There is something about antique cars that make people stop and take a closer look. Many vintage car owners and collectors know that it takes a lot of love and elbow grease to keep their ride stunning and running. With proper maintenance, however, you can keep your classic car looking like it just rolled out of a showroom. 

How Do You Maintain an Antique Car?

Natural elements are the biggest culprits in causing damage and deterioration to your antique car. Excess moisture promotes rust, while direct sunlight can cause cracks and color fading to the paint job.

Protect your investments by storing them in well-ventilated garages and keeping them covered to curb dirt buildup on the surface. At the least, hand-wash it once a month to get rid of grime, debris, and other road impurities; then, apply wax every six months as an extra layer of protection on the paint job. Clean every nook and cranny inside by vacuuming and wiping away wet spots and soap residue.

Before taking your antique car for a spin, pop the hood and check fluid levels to see what needs to be topped off. Make sure the driveline components are adequately lubricated and the brakes work. While much of the upkeep can be done on your own, it's best to hire a vintage vehicle specialist for routine maintenance. These experts will already have the knowledge, experience, parts, and tools to keep your vehicle in pristine condition.  

Why Does Maintenance Matter?

The term “antique” is used to describe highly collectible cars that are at least 50 years old. While maintenance is necessary for any vehicle—new or antique—a car that is already several decades old needs extra care. Parts can be expensive to replace and hard to find, depending on the vehicle’s make and model. As such, antique car owners need to make more effort to keep the parts functioning for as long as possible. Also, an antique car holds more value when all of its original parts are still in place. Many people keep antique cars just for show and rarely drive them; others, however, put the pedal to the metal every chance they get. Routine maintenance ensures the vehicle maintains its original level of performance—no matter how much use it gets.

Keep these tips in mind to have your antique car looking its best and running well—even with years behind them. When you want to proudly display your ride, sign up for Charlotte AutoFair, the largest auto show in Mecklenburg, NC. The three-day biannual event has drawn car sellers, collectors, and enthusiasts from around the country. To learn more about this vintage car show, call (704) 841-1990 or visit their website.