While we've recently used this space to discuss basic tips for those who store their classic car during the winter period and don't drive it at all (or do so very rarely), some classic car owners choose to continue driving their vehicles during the winter. If you're among these individuals, and especially if winter conditions in your area are especially harsh, you'll want to take some basic steps to ensure the vehicle is protected.
At Andersen Restoration Parts, we're happy to offer a huge range of classic car parts and services, including suspension kits, idler arms, strut rod kits and numerous other options depending on your needs. If you've chosen to drive your classic car regularly during the winter period, here are some of the most important areas to ensure you've covered to keep it in great shape and free of any risks.
Tire Considerations
As you may have guessed, one of the single most important considerations when it comes to driving a classic car during the winter is your tires. You'll want to make sure that they're in good condition and suitable for winter conditions – if you live in an area with heavy snowfall or ice, consider investing in dedicated winter tires.
If you choose to stick with all-season tires, check them regularly and make sure they have plenty of tread still remaining. If you can, avoid using more than one set of tires on the same car in winter and summer – it's better to maintain dedicated sets for each season, if at all possible.
In any case where your classic vehicle requires specialty tires or you're struggling to find the correct tire size, you may have to take a unique approach. This is where Andersen Restoration Parts comes in – our selection of classic car tires and suspension kits ensures that you'll have year-round access to the right components for your needs.
Fluid Checks
It's also important to check all of your fluids regularly during the winter season, including oil, coolant, brake fluid and windshield wiper fluid. All of these should be topped up to their recommended levels and replaced if they're found to be expired or otherwise in poor condition.
Oil is especially important for classic cars, so you may want to consider investing in a high-quality synthetic oil blend for your vehicle. This will help protect against any potential problems which could arise from extremely cold temperatures.
Preventing Salt Damage
One common issue which affects classic cars during the winter is salt damage, which can lead to rust and corrosion if it's not addressed properly. To help prevent this issue, make sure you rinse off any salt residue from the car's bodywork with fresh water immediately after each drive.
You should also avoid driving over deep puddles of standing water as much as possible, as this can also cause salt damage. If you're planning to park your classic car for any extended period of time during the winter season, consider waxing it before doing so – this will help protect against corrosion.
Ensure Balance
While ensuring that your classic car is in the best possible condition for winter driving, you still need to pay attention to other aspects such as balance and alignment. If these areas have been neglected, it can lead to significant problems when driving on slick surfaces or in difficult terrain.
If necessary, invest in a suspension kit from Andersen Restoration Parts – this will help ensure that your classic car's alignment is set up correctly, making it safer and more comfortable to drive during the winter season.
Ensure Heating and Defrosting Capabilities
As you're likely aware, classic cars often lack the same level of modern technology as more recent models. This can be a problem during winter driving if your vehicle has limited heating and defrosting capabilities – for example, older windshields may be prone to fogging up or frosting over in cold temperatures.
If this is an issue for you, consider investing in a high-quality heater or defroster to keep your windshield free of any frost or condensation. This will help ensure you have the best possible visibility while driving and make winter journeys more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Driving Safely
Another crucial aspect of winter driving in a classic car is ensuring that you're doing so safely. As always, make sure you're following all applicable traffic laws and staying aware of any potential hazards on the road.
Be prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions or other events which could affect your journey – this includes making sure you have plenty of fuel, a set of warm clothes and other items which may be useful during an emergency situation.
Regular Checks and Maintenance
Finally, while winter driving can be a great way to enjoy your classic car, make sure you're still subjecting it to regular checks and maintenance. This will help reduce the risk of any potential issues arising due to extreme weather conditions or other factors.
If you're not confident in carrying out such checks yourself, then you may want to consider taking your vehicle to a professional auto repair shop, which will be able to carry out an inspection and identify any potential issues.
By taking these steps, you can ensure your classic car is in the best condition possible for winter driving – and also protect it from any potential damage which may arise due to cold temperatures or harsh conditions. Enjoy the roads this winter season!
For more on this, or to learn about our wide selection of classic car restoration parts and services, speak to our team at Andersen Restoration Parts today.