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Our top 5 tips for collector car maintenance

Seasonal tips for taking care of your collector car aren’t hard to find. There are plenty of get-ready-for-spring or prep-for-storage articles out there. But what about those blissful months in between, full of joyrides and evening drives? What about the all-the-time preventive care that can keep your baby on the road and out of the shop?

Whether you’re taking it for a spin or taking it to a show, protect your collector vehicle every day with these essential maintenance tips.

1. Keep it clean: Classic cars need to be kept clean at all times. The entire car should be washed often—this means the exterior, undercarriage and even the seating area. Grab a bucket and a rag and get to work!
2. Maintain fluid levels: Keeping fluids in your car is possibly the most important thing you can do. Check and maintain oil, brake fluid, windshield wiper fluid and radiator coolant to prevent overheating and keep your car running smoothly.
3. Inspect hoses: When temperatures rise, hoses can get brittle and break. The hose itself is typically not an expensive part—but a busted one can be expensive or dangerous. (For example, if a leak shoots fuel onto the distributor, you could have a fire on your hands.) Keep up with the maintenance schedule and replace hoses when needed.
4. Check wires: Your wiring should be tucked away all nice and neat. Be sure it’s not resting on the exhaust manifold or the header.
5. Store it right: Proper storage will protect your car from the elements and slow down the aging process. Your car needs a dry environment with a stable temperature so it doesn’t degrade.

These preventive maintenance tips can help keep your collector car running smoothly so you can preserve it for generations to come. Enjoy the drive!

For informational purposes only and may not be applicable to all situations.