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eTyres care about our customers. The
following article may be of interest.
Winterize your Classic Car
by Andrew Holliday
The mercury is dropping and the nights are drawing in.
It's time to start thinking about that 'investment' you
so eagerly purchased over the summer. Ideally we would
all garage our classic cars over the winter, not
bringing them out again for their first wax and polish
until the following spring. Unfortunately for many of us
that is just not an option, so a little bit of
preparation early on can save you a lot of heartache
later. The two main things you should be thinking about
are ensuring that your winter driving is as safe as
possible and protecting your classic car from the harsh
elements. Here are a few tips to get you on the right
track.
Safer Winter Driving
1. Check your Antifreeze/Coolant. Make sure that the
type you are using is sufficient for the climate you
live in. Check the levels regularly; however always
check when the engine is cold. Not only will you get a
more accurate measurement but also opening a hot
radiator is an extremely dangerous thing to do!
2. Check your tires. You'll need good tread to get
through 6 inches of snow. A change in temperature will
make all sorts of parts on your car expand and contract.
This includes the air in you tires. Ensure that they are
inflated to the correct PSI (pounds per square inch) for
your vehicle; this will not only help with traction but
will extend the life of your tires. Also remember that
the rubber your tires are made from will also contract.
Check old tires for cracking and replace if necessary.
It's easier to do it now than on the side of the road in
freezing temperatures!
3. Belts and hoses are also likely to expand and
contract as the temperature changes. Check them over and
change any that show signs of wearing or cracking.
4. Add a gas treatment. Over time water vapor can build
up in your gas lines and will freeze when the
temperature drops, blocking your fuel lines. A can of
fuel treatment early on will remove the moisture and
prevent this from happening.
5. Check the condition of your battery. Most auto parts
stores and mechanics garages will do this for you free
of charge. A hard to start engine can be impossible to
start with an old battery, so replace if necessary.
6. Check your spark plugs. While your mechanic is
checking your battery have him take a look at the plugs
too. Corroded, oxidized or badly aligned spark plugs can
also make it impossible to start the car in the morning.
7. Clean or replace your wiper blades. There are many
brands of snow blades available that are designed not to
stick to the windshield. Not all will work with older
cars however, so at the very least, clean the ones you
have with an alcohol based cleaner. Also check your
washer fluid level and keep it topped up. Make sure to
use a washer fluid that has some antifreeze in it.
8. Stock your car with some essential and emergency
items.
? Flashlight (check the batteries!)
? Ice scraper
? Well stocked First Aid Kit
? A blanket, hat and gloves in case you brake down
without the engine running and need to keep warm.
? Reflective triangle warning sign or flares
? Jumper cables
Protecting That Investment
1. Wash and dry your car regularly. The salt on the
roads will wreak havoc on your bodywork and before you
know it that cancer of all cars, rust, will be well and
truly set in. So give it a good clean, underside
included, as often as possible.
2. Check all fluids regularly; older cars and older
gaskets have a habit of springing leaks throughout the
winter months. It's easier to top up the fluid than
replace a major part that has seized up. If you find a
constant leak, get it fixed or fix it yourself. You knew
there would be a few running repairs when you bought
your car, so no complaining about the cost. Remember
it's all about keeping that classic car on the road.
3. Apply a good wax early on. A good wax applied in
several layers will help keep that 'all original
bodywork' you paid so much extra for, in great shape
come sun, snow, rain or shine.
4. Drive defensively. Just because you know you don't
have anti-lock brakes and traction control doesn't mean
everybody else does. Those one off parts are just as
hard to come by regardless of whose fault it was they
got wrecked in the first place. Drive with others in
mind and try to think ahead. Remember you can't think
for the idiot in front of or behind you, but you can try
and get out of the way if they come skidding towards
you!
About the Author
Andrew Holliday is responsible for the design and upkeep
of www.dicksclassiccars.com, the online storefront for
Dicks Classic Cars, based in Marietta, OH. Check out
their full Classic Car Stock List next time you are
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