Tips on How To Prepare Your Car For Summer Modern cars do need regular care, but with classics it’s absolutely vital. Usually the big baddy of nature for anything mechanical is winter. With salt on the roads, chilly humidity, and few chances to go zooming down the road to show off, many cars are somewhat the worse for wear come March. Especially this year! However, to prepare your car for summer is important as well. Some of us daydreamed of lacing up and down the hills of Tuscany. But 2020 had other plans for us, and the reality is that many classic car owners will be looking to sell this summer. Here’s a short guide on how best to prepare your car for summer heat or a summer sale. Storage We promise this is the first and last time we’ll go “Well it’s too late now, but of course what you should have done…” There’s little point in dwelling on the past, but if we can learn from it then so much the better. The storage of your classic car should be given as much consideration as the purchase itself. Somewhere inside, dry, not too bright, and with space to maneuver the wheels is ideal. But, if there’s absolutely no choice but to leave it out to face the elements, keep it clean and waxed, and consider an underseal to protect against rust – the biggest car killer. The inside of our factory in Henfield, England. Tyres One of the least appreciated car components. Tyres affect handling, stopping distance, economy, comfort and style. Even MOT-exempt classics need the security of properly monitored tyres; check for damage regularly and keep them at the right pressure. To avoid flat spotting throughout winter, regularly shift your vehicle so the tyres don’t rest on the same spot for weeks at a time. Battery Especially important for classics. If you drove your car throughout winter, the battery will have undergone more frequent usage. If it wintered unused, by spring the battery might be flat. To avoid nasty surprises, it’s a good idea to remove the battery altogether and top it up with a trickle charger. Check for corrosion or leaks around the terminals. Coolant Coolant increases the boiling temperature of water, preventing your engine from overheating. With the correct type of antifreeze, it also avoids your engine from freezing and seizing up in the winter. Even when overviewing your classic briefly, always check the coolant level and top it up if needed. Lighting All lights should be operational, but they are especially important if you are planning to drive abroad this summer. This is especially because countries have different laws concerning car lights. Drivers in Czech Republic are obliged to keep their headlights on at all times while driving, for example. The French authorities are sticklers as well: they will wave you down and demand an explanation if your head- or backlights fail to stick to road regulations. So, if you know you have a bulb missing at the back, take this as a sign: get a new one! 1968 Ford Mustang Classic, Rally-Prepared (available for sale) Oil Check levels regularly, keep it topped up, change and filter it every twelve months. If your engine seizes up, it could cost you thousands of pounds. Wipers You are legally obliged to make sure your washers are working correctly, and that there are no chips in the windshield. Keep it clean The goal of taking great care of a car is good business as well as pride. No-one wants to buy a classic with dirt, dust or even moss that have built up over months. They help rust take root, make the paint chip or interfere with your car’s performance. Wash it and wax it, then make sure to use a chamois cloth to dry it thoroughly. This is key to maintaining the value of your classic. Muscle Car UK’s Top Tip: Invest in a garage dehumidifier. This will help to avoid rust, mould, and other unpleasant surprises that could cost you. How Muscle Car UK Can Help Prepare Your Car For the Summer These are small diy checks you can do yourself. You may notice worrying signs that your classic did not winter as well as you’d hoped (curse the rain). Flat-spotted tyres, seized-up brakes, condensation and rust in the fuel tank, salt corrosion, etc. These require expert attention and careful handling. If you’re out of your depth or scratching your head, or if you just have any concerns, give us a bell or reach out on on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Alternatively, come down and visit our factory near Henfield, Sussex. We’d be happy to have a look for you and guide you to your best options. Liked This Article? More Like This: How to Become Your Own Car Specialist at Home Muscle Car UK: Something To Help You Stand Out!