With spring around the corner and warmer weather allowing us to spend more time outdoors classic cars should soon be hitting the road. But with several months in storage, your classic car or truck needs a little bit of love before you get to roll out onto the pavement once again. Due to our hectic schedules, it may skip our mind that our classics need regular service to be in good working order. Failing to properly winterize your vehicle and neglecting regular start-ups and inspections of your classic will require additional diagnoses.
The goal of getting your vehicle inspected is to ensure you can get back on road sooner and for longer. Springtime classic maintenance by a qualified and experienced Connecticut mechanic can ensure your vehicle is doing what it should when it should. Leave the woes of uncertainty in the hands of a classic car mechanic that knows what they’re doing so you can do what you love; drive your classic.
There is no greater pleasure for a classic car owner than a season without major repairs. When your vehicle runs smoothly and efficiently, the longing to get on the road is even more prevalent. Repairs that become duplicative or misdiagnosed on the other hand can be overwhelming and ultimately jeopardize one’s driving time. Bringing your vehicle in for a regular spring and winter tune-up will keep your vehicle in good working order. Here are a few areas that encompass a regular classic car tune-up:
Change Your Classic’s Oil
Although the average classic car does not travel significant distances during the year, it is still important to change out the oil and filter. There is a misconception that since your classic drives so few miles you can hold off on an oil change. This couldn’t be further from the truth. When your classic is in storage its oil can break down and lose its effectiveness. Your best bet is to have your oil and air filters changed out every 4 to 6 months.
Tip: One of the most meaningful ways to protect your classic vehicle is to regularly survey all vehicle fluid levels. Consistency is crucial to prevent damage to your classic. Several different fluids need to be maintained including coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, windshield wiper fluid, and power steering fluid.
Inspect Hoses and Belts
Over time and after extreme use, hoses and belts may begin to break down. The rubber that encompasses these components will eventually wear and become brittle and crack. Have your mechanic inspect these components and replace belts or hoses that are showing signs of wear and tear.
Check Tires
An idle vehicle that has been in storage for several months will need to have its tire pressure checked and properly inflated before it’s ready to drive. Make it a regular occurrence to check your classic tire pressure.
Wash Your Classic Regularly
The best way to remove dirt, debris, and brine is to wash your vehicle routinely. Make it a habit to wash your vehicle after 2 or 3 trips. Be sure to get the undercarriage washed to remove corrosive elements. You may also wish to consider undercoating the underbody of your classic with oil undercoating to protect it from moisture and corrosiveness. Consider consulting with our garage about the benefits of New Hampshire Oil Undercoating (NHOU®) and how it works to prevent corrosion.
Why Routine Maintenance is Important to Classic Resell Value
There is no doubt that classic cars that have been well maintained and continue to use original parts have a higher resale value. If and when the time comes that you wish to sell your classic car or truck, you are going to want to support your reasoning as to why your vehicle is worth more. One way in doing so is by providing receipts of regular maintenance and repairs that show you cared for the vehicle. Without satisfying these basic elements of classic care, a potential buyer may be eerie about your asking price or the performance of your classic. Getting your classic inspected has benefits for you as a current owner and potential seller. Don’t let your classic lose value due to absent maintenance practices. Get your classic serviced by a professional Connecticut classic facility, and you won’t regret it.
Choose a Trusted and Experienced Connecticut Classic Car Mechanic
The safety of your vehicle should be your priority. Leaving the diagnoses of your cherished classic in the hands of an amateur mechanic can lead to misdiagnosis which in turn can amount to larger problems. Although a family friend or someone you know works on cars do they work on classic cars or trucks? Not all vehicles are the same and not all problems can be diagnosed by only one person. It often takes individuals with particular expertise to diagnose classics properly.
Classics are unlike many new vehicles as different components make up the engine and the body of the vehicle. The important factor to consider when choosing a mechanic is whether they are experienced with the vehicle you plan on bringing them. The last thing you need is for them to be using your vehicle as a lesson. When looking for a classic car mechanic in Connecticut, the following are areas you should ask yourself:
- What level of experience does the mechanic have with your type of classic?
- Does the business have insurance and are they licensed?
- Gauge feedback on the mechanic from other classic car owners?
- Do they have the right people and technology to accurately diagnose and repair your classic?
- Consider whether they specialize in certain areas of classic car maintenance?
- Are they affordable and effective at what they do?
These questions are important to ask yourself and the mechanic you wish to have repair your classic. Your main goal is to keep your classic running as efficiently and as long as possible. The last thing you need is to lose money on issues that could have been resolved. At Naugatuck River Motors we pride ourselves in delivering exceptional service. Even if you’re looking for a second opinion, we’d be glad to assist you and hope to gain your business. Feel free to give us a call at (203) 527-6494 and we’ll book your diagnosis appointment.
Visit our Connecticut Classic Car Garage
At Naugatuck River Motors we wish to deliver superior service. We encourage all prospective customers to communicate with our Connecticut classic car garage before they wish to book an appointment to get to learn more about what we do. Classic vehicle maintenance and repair should not be left to inexperienced mechanics. That can lead to a catastrophe that can harm your pocket and quite potentially the health of you, your loved ones, or other motorists. Safety is crucial so getting to know your mechanic before you get going on a repair will assist in making informed decisions.
For nearly four decades, our lead mechanic has effectively diagnosed and managed hundreds of classic cars. As a premier classic car mechanic in Connecticut, David Orsatti, our lead mechanic remains committed to effectively maintaining your classic. As a proud classic car owner, he understands the importance of getting your vehicle out of our garage and back on the road. Classic service is an expertise that few behold. If you have questions about the benefits of preventative maintenance, classic mechanical issues, or to learn more about service offerings, reach us at (203) 527-6494.
New classic car clients can save up to 10% on select services by mentioning CLASSIC SERVICE to one of our team members. Offer ends June 1st, 2023. Additional terms and exclusions apply. Contact (203) 527-6494 or email us at sales@naugatuckrivermotors.com to learn more.
Looking to get a custom plate for your classic? Visit the DMV’s website here.
