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A Smart Guide to Collector Car Maintenance
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A Smart Guide to Collector Car Maintenance

by Rick Drewry June 04, 2023

A warm summer night is the perfect time to take your collector car on a joyride. But if you’re not properly maintaining the car, things could get ugly on the road. Ignoring seemingly minor maintenance tasks can cause unexpected damage to your car and your wallet. Keep your car on the road and out of the shop with these 6 collector car maintenance tips. 

  1. Keep it Clean: Classic cars need to be kept clean at all times. The entirety of the car should be washed often including 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 all fluid levels (oil, brake fluid, water, etc.) to prevent overheating and keep your car running smoothly.
  3. Inspect the Hoses: When temperatures rise, hoses can get brittle and break. A busted hose typically isn’t an expensive part, but could become expensive or dangerous. For example, if it shoots fuel onto the distributor, you could have a fire on your hands. Keep up with the maintenance and replace the hoses when needed.
  4. Check the 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. Proper Storage: Where you store your car matters. Your car needs a dry environment with a stable temperature so it doesn’t degrade. Proper storage will protect it from the elements and slow down the aging process.

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.

Rick Drewry

Rick Drewry is a Senior Claims Specialist, Collector Vehicle & Motorcycle, at American Modern Insurance Group. He has been passionate about collector cars since he was a kid. He has owned and restored collector cars for 30 years.