Should you do routine maintenance on your classic car yourself? It depends.

You’re pretty handy under the hood so you’re thinking that doing routine maintenance on your classic car will be fine.

Or will it?

Truth be told, the answer isn’t that easy. There are several variables to consider first. Have you ever worked on a classic car before? Do you have the knowledge and ability to keep the quality of work at a professional level? If you botch something can you take it somewhere to get it fixed?

Classic cars are special. They’ve been around the block a few times and they need a little extra TLC, unlike their newer counterparts.  There are a few areas that you can work on and still keep her showroom ready.

Keep your car clean.

One of the best, most effective maintenance methods out there is to keep your car clean, inside and out. This means keeping it clean inside and out. Clean the interior with the appropriate solution. Leather upholstery requires a very different treatment than vinyl upholstery does. Keep the interior sparkling. Use a Q-tip to clean small areas like grooves and corners so that it is sparkling. Oh, and you should always hand wash your exterior.

Check and change fluids.

You should always keep your fluids topped off and check them regularly. When you are ready to change the fluids, remember to include a zinc additive along with your oil to keep everything well lubricated.

Inspect hoses and belts.

When you change your fluids, you need to go ahead and check your hoses and belts for wear and tear as well. As a rule of thumb, you should be changing your hoses and belts every five years. A single bad belt or hose can cause more problems throughout the car. Don’t risk it.

Should I work on my own classic car?

If you are a mechanic who specializes in classic cars, by all means, go ahead. If you don’t have experience, see if you can shadow someone as they work on your car. You can learn a lot. It also depends on the condition of the car. If there is something serious, it is always a good idea to take it to a mechanic.

If you’ve been looking to buy a classic car, you know how hard it can be to get the funds you need to make the purchase. At Woodside Credit, the only loans we write are for classic, collector, or exotic cars. That’s it. This means that you get the lowest rates and best terms in the industry. Call or visit our website and find out what we can do for you.