Preparing your classic car for driving after winter storage is essential to ensure safety, reliability, and optimal performance. Since winter is officially over with the start of spring officially here. For most of the country, that means it is time to start pulling classic and collectible vehicles out of their seasonal slumber. Here in the Northeast, we hit our first couple days with 70-degree temps recently. And like clockwork, old cars and trucks started to emerge from hibernation with the local meet ups already underway.
Preparing your classic car for its first drive of the season after winter storage is essential to starting out the season right. It is better to find a problem early than in that big drive later in the year.
Here are the steps you should take preparing your classic car:
Inspect the Exterior:
Thoroughly inspect the exterior of the car for any signs of damage, such as dents, scratches, or rust. Clean the exterior to remove any dirt, grime, or salt residue accumulated during storage.
Check Fluid Levels:
Check all fluid levels, including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Top off any fluids that are low and replace any fluids that appear dirty or contaminated.
Look For Leaks:
Hose rubber can make a fantastic side dish for rodents that may have moved into your stored vehicle while you were away. And cold temperatures can wreak havoc on rubber components like seals and hoses.
Before starting a car after winter storage, check for gnawed or cracked tubing. Look for leaks, too — they are often a telltale sign of an issue that needs to be addressed. If you do find a leak, use the table below to help troubleshoot what type of fluid you have found:
Fluid Type | Color | Feeling | Smell |
Automatic transmission | Red | Viscous | Slightly sweet |
Used motor oil | Brown or black | Viscous | Little to none— sometimes smells slightly burnt |
Fresh motor or gear oil | Yellow or amber | Viscous | Little to none— slightly odiferous |
Gasoline or diesel | Yellow, clear, or straw-colored | Gasoline is thin and often cool to the touch. | Smells like fuel. Odiferous |
Engine coolant | Green, yellow, blue, red, or orange | Medium viscosity, slick | Often smells sweet |
Windshield wiper fluid | Any color in the rainbow | Thin and slick | Little to none — sometimes slightly soapy |
Inspect the Battery:
Check the condition of the battery and clean the terminals if necessary. If the battery was disconnected during storage, reconnect it and ensure it is securely mounted. Consider testing the battery’s voltage and charging it if needed.
Check Tire Pressure:
Inspect the tires for signs of damage, cracking, or uneven wear. Check the tire pressure and inflate them to the recommended level specified in the owner’s manual or on the tire sidewall.
Inspect Brakes and Suspension:
Inspect the brake system for any signs of damage, such as worn brake pads, leaking brake fluid, or damaged brake lines. Check the suspension components for wear, corrosion, or damage.
Check Belts and Hoses:
Inspect the engine belts and hoses for signs of wear, cracking, or deterioration. Replace any belts or hoses that appear damaged or worn.
Test Lights, Signals and Wipers:
Test all exterior lights, including headlights, taillights, turn signals, brake lights, and hazard lights. Replace any bulbs that are burnt out or not functioning properly.
Start the Engine:
Start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes to allow the fluids to circulate and the engine to warm up. Listen for any unusual noises or vibrations that may indicate mechanical problems.
Drive Gently:
Take your classic car for a short test drive to ensure everything is functioning properly. Start with gentle driving to allow the engine, transmission, brakes, and suspension to warm up gradually. Do not forget to take your phone along with you and let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. It might be wise to have someone follow you for “sweep” duty in case something fails or falls off. Worst case, they can check out the car while it goes down the road.
Monitor Performance:
Pay attention to how the car handles, accelerates, brakes, and shifts gears during the test drive. If you notice any issues or abnormalities, address them promptly to prevent further damage or safety hazards.
Schedule Maintenance:
After the test drive, schedule any necessary maintenance or repairs based on your observations and any recommendations from your mechanic. This may include oil changes, brake adjustments, fluid flushes, or other services to ensure the car is in top condition for regular driving.
Finally
By following these steps and conducting a thorough inspection and test drive, you can ensure your classic car is ready to hit the road safely and reliably after winter storage. If you are unsure about any aspect of the inspection or maintenance process, consult with a qualified mechanic or automotive technician with experience working on classic cars.
