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Ensure Your Classic Car Survives This Winter
Author: Lancaster Insurance Services - 13/12/2011
Without correct storage through the winter months the damp and sometimes harsh British weather can cause severe and lasting damage on your prized classic car. Following these simple tips could save you the costly trip to the garage when spring comes around.
Wash – Firstly before taking your vehicle off the road for winter you must thoroughly wash your car, including the underneath, any dirt or excess fluid can cause damage or even allow fungi to grow if left over time. Once the vehicle is air dried it is important to also protect any wood or leather in the vehicle, such as a good quality shampoo and treatment for leather, and wiping any wood with linseed oil.
General checks – Make general checks on your vehicle such as tyre pressure, oil levels, that your anti freeze is roughly 50/50 solution, and test your coolant with a hydrometer. Another useful tip would be to help increase corrosion protection by re-greasing any grease points.
Storage – The best place to store your vehicle would be in a large dry airy space. Storing in a wood or brick building is preferable to concrete as this tends to be damper in the winter months. If this is not possible an inflatable plastic tent could be your best option. When you are storing your vehicle for 4 months or more it is a good idea to jack the whole vehicle up to avoid tyre damage. If your vehicle will be in direct sunlight you can help to protect the interior by covering it with blankets or sheets.
Engine – To ensure you have a healthy engine make sure you start it at least once a month for an extended time, as short bursts can drain your battery. Also it is a good idea to regularly pump the clutch so as to stop any damage being caused from the friction plate sticking to the flywheel.
Insurance – If your vehicle is off the road for any length of time inform your insurance company and you could be eligible for a laid up policy, call Lancaster Insurance on 01480 484848 which could save you money.
Fuel – Do not leave your fuel tank nearly empty as this can cause corrosion to your engine. Modern fuels are more likely to ‘go off’, it is advised to add a preservative to help prevent this and can also help deter corrosion or you can simply ensure that the fuel tank is full.
Simply drive your beloved classic vehicle as often as possible to avoid damage.
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Do you have a driving ambition to make all your childhood hopes and dreams come true by purchasing the ultimate classic car you’ve always wanted?
Your dream machine is likely to be a car which you could never quite afford back in the day but that you always hoped one day you might own.
The first thing to consider when buying your classic car is whether you want it fully restored and ready to drive, or whether you want to take on the challenge and restore the vehicle yourself.
The decision to extensively restore a classic car is not an easy one. You must consider your own personal capabilities, the ease of obtaining replacement parts and the cost, labour costs for essential maintenance and also that of storage if you do not have anywhere to keep the vehicle whilst it is under restoration.
Vehicles can be found for sale in a variety of places. Good places to try are specialist magazines, internet trading sites, private sellers, auctions, motor dealers, retention yards and local newspapers.
Almost every type of classic car will have its own enthusiast community which is typically called a classic car owners club. Members share their enthusiasm and enjoyment of their particular car with other owners. These clubs are set up with the aim of providing their members with a great number of benefits. They typically offer discounts off replacement parts and may also provide workshop facilities for maintenance repairs by qualified engineers. They organise various events which enable you to meet other like minded enthusiasts, such as shows, road runs, rallies, picnics, circuit races, tours, restoration shows and road trips abroad.
To keep costs down bear in mind that cars manufactured before 1973 are tax exempt. When it comes to insuring your prized possession make sure you do not undervalue it. Specialist classic car insurance companies such as Lancaster Insurance, offer an ‘Agreed Valuation’ facility which means that in the event of a total loss claim you will be paid a pre-agreed amount.
Classic car insurance premiums are normally cheaper than those for your modern car because your car is generally better maintained and driven fewer miles (resulting in fewer claims).
So if you have ever contemplated buying a truly desirable classic car what are you waiting for? Without people like you who have the inspiration, drive and determination the Classic Cars of today will be something of the past for the youngsters of today!
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