Vintage vehicles are a love for many, but keeping them in good condition may be something that takes a little more time and dedication. As with any car, you will want to keep check on a number of aspects, both internally and externally, but often with a little extra care.
all car manufacturers have to offer at least a two year, unlimited mileage warranty on all their new cars
Why is it important to look after your vintage vehicle?
Vintage vehicles are typically of an older generation where protection against the element isn’t as strong as it is today. That means that classic motors are less likely to withstand natural elements such as salt or grime, and the bodywork of the vehicle could become irreversibly jeopardised. Of course, this is just the damage you can see on the surface. You can expect for the same level to be occurring beneath the bonnet if correct care isn’t taken.
What care should be carried out for your vintage vehicle?
We all want the best for your vintage vehicle, and so to give you a helping hand, we have created a list of the areas of your car that you will want to provide with a little TLC.
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Coolant
Checking your coolant involves checking its level, as well as is appearance, If it appears to be milky or there are visible additions to the fluid, there is a chance it has become contaminated. You should provide a flush once a year to prevent against rust within. This will involve a mixture of 50% distilled water and 50% anti-freeze.
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Oil
You should be regularly checking your oil, and it is important that you do so before your ignition has been switched on. The colour will need to be observed – it should have an amber colouring – and you should check that there is no visibility of grit or dirt within. You can also check this with touch, so long as your vehicle and engine are cool! By rubbing the oil between your fingers, you will be able to detect the present of grit if there is any. You will also need to check below where the vehicle is parked to check that there has been no oil leakage.
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Brake fluid
Again, brake fluid will need to be checked for level and colour. The colour should be a similar colour to the oil, but no darker. We would always recommend providing a brake fluid flush annually, especially if your vintage vehicle spends more time parked than driven, to ensure that the brake fluid doesn’t lead to a failure.
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Tyres
Tyres have a great responsibility when it comes to the safety, handling and comfort of your drive, so you owe them a little TLC too. You will need to assess the pressure, as well as carry out a visual inspection for the appearance of damage. This could come in the form of splitting or even flat spots if your car has been parked for a while.
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Spark plugs
When your spark plugs are old or in poor condition, they can lead to ignition issues, misfires and a decline in power. Examine each spark plug separately to spot any signs of fault, such as melting or an unusual build-up. Swapping your spark plugs can increase the running lifespan of your vintage vehicle.
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Keep it moving
One of the greatest pieces of advice we can provide is to keep your vehicle moving! A short but regular 30-minute trip can be all it takes to ensure that the cobwebs are blown off, the parts get to move as they should, and your car gets to be seen in the limelight it deserves!
CONTACT DOUBLE DEE AUTOS
At Double Dee Autos, we have a passion for the vintage vehicle, and can provide a range of services to ensure that you make the most out of yours. Get in touch to enquire about our services, and find out just how we can help.