Classic Car Do’s and Don’ts - The Vault MS (2024)

FAQs

What not to do to a classic car? ›

Improper storage of a classic car

Avoid dirt and gravel which can create excessive moisture resulting in rust which may degrade your car. Instead, opt for solid flooring with good drainage. Additionally, you're going to want a secured space that is insulated.

You should drive your classic car at least once a month, go far enough to get the engine and exhaust up to their normal working temperature, then come back. This is normally a twenty mile round trip.

For instance, if you purchase a vintage car that has 50,000 miles and you end up adding 25,000 before reselling, that will likely significantly reduce its value. On the other hand, if you purchase a classic car with high mileage, adding more miles won't impact its value nearly as much.

And don't think you're immune because your car is fiberglass, there's plenty of steel to rot away under the pretty plastic panels of your 1972 Corvette Stingray. Conversely, getting caught in the rain every now and then isn't death for your classic, as long as nothing like carpets or trunk mats get soaked and stay wet.

Can a classic car be a daily driver? Yes, it's possible to use a classic car as your daily driver. The car must be roadworthy if you're going to use it frequently, which usually means more maintenance and repair.

Mileage holds an important place in valuing classic cars, as it provides vital information about the car's usage and wear over time. Generally, the lower the mileage, the more desirable and valuable a classic car becomes.

The most significant con is the maintenance of classic cars. The cost of maintaining an old-timer, including insurance and maintenance, can be up to 20 percent of the classic car's value. Spare parts or even simple consumables may be really difficult to buy in auto parts stores, so you have to 'hunt' for them.

Even when stored in a garage, using a breathable car cover can provide an extra layer of protection against dust and accidental scratches.

How do you keep a classic car cool? ›

One simple method to keep classic cars cool while they're parked is to keep blankets on the seats as well as the dashboard. This is a free and easy way to protect your interior from the elements. Make sure to crack the windows a bit just to let some air in and lessen the intensity of the heat caught inside.

What are some of those risks? Well, classic cars are unique, which means the risk of theft or scam is higher. For example, after participating in a vintage car show, you will want to take necessary precautions to make sure your car gets safely put inside the garage and not in the hands of a thief.

Before daily driving a classic car, you'll need to make sure the car is roadworthy with regular inspections and preventative maintenance. Certain steps might help lower your risks on the road, but a classic car may still carry significant safety concerns because of its age.

Some classic cars need a lot of work to keep them roadworthy. It's not uncommon for some classic cars to require tens of thousands of dollars on maintenance, replacements, and related upkeep over the years. Plus, the very car you're thinking of buying may have been previously owned by one of the car club members.