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Make your classic car fit for the new season

26.04.2024

Classic cars and youngtimers need special attention after the winter break.

Enclosed we give you an overview of the most important maintenance work before the start of the season. Plus tips and hints on useful articles that will help you get your classic car back in shape.



Without electricity, nothing happens!

Check batterySome of us will find that checking the battery is an important issue. Anyone who has neglected to connect a charge maintenance device or forgot to disconnecting the battery has something to think about now.

If the vehicle battery is deeply discharged, it usually has to be replaced. If the battery at least still manages to turn the starter motor, slow charging of the battery is sufficient.

If the battery is not maintenance-free, check the fluid level and top up with distilled water if necessary. Never top up with battery acid.

Attention when working on the battery: Please observe the general safety regulations. Wear safety goggles, avoid open fire and sparks - please also do not smoke, danger of explosion!

Tip: Check the battery poles for corrosion, clean if necessary and seal with pole grease. The pole grease seals the seam between battery case and pole under the pole terminal. Do not apply in the area between pole terminal and pole, otherwise contact problems may occur.

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Check the liquid levels

Liquid levelsIn this respect, particular attention should be paid:

  • Brake fluid
  • Antifreeze
  • Engine oil
  • Washer fluid

Even if there are no abnormalities here, you should check the garage floor for stains before the first start. Here it should be noted that vehicles with felt ring seals may have leaks after a long period of standing, which will disappear again after the first drive.

Stains in the area of the wheels require special attention, as they could be brake fluid. This should be investigated separately - the brake pressure should be stable and should not be "inflatable". If in doubt, have your car checked by a specialist. Do not drive off cluelessly - carefully carry out a few test braking manoeuvres at low speed.

The engine oil should also be specially checked. In addition to the oil level, also check the oil label: When was the last time the oil was changed? Depending on the mileage, but at least once a year, the engine oil and filter should be changed.

In summer as important as in winter: Check the radiator antifreeze! It also acts as corrosion protection in the engine and lubricates the water pump. The special requirements of your vehicle must be taken into account here.

Furthermore, the oil levels of the gearbox and differential should be checked once, especially, of course, if stains have appeared on the garage floor in the respective area. Of course, the vehicle must be lifted for this, and special tools are sometimes necessary. If a workshop has to be visited for this, it should be done very promptly. If leaks have occurred, they should be repaired immediately.
And if you can already look under the car, then take a close look at the age and condition of the fuel filter. This is often located under the car, especially in older injection engines, and is often forgotten!

A visual inspection of the engine compartment follows. Here we pay attention to the general condition of rubber parts, hoses and V-belts. There should be no cracks or leaks.

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Now we can start the vehicle for the first time. Don't be surprised, the car can start badly, because the carburetors have to be filled with fresh gas first. Make sure that the oil pressure control lamp goes out.
If you are very careful, let the engine run without ignition before the first start until the oil pressure has built up. When the engine is running, we check in the engine compartment to see if there are any leaks while the engine is running.



Now you should check the light

LightIf no abnormalities are found we can take care of the lighting. Find a helper and switch the lights on one after the other - e.g. high beam, low beam, turn signal and brake light (this is where the helper comes in, because nobody can run behind the car that fast).

Check the horn at the same time. The windscreen wipers and the windscreen washer system are not to be neglected even in fair weather cars, how often we were surprised by a rain shower on the first spring drive...

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The tyres

TyresNow let us turn our attention to black round wheels. Time flies and the tyres get older and older. It is recommended to check the age of the tires, because overaged tires become porous and also the grip decreases.

Tip: Find out more about the milage of your tyres and further maintenance hints
Continental - Tire care and maintenance

The tyre pressure is increased by cautious owners to prevent the tyre from flattening out during the winter. Do not forget to lower it again for driving. Also remember the spare wheel (As a rule, air must also be filled in here ;-).

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Accessories complete?

AccessoriesIf we already rummage in the trunk, we can check immediately whether the first aid kit, triangle, warning vests (best for all passengers) and tools are still complete and comply with the regulations.

If we are honest, we like to take something out and forget to put it back... veteran motorists always have a roll of wire with them, besides the usual tools and spare parts. A hand fire extinguisher is also a recommended accessory.

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The final touch

Final touchIf not already done before parking, the classic car will be happy about a thorough wash and paint care as well as the care of the rubber parts, chrome parts and the interior.

Now is also the right time to lubricate the door hinges and treat any stone chips.

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Now you are well equipped with your classic car.
Below we have attached an overview of useful articles.

Additional information...