cleaning | American Modern Insurance Group

Proper car maintenance and cleaning of your collector car are not optional—they are vital to ensuring you preserve your vehicle’s allure and value. Follow these 5 steps to give your ride some much needed TLC before you head out for the season’s collector car shows and parades.

Step 1: Paint

Get the most of your paint by applying a ceramic coating to provide a protective coating that can last years

Step 2: Jambs

Pay attention to the door jambs and the jambs inside the hood and the trunk
Clean door jambs thoroughly and apply wax
Avoid letting dirt and leaves build up in those areas

Step 3: Weatherstripping

Treat the rubber seals for the door and the trunk to keep them from getting hard and brittle, so they last longer and seal better

Step 4: Engine Compartment

Check if the engine has oil build up, use an engine degreaser to remove the residue before cleaning the engine compartment
Spray the engine compartment down with a multipurpose cleaner and wipe everything dry using old towels
If using water to spray off the engine, avoid getting the distributor or coil wet

Step 5: Interior

Vacuum and shampoo the carpet
Clean the seats with the appropriate cleaning solution for vinyl, leather, or cloth seats
Take the time to use a soft paint brush or toothbrush to clean the dash and get all the dust and dirt out of the small crevices
Chemically clean hard surfaces like the dash, door panels, and center console
Apply a protective coating to hard surfaces
Clean the glass thoroughly

Pay attention to small details when cleaning your collector car. Doing a thorough cleaning inside and out and maintaining the car regularly will make the upkeep easier and your ride more enjoyable.

For information only. Not applicable to all situations.

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.

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!
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.
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.
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.
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.