When you’re driving around here in South Florida, there’s sure to be a variety of vehicles you’ll encounter. We’ve got duck cars (hybrid car-slash-boat monstrosities that take to the streets and to the water), we’ve got seniors zipping by in golf carts, and we’ve also got those old beaters that are barely held together by a strip of duct tape and some earnest prayers.
However, if you’re one of the lucky few who owns a classic car – whether it’s the highly coveted Shelby Cobra or it’s the adorably iconic Volkswagen Beetle -- then there’s a good chance that you’re not only the envy of your block, you also know a thing or two about how to take care of it. Classic cars recall a simpler time of life, and with their timeless elegance and beauty, it’s essential to know how to maintain them to help preserve their value. While getting antique or classic car tags is a good start for the legal side of things, keeping your baby in pristine condition is priority number one!
Store it out of the elements.
Florida has two types of weather: blisteringly hot sunshine, or torrential downpour deluge. And, unfortunately, neither of these types of climates are conducive toward preserving your classic ride. To help prevent fading, chips, rust, or other problems, make sure you store it in a cool, dry spot. Here’s a suggestion: springing for climate-controls in your garage isn’t a bad idea, especially if you’re going to be storing your classic car inside it.
Keep it clean, inside and out.
A dirty car is a sad car. And nobody likes to make their classic car cry, right? Of course, if you’re going to wash your car, you need to know how to do it correctly. Make sure you always use approved soaps (and never use dish soap on it!) and don’t let it dry in the sun. Instead, you should gently buff it clean with a soft microfiber towel. Don’t overlook its interior, either. Staying on top of its cleaning can help prevent issues like mold or mildew damage affecting the upholstery.
Don’t tinker with its original parts.
It can be so tempting to want to upgrade your classic car. Adding little add-ons or components to make the ride a little edgier, a little cooler, can be a hard urge to resist. That said: resist. Once you start messing with a classic, you can not only potentially damage the car, you can also severely knock down its actual value. Unless one of its original parts has gotten somehow damaged beyond repair, strive to maintain all of its authentic parts and components throughout your ownership of it.
Actually use it every once in awhile.
What’s the point of having an incredible classic car if it’s always going to be hiding under a tarp in your garage all the time? You want to take that baby out for a spin and show it off! Awww, yeah! Even more importantly, though, driving your classic car on the regular can also help keep it running smoothly and help you stay aware of any issues that may be developing underneath the hood.
Owning a classic car is like having a piece of America’s history in your possession. Furthermore, it lends you mad bragging rights as well as major cool-person cred. However, you don’t want to treat it like you would treat any old vehicle on our South Florida roads. By following these four tips, you can help ensure that you get many more years of awesomeness out of your classic car!
Do you need help with antique car registration in the State of Florida? Auto Tags of Florida is your local Pompano Beach auto tag agency. Contact us for help today at (954)848-4808!
Photo credit: Ivandrei Pretorius
