 By Bernard Juchli, General Manager and Master Mechanic, Jay Leno’s “Big Dog Garage“ |
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Whether it’s a 1970s muscle car or a vintage Thunderbird, I’ve noticed more and more people adding a classic car to their everyday collection. And while these cars are fun to drive and can be enjoyed for years to come, keeping a car in mint condition, when it’s not driven regularly, takes special care. As the manager of Jay Leno’s “Big Dog Garage,” I have the pleasure of working with classic cars every day. And while these are truly extraordinary machines, the general principles that are used to maintain this collection can apply to anyone looking to keep their classic car in tip-top shape. Here are a few simple tips to help keep your car running strong, even if it doesn’t run often. Take it for a weekly spin. A car should be exercised at least once a month (preferably once a week) for 30 minutes to help dry out moisture and keep the grease “greasy.” Five or 10 minutes in idle won’t do the trick and may even make things worse. Get it out of the garage and out on the road. Use a TOP TIER fuel. Many older cars have trouble with carbon deposit build-up on their valves resulting from years of using a gasoline with minimal cleaning agents. Using a TOP TIER premium fuel like Shell V-Power, which contains five times the amount of cleaning agents required by government standards, can help remove carbon deposits and clean your engine while you drive. Handle hibernation. When a car has been in storage for a long time, it’s important to replace all of the fluids and fuel filters. Even if a car sits all year long, the brake fluid needs to be changed once a year or it’ll absorb water and cause corrosion the next time you drive it. And because acids can get into the oil and cause internal damage, owners should also consider changing a vehicle’s oil directly before storage (even if the car was only driven 20 miles since its last oil change). Don’t tire your tires. It may seem simple, but tires are an often overlooked area of classic car maintenance. It’s important to keep a watchful eye on your tires because a worn tread is not the only sign of expired tires. Pay attention for overall wear and tear. Keeping a classic car in top condition takes attention, time, and a decent amount of elbow grease. But by taking a preventative approach to your car’s health and following a few simple maintenance tips, anyone can keep their vintage car model a usable masterpiece – whether you’re famous or an everyday Joe. NEXT STORY >> |