How to Prepare Your Vintage Car for the Road

How to Prepare Your Vintage Car for the Road

With the great weather outside and beautiful summertime sceneries, it’s the best time of the year to take your lovely vintage gem to the road! Driving and showing off your beautiful classic can be an authentic source of joy and happiness, and preparing your vehicle properly will help you take the experience to its ultimate maximum. To avoid problems like overheating, brake failure, and vapor lock, we have prepared a detailed checklist with a breakdown of all areas that you need to take into consideration before hitting the road. 

Cooling System Checks

Overheating is one of the most common problems that occur on the road, however, it can easily be avoided if you dedicate enough attention to the cooling system of your car. First and foremost, make sure nothing blocks the airflow in the system by cleaning out any existing clogs. Inspect your car belts and hoses which are crucial elements in operating the water pump and carrying any brake fluid, air, gas, and antifreeze, thereby enabling the engine to do its job. Then invest some effort and time in testing the thermostat and radiator cap and make sure that the radiator cap fits tight to avoid loss of coolant and major engine damage. Lastly, do a coolant flush and replace it with fresh fluid. 

Braking System 

An important first step in the inspection of the braking system is to check the fluid levels and make sure that they are at the appropriate level. Then check the system for any debris, clogs, or other issues by examining the cylinder and cleaning everything thoroughly before taking the road. To inspect your car’s brake pedal, all you need to do is apply some pressure to the pedal. Feeling resistance implies a good running condition, while lack of resistance signals about potential problems in your car’s braking system. Don’t forget to check for leaking brake fluids, as well as brake drums, parking brakes, and brake lights to ensure that everything works properly and is ready for a good drive!

Tires

Any cuts, breaks, and cracks on your tires can ruin the experience you were so wholeheartedly waiting for. Along with ensuring proper inflation for your vehicle’s tires, make sure to carefully examine both sides of the tires, the thread, and the valve stems by using a bright light that will enable you to see even the tiniest cracks. Excessive wear is a big no-no for the tires, and so are rust, bends, and breaks on your car’s wheels. A thorough inspection of the rim edges and bolt holes will help you find any potential problems that need urgent treatment while tightening the lug nuts and wire wheel spokes will save you from unpleasant situations right during the journey. Don’t forget to test your vehicle’s wheel balance and take any items that you think might be of help in case problems arise on the road (there shouldn’t be any if you follow all these tips, but we still recommend you have everything necessary with you on the car in the event that something unpredicted happens).

Chassis 

Chassis and frame are oftentimes overlooked and not taken into consideration in the general maintenance process, but they are equally as important as the other components in the vehicle. Make sure nothing is bent, loose, or non-existent in the area surrounding the steering parts and motor mounts. Check the frame and try to eliminate any external agents such as dust and mud. If you notice any signs of worn shocks or struts, replace them immediately as they are pivotal elements in controlling your vehicle’s movements and curtailing excessive play in the steering wheel.  

Front End 

At the end we should talk about the front end, no rhyme intended. When inspecting the hoses, headlights, and electrical conditions, please confirm nothing is loose and no fluids are leaking from the front-end area of your car. Properly clean the engine bay and battery, tighten all the battery cables and do a quick engine tune-up to ensure that everything, including the most sensible and delicate parts, are ‘well-groomed’ and ready for the trip!

After preparing your car, gathering all the necessary paperwork (including insurance), choosing the most suitable car and the safest road, you’ve got everything at your disposal for a nice and enjoyable journey. If you are fond of road trips with vintage cars but have not had the chance to purchase one yet, we highly recommend you take a look at our rich inventory which offers a wide range and great quality of antique gems!