as H and L.
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Avoid Harsh Cleaning Agents
Harsh cleaning agents can take away the sheen of your car’s paint and ruin the chrome parts. Cleaning your car with dry clothing is also unadvisable because dust particles are equally damaging. To ensure your classic car maintains its sheen, always park it under a shade, and if it’s dirty, hose the dirt off or get it cleaned at a car wash. It would be best to use car wash soap that’s pH balanced (ideally pH 7) and a car wash sponge or mitt.
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Check for Wheel Bubbling and Vibrations
Balancing and alignment are essential for old cars, especially after major restoration, modifications, or repairs. These give you a smooth ride and ensure your tires have an optimum lifespan. It also prevents strange car vibrations, ensures your car doesn’t pull in one direction, and improves the car’s handling. If you notice that your car often bubbles or drifts to one side without intervention, you should get a wheel specialist to check and correct the alignment.
How can CAV Insurance Agency Help?
To ensure that you and your classic car are protected while on the road, you should also carry the right classic car insurance policy. Contact our team at CAV Insurance Agency to get started on your customized policy today.