If it purrs like a kitten, then you might want to treat as one. Your classic car is precious to you and with some good habits you can help keep it safe from the rigors of time, the bumps on the road, and from people that would like to make your classic their own. Here is some advice from industry experts on the ways you can keep your collector car safe.
A defensive posture – driving your collector car
You’re probably used to driving a regular car with safety and convenience features like:
- airbags
- anti-lock brakes (ABS)
- electronic stability control
- traction control
- crash protection
- power steering
- power-assisted braking
- lane assist
It’s easy to develop certain habits because modern cars make driving a lot easier, however, in an older classic, you should assume a more defensive approach when you hit the road. This includes:
- greater following distances
- lower speeds in poor weather
- extra caution in heavy traffic
- more attention to blind spots
Off-season storage
Not driving your classic car is as important as how you drive it. Storing it improperly in the off-season can ravage your ride as it sits idle over winter. Experts suggest the following:
- Try to store the car in a dry, climate-controlled environment if possible.
- Wash and wax to ensure there are no contaminants that can harm the paint.
- Change the oil to prevent acidic byproducts from lingering.
- Top off the gas tank with stabilizer to avoid varnish and rust.
- Slightly over-inflate the tires to prevent flat spots.
- Connect a trickle charger to the battery to ensure it remains fully charged.
- Block exhaust tips and air intakes with steel wool to prevent pest intrusion.
- Use a breathable cover to keep sunlight and dust off surfaces, and to let the car breathe.
Preventing theft
We’ve seen a sharp increase of auto thefts in Canada over the last decade in the general car market. However, collector cars may be an attractive target because classic vehicles can be easier to start, plus they may have high value and contain rare and expensive replacement parts. Hagerty suggests a layered approach to help deter and minimize theft:
Layer one
- Lock your garage and keep blinds or shades closed.
- Cover your car.
- Don’t leave keys in the car or the garage.
- Regularly check your car.
- Install a home alarm system.
- Install security cameras.
Layer two
- Install auto alarms.
- Apply alarm stickers to windows.
- Apply hidden or visible identification markers with tags or etchings.
Layer three
- Use steering wheel locks.
- Apply brake pedal locks.
- Remove ignition rotor, distributor cap or high-tension lead.
- Remove the fuel pump fuse.
- Disconnect the battery cable.
Baby your ride
There’s a reason why many car collectors call their classic “their baby”. It’s a treasure. So, it’s important to treat it as such, whether it’s on the road, in storage, or in reach of possible thieves. Enjoy it today and the years ahead.
