If you own one or more antique cars, you probably agree that maintaining them is more of a job than a hobby. While you can pick up a hobby when the mood strikes you, a job has demands and deadlines. As long as you get into a routine, though, taking care of your vehicles will become second nature and a source of joy in and of itself. Here are some of the most important rules to keep in mind when establishing your maintenance routine. 

Do:

Top off all fluids.

To keep your vehicle purring, top off the oil, brake fluid, and coolant as needed. When driving, keep a close eye on the gauges to confirm that these fluids are doing their jobs. For example, once the car gets up to temperature, is it able to cool itself down, or is it prone to overheating? Antiques are unique, after all, and should be checked more often than average cars.

Use water sparingly. 

Antique cars are incredibly vulnerable to rust. Make sure to dry your vehicles thoroughly after every wash using clean, dry cloths. Even a little bit of moisture left behind can cause a big problem, so go over each surface twice to ensure you catch every last drop.

You should also vacuum the interior of the car regularly. Any dirt in the carpeting will retain moisture, which can contribute to the development of rust on the underbody. 

Don’t:

Use abrasives. 

If the vehicle still has its original paint, don't use any detergents that contain abrasives when washing it. On classic cars, original paint is one of the most valuable features, so it should be protected at all costs. Abrasive elements will only serve to remove this paint over time, leaving scratches in their wake. 

Go through the carwash. 

Antique cars should only be hand-washed. Modern car washes aren't equipped to clean every nook and cranny of these vehicles’ multifaceted bodies, nor do they dry each surface enough to prevent rust. 

When you’re ready to show off your handiwork, rent a lot at the Charlotte AutoFair. Hosted in Mecklenburg County, NC, every spring and fall, this four-day affair attracts more than 10,000 sellers, buyers, and collectors who are passionate about antique cars. To see photos from past shows, visit their website. To learn more about the event, call (704) 841-1990.