How to Maintain the Value of Your Classic Car | Boca Raton, FL
You’ve obtained a stunning classic car from Show Cars of Boca Raton, so now you want to preserve that vehicle’s beauty and value for years to come. Older antique models are prone to deterioration, which is why we recommend you diligently protect and maintain your classic car using these methods.
You never want to leave your classic car outdoors for an extended period — especially if it’s a convertible. That’s a sure way to damage any aging vehicle by subjecting it to rain, snow, wind, and direct sunlight. The elements will ruin the vintage automobile’s paint job and whatever remaining clearcoat it has.
Store your classic car year-round in an enclosed place indoors where bad weather won’t reach it. For most people, that’s their personal garage, but you can also rent a storage unit or space in a warehouse. If it’s temperature-regulated, even better! You want to keep the temperature cool without being humid. Heat and cold are terrible for an aging car.
A classic car can even deteriorate when it’s in storage. Dust, sunlight, drips, bugs, and other minor substances can tarnish the body. Give the surface some extra shielding with a car cover. Choose a product that will fit snugly yet cover the mirrors and bumpers. Also, use a cover that is durable and breathable; waterproof outdoor covers can actually trap moisture underneath, where it will fester and cause rust.
Don’t assume that if you don’t drive your classic car much, you can avoid having it serviced by a mechanic. Even a vehicle sitting in storage needs regular maintenance. This includes oil changes, tire rotations, fluid flushes, bulb replacements, battery conditioning, and lubricating engine components like the rods and belt. All of these things can degrade naturally regardless of mileage.
In addition to preserving your car’s condition, regular maintenance can also preserve its value. Make sure you thoroughly document all service so any future buyers will know that you didn’t neglect your classic car.
You may be tempted to let your car sit for extended periods in storage where it’s safe, but cars are designed to be driven! The mechanical systems can degrade with infrequent use, so make sure you’re taking your hot rod or coupe out for a spin at least twice a month in good weather.
What about during bad seasons? You can let it sit in storage, but give it a complete seasonal storage preparation. This includes jacking the car up, removing the battery, using a fuel stabilizer, and so on.
When you do drive your classic car, make sure you avoid hazards like potholes, road salt, gravel, and debris that can cause damage.
In addition to attending to your car’s current needs, think about the long-term care of your vehicle. For instance, do you have a long-term facility for its storage, or are you simply winging it month by month? Also consider your intent with the vehicle — if you plan to keep it indefinitely, sell it eventually, or flip it for a profit. Make arrangements for what you’ll do with the car if something happens to you. Who will receive ownership of it? Will they be able to properly care for the car? The more you plan ahead, the better decisions you’ll make in regard to how you care for your classic car.
Want to add more classic cars to your collection? Show Cars of Boca Raton can do the legwork of finding, acquiring, and shipping your next vintage or high-end vehicle anywhere in the US. You don’t even need to live near our dealership in Florida! Contact us to find your next high-value car.
Store it somewhere temperature-controlled and weather-resistant
You never want to leave your classic car outdoors for an extended period — especially if it’s a convertible. That’s a sure way to damage any aging vehicle by subjecting it to rain, snow, wind, and direct sunlight. The elements will ruin the vintage automobile’s paint job and whatever remaining clearcoat it has.Store your classic car year-round in an enclosed place indoors where bad weather won’t reach it. For most people, that’s their personal garage, but you can also rent a storage unit or space in a warehouse. If it’s temperature-regulated, even better! You want to keep the temperature cool without being humid. Heat and cold are terrible for an aging car.
Use a car cover
A classic car can even deteriorate when it’s in storage. Dust, sunlight, drips, bugs, and other minor substances can tarnish the body. Give the surface some extra shielding with a car cover. Choose a product that will fit snugly yet cover the mirrors and bumpers. Also, use a cover that is durable and breathable; waterproof outdoor covers can actually trap moisture underneath, where it will fester and cause rust.
Have it regularly serviced
Don’t assume that if you don’t drive your classic car much, you can avoid having it serviced by a mechanic. Even a vehicle sitting in storage needs regular maintenance. This includes oil changes, tire rotations, fluid flushes, bulb replacements, battery conditioning, and lubricating engine components like the rods and belt. All of these things can degrade naturally regardless of mileage.In addition to preserving your car’s condition, regular maintenance can also preserve its value. Make sure you thoroughly document all service so any future buyers will know that you didn’t neglect your classic car.
Drive it habitually but carefully
You may be tempted to let your car sit for extended periods in storage where it’s safe, but cars are designed to be driven! The mechanical systems can degrade with infrequent use, so make sure you’re taking your hot rod or coupe out for a spin at least twice a month in good weather.What about during bad seasons? You can let it sit in storage, but give it a complete seasonal storage preparation. This includes jacking the car up, removing the battery, using a fuel stabilizer, and so on.
When you do drive your classic car, make sure you avoid hazards like potholes, road salt, gravel, and debris that can cause damage.
Think long term
In addition to attending to your car’s current needs, think about the long-term care of your vehicle. For instance, do you have a long-term facility for its storage, or are you simply winging it month by month? Also consider your intent with the vehicle — if you plan to keep it indefinitely, sell it eventually, or flip it for a profit. Make arrangements for what you’ll do with the car if something happens to you. Who will receive ownership of it? Will they be able to properly care for the car? The more you plan ahead, the better decisions you’ll make in regard to how you care for your classic car.Want to add more classic cars to your collection? Show Cars of Boca Raton can do the legwork of finding, acquiring, and shipping your next vintage or high-end vehicle anywhere in the US. You don’t even need to live near our dealership in Florida! Contact us to find your next high-value car.
