While different owners of classic cars will have varying goals for their restoration and maintenance, one of the single most common across most such vehicle owners is maintaining long-term value. Whether to potentially sell down the line or simply as your own asset, there are a number of things you can do to keep the value of your classic car as high as possible on a regular basis.

At Andersen Restoration Parts, we're here to offer a huge variety of classic car restoration parts to assist you in these efforts. Our products include everything from front-end rebuild kits to steering parts, suspension kits, OEM parts and numerous others, and many of these serve the vital role of helping increase or maintain the value of any classic vehicle. What are some general tips we regularly offer clients on maintaining their car's value? Here's a primer.

Regular Maintenance Sessions

Normal vehicles require regular maintenance to keep them running well, and this theme is heightened when it comes to classic cars. Many vintage vehicles are finicky and require more frequent tune-ups, oil changes and other work to stay in good working order.

Neglecting this type of maintenance will not only decrease the value of your car but also make it less safe and reliable to drive. Rather, by proactively performing tune-ups and other work according to the schedule in your car's owner's manual, you can keep it running better for longer - not to mention improve its resale value down the line.

Restoration When Needed

Part of maintaining a classic car's value is also making proactive decisions about when to engage in full or partial restoration. In many cases, a car's value will actually increase after a thorough restoration, provided it's done correctly.

Of course, the key here is to only undertake such work when necessary and to utilize high-quality parts that will enhance (rather than take away from) the vehicle's value. This is another area where Andersen Restoration Parts can be of assistance, as we only sell the highest quality classic car parts to help you achieve optimal results.

Storage

It's also important to take care in how you store your classic car when it's not in use. Many vintage vehicles are best kept indoors in a temperature-controlled environment, as excessive heat or cold can damage various car parts and lead to a decrease in value.

Additionally, be sure to keep your classic car clean and free of dust when it's not being driven. This will help preserve the vehicle's paint job and other external features, both of which can play a role in its value.

Keeping Original Parts Where Possible

If long-term value is your top priority for your classic car, then you'll want to take care to keep as many of the original parts as possible. These parts will often be more valuable than aftermarket replacements, so it's worth going the extra mile to preserve them.

Of course, there will be times when replacement parts are necessary. In these cases, be sure to purchase high-quality aftermarket classic car parts that will complement the rest of your vehicle. These products should be designed to fit your make and model specifically, and they should also match the look of your classic car as closely as possible.

Pump Brakes Occasionally

While certain sounds are distinctive to classic cars and may actually increase their value, one sound that does not fit this bill is any kind of squeaking or grinding coming from the brakes. Not only is this sound indicative of a potential safety issue, but it can also negatively affect the value of your vintage vehicle.

To avoid any brake problems (and the corresponding decrease in value), be sure to have your brakes checked and serviced regularly. You should also pump your brakes every few months or so even if they don't seem to need it, as this can help prevent any issues from developing.

Drive it Regularly

While no one is saying you have to take your classic car to the race track to keep it in good shape, it is important to drive it on a regular basis. This will help keep all the car's parts in good working order and prevent them from becoming seized up from lack of use.

Additionally, driving your classic car regularly can actually increase its value over time. This is due to the fact that many vintage vehicles become more valuable as they age, provided they've been well-maintained.

Consider the Tires

Another important factor to keep in mind when it comes to maintaining the value of your classic car is the condition of the tires. In many cases, the original tires on a vintage vehicle will be long past their prime, which can affect both its safety and its value.

If you're not planning to drive your classic car very often, then you may want to consider storing it on jack stands. This will take the weight off the tires and help preserve them for a longer period of time.

Additionally, be sure to check the condition of your classic car's tires regularly, even if you're not planning to drive it. If they show any signs of wear or damage, then it's best to replace them as soon as possible.

For more on how to maintain the value of any classic car, or to learn about our classic car restoration parts and services, speak to the team at Andersen Restoration Parts today.