Classic cars can be a great asset to invest in and, once you are the owner of a vintage car, you can turn every drive into an incredible experience! However, maintaining vintage cars requires specialized knowledge, without which you might see your vehicle deteriorate and decrease in value. 

However, maintaining your classic car in tip top shape does not have to be difficult or costly! With the right tips, you can set your expectations correctly and make the most of your unique vehicle. In this guide, you’ll find some essential maintenance tips to look after your vintage car in the best of ways!

Start With a Professional Restoration

Whether you have been lucky enough to inherit a car, or you have invested in a classic vehicle, the first step is to assess the value of your asset and understand the type of restoration work it requires. 

As a general rule, to restore a vintage vehicle such as a muscle car, you will need to partner with a specialized business or experienced mechanic. 

Pro tip - Vintage car restorations can cost $60,000 or more and can take months to complete. Make sure you set your expectations correctly before investing in a vintage car!

Have a Clear Budget in Mind for Upkeep, Insurance, and Repairs

Classic cars can be costly to maintain, and it is important for owners to understand the expenses related to upkeep, repair, maintenance, and insurance. Generally, classic car insurance is around 40% lower than standard car insurance. However, you might need additional coverage to protect your valuable asset from other risks, including theft and fire. 

Additionally, depending on the car, you may have to pay around $2000 a year for regular maintenance. 

Avoid Exposing Your Car to Extreme Weather

Extreme weather and natural elements can damage your car and decrease the value of your investment. In particular, it is important to keep your car safe from UV damage, strong winds, flooding, hailing, and snowing. Depending on your geographical location and the climate in your area, you should consider covering your vehicle with a custom cover or learning the basics of winterizing a classic car.

Work With a Specialized Mechanic

Maintaining a classic car might require you to have special skills and knowledge. If you are not an expert, you should consider the benefits of working with an experienced mechanic who can guide you in the process of sourcing original parts, fixing issues, and keeping up with monthly and yearly maintenance tasks.   

Keep on Top of Regular Maintenance

Just like any other car, classic cars require regular maintenance. In particular, you should change the oil, check the transmission fluid, keep it clean, check up on the AC system, adjust the tire pressure, and assess the functioning of the brakes. 

If you are looking for a more DIY approach, you might consider investing in a vintage car that is both cheap and easy to maintain. 

Pro tip - every classic car is unique, and yours might have unique needs that need to be kept in mind. If you are not sure about how to keep your vintage car in perfect shape, consider looking for its original service manual. You will learn a lot about the history and internal functioning of your vehicle!