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For many car enthusiasts, having a classic car is the ultimate goal.  Whether it’s in cherry condition or an ongoing project, having a classic car in some ways defines you as a car enthusiast.

And of course, once you attain your dream of having one of these cars, you have to be sure to take good care of it, so that it gains rather than loses value.  Here are a few suggestions for caring for your classic car.

• Be aggressive about keeping up on all preventative maintenance.  Change your oil and other fluids on time — early, if possible.  With your daily driver you might let it slide a bit, but with your baby it’s just not worth the risk.
• Keep your classic car clean.  Dirt left on can dull paint, retain moisture and lead to rust.  Wash your car and keep it clear of visible dirt, and be sure to polish and wax the paint regularly for that added level of protection.
• Keep the engine bay and undercarriage clean.  This is just as important, if not more so, as keeping the paint clean and waxed.  Fight  rust and corrosion by power washing the undercarriage after driving in snow or rain, or even just on dirty roads.  Also, keeping the engine bay clean allows you to notice leaks right away, and makes working on the car easier.
• Keep your classic car garaged.  Garaging a car is important because it keeps it out of the elements, preventing rust, hail damage, faded paint, and other problems that come from being left outside.  If you don’t have a garage, you might be able to rent a self storage unit that will hold a car for not very much a month.
• Drive your classic car only in good weather.  The best way to take good care of your classic car, of course, is not to drive it in poor conditions.  Dry, sunny days are the best for showing off your car.  The rest of the year, your daily commuter will do just fine — even if it’s not as much fun to drive!

Is there anything important that I’ve left out?  What precautions do you take with your classic car?

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