If you collect antique cars, then you admire their classic build and aesthetic. You also understand that they have certain maintenance requirements to keep them looking pristine, especially during the summer when high temperatures and the sun’s UV rays can damage their older parts. Below are four seasonal maintenance tips to protect your beloved ride.

4 Ways to Maintain Your Antique Car During the Summer

1. Get It Detailed

While you should get an antique car washed on a regular basis, you should also get it detailed, particularly if you’re planning to put it in storage. Detailing provides a more thorough cleaning and includes a wax application. This coating gives the paint extra shine and protects it from dirt and sun exposure when you take the car on the road. The service also gives you an opportunity to vacuum the interior to remove any potentially abrasive sand and dirt particles.

2. Find the Right Storage Location

If you want to prevent your antique car from becoming damaged by the summer heat, then you might store it this season. When you place it in storage, keep the windows down to allow air to flow through the vehicle and prevent a pressure buildup that can crack the car’s glass surfaces. Depending on the value of the vehicle, you may want to store it in a climate-controlled space that has insurance and a security system.

3. Use a Car Cover

If you can’t park your antique car in a garage, then invest in a quality car cover. Summer rainstorms and wind can damage the paint and cause rust, which spreads quickly. Additionally, the cover protects the paint from fading due to UV ray exposure. It’s important to take precautionary measures and place a cover over the vehicle when it’s not in use.

4. Maintain or Upgrade the AC System

You can either choose to upgrade the system by installing more modern parts, such as a parallel flow condenser or auxiliary cooling fan, or you can maintain the older system. However, older AC systems require extra care when compared to modern vehicles, so it’s crucial to bring your vehicle to an antique car expert for maintenance. They’ll perform a system check to ensure it’s still safe to use.

If antique cars are your passion, then save the date for the next Charlotte AutoFair Produced by Hornets Nest Region, AACA. This is the largest Collector Vehicle Event in the Southeast. Held in Charlotte, NC, the auto show occurs biannually in April and September and includes a wide range of parts vendors, car auctions, and collector vehicles. Give the organizers a call at (704) 841-1990 if you want to purchase a vendor space to sell your collector cars, and visit their website to learn more about the world-famous car show.