Your Old Car needs special care

   If you own an old car, you will have to necessarily take extra care to keep the car in good running condition. Regularly check the fluids and promptly replace all worn hoses, belts and rubber parts. It helps to consult a specialist who is aware of the special requirements that your old car may need, and know beforehand where to buy the correct parts.

Weekly maintenance:

Oil: Engine oil of paramount importance to preserve and prolong the life of an engine. It takes barely a couple of minutes to open the bonnet, dip the measuring stick, wipe on a rag, dip again and read the quantum of oil present. You should never top up the oil over the line marked ‘full’. This increases the chance of oil leaks as the pressure builds inside the engine and the excess oil escapes through a gasket or seal in the engine leading to what may be costly repair.

Fluid levels: Next to oil, make sure the radiator of header tank has adequate water with the correct amount of coolant. Of course, early VW Beetles and some Porches with Boxer engines are air-cooled and therefore may not have radiators or header tanks.

Tyres: You should not mind some physical exertion and get down on your hands and knees once a week to have a look at the tyres. Inspect for signs of excessive wear, cracking sidewalls and cracks between the tread. Make sure there is plenty of tread on the tyres and it is even all over the surface.

Cleaning: Use only good quality car shampoo for washing your car as any other mix of chemical solutions can dull the body paint over time. Cleaning your car is an excellent way of checking the condition of your car. Use anti-rust agents to avoid rusting of parts.

Monthly Maintenance

Polish: Polish the car body after a good wash, using a good quality polish. Apply the polish thinly with a damp cloth and then dry and buff with a clean, very dry cloth. Never ever apply polish under direct sunlight.

Locks, Handles & Hinges: These parts in old cars are a little more delicate than modern cars and need that little extra care. Modern hinges and locks are made more durably than those of old and take a lot more handling. Door release handles are now mostly made from hard plastics. Classic cars utilized metal, which wears more easily, so it’s important to keep everything greased and lubricated. In an old car, hinges are more likely to be rusted. It becomes therefore necessary to spray a silicon based lubricant, at least once a month, on hinges of all doors, including the boot and bonnet and all the locks. Carry out these tasks after you’ve washed the car so you don’t run the risk of washing all the lubrication away.

Lights: Check your light bulbs regularly every month. Keep spare bulbs and when you replace one, make sure to replenish your stock.

Spare tyre: You can suddenly be confronted with a flat tyre. Keep the spare in good condition with right air pressure to immediately change during emergencies.

Monthly Maintenance

Brakes: Efficient functioning of the brakes is critical. Check your brakes at least once in two months. Take the time to check your brakes every two months at least. Brakes on older cars are often drums. The shoes often omit a lot of dust and to make sure your brakes are as efficient as possible. So jack up the car, take off the wheels and drums and clean the brakes with some good quality brake cleaner.

Fan Belts: Lift the bonnet and test your fan belt. First check that the fan belt is tight, but not too tight. A best way is to take the belt between finger and thumb and twist. If it gives a quarter of a turn easily, but with a good, strong resistance, then the fan belt is fine.

   One of the most important parts of your car is the battery. If the battery is not in good condition, your car will not start. In the winter this is even more true than in the summer. The electrical power produced by the battery is used by the cars ignition system for cranking the engine. The car's battery also may power the lights and other accessories. Have the battery tested on a regular basis, particularly before undertaking long trips and after it's been recharged.

   Of course, this is not a complete list, but only the basics for you to maintain your old car. Apart from this, you will have to send your car periodically to the service agents for complete servicing.