Classic Car Care: How To Look After Your Vintage Motor

When it comes to owning a classic car, maintenance and appearance is everything. There’s no better sight that glistening vintage sitting in your garage or driveway, but it can prove very challenging to shield your car from the elements and keep the shine looking good as new. She may be old, but your car doesn’t have to age like the rest of us; whether it’s a vintage Rolls or a timeless Beetle, here’s some top tips to ensure your motor survives the harsh winter.

Wax to the Max

To really achieve that new car shine, you’re going to require a combination of elbow grease and wax. Not only will it add a pristine final touch to your car, wax also acts to protect the bodywork from nasty airborne threats such as bugs, rain and sap. And in the god-awful event that you find a scratch on your chassis, wax can go a long way to filling in the damage and reducing unpleasing aesthetics. A carnauba-based wax would be the old fashioned option; its perfect for cars and adds great depth and clarity. However, why not add a modern touch instead with a two-in-one wash and wax pack? Head to our website to find out more.

Give It Some Leather

Leather can be a very tricky material to maintain. If neglected, leather seating in cars can quickly begin to crack and dull. The main culprit for deteriorating leather is friction and abrasion from dirt and clothing. Not only that, but certain types of leather also lose essential oils and protectants that are essential for maintenance. This is where Hochanda can lend a hand. Leather can be maintained with ease using a leather cleaner and conditioner. The cleaner helps to remove dirt and any unwanted residue, whilst the conditioner helps to maintain softness. Finish by buffing the leather with a microfiber cloth! Remember to schedule a leather cleaning session at least every month.

Pay Wheel Close Attention

You’ve waxed the body, given the interior a revamp and the car is looking as good as new. Job done? Not quite yet! There’s still the tyres and trim that needs attention. Nothing sets off a glistening motor like spotless spokes and a faultless trim. After all, as the saying goes: it’s the little things that make the biggest difference. Pay close attention to the wheel arches, front and rear valences and under the sills. To ensure a thorough clean, microfiber cloths are your best bet; they guarantee a shiny finish with no streaks, plus they leave no trace of dirt or dust behind. Don’t have any? No problem; head to our site to view our range of microfiber cloths and towels.

Maintenance Is Key

Lastly, you’ll want to ensure that your car still runs as good as ever. In the cold weather, an unmaintained classic car can easily seize up and throw in the towel. That’s the last thing you want after spending hours sprucing up the appearance. Try and ensure you get your car checked and serviced every 12 months, including a review of its brakes, suspension and steering. Unlike new, modern cars, vintage motors cannot be driven into the ground with little afterthought; make sure that fluid levels are checked regularly, particularly oil and water. This Telegraph guide is full of handy tips to help keeping your vintage vehicle roadworthy.

Need an expert to show you how it’s done? Let none other than our very own classic car guru Stan guide you!

Happy driving!

Interested in learning more? Stan is next live on Hochanda on Saturday 30th January from 8:00pm and from 9:00pm, 12:00pm, 16:00pm and 19:00pm on Sunday 31st January

Watch Stan and tune into all of our other programmes live on our website! Hochanda.com

You can also tune into Hochanda on Freeview channel 39, Sky channel 663 or Freesat 817.