Collectible cars always held an undeniable allure to enthusiasts and collectors alike, who regard them as embodiments of art, history, and cultural significance. Indeed, these unique assets embody the spirit of automotive innovation and design and evoke memories of a bygone era. Maintaining collectible cars ensures that these cherished automotive treasures continue to shine for generations to come.
Owning one of these valuable collectibles is a significant investment, emphasizing a must to care for and maintain its unique value. This article offers expert care tips for keeping a collectible timeless when stored and shipped across the country.
Tips for Maintaining a Good Collectible
Owners of collectible cars must keep a car-care checklist that covers the following aspects:
Regular Inspections
Car collectors usually opt to perform car checkups on their own. However, even if they know about collectible systems, they are still recommended to regularly take the car to a specialized mechanic.
Specialized mechanics can better estimate the vehicle’s overall condition. They also have enough resources and equipment needed to perform thorough inspections.
Also, remember to first check the car’s fluid levels and condition when inspecting a collectible, especially when it hasn’t been running for a while.
Consistent Waxing and Cleaning
Regular waxing and cleaning are essential for proper collectible car maintenance. Vehicle detailing also helps preserve its value and longevity.
Moreover, waxing acts as a protective barrier between the car’s paint and external elements. Therefore, it shields the paint from sun damage and repelling water, which can lead to rust and corrosion.
Remember to wrap the car with a protective cover or park it in a proper garage after waxing and cleaning it to keep it shining for prolonged periods.
Taking Regular Rides
People maintaining a collectible must consider taking it for a drive occasionally. Leaving collectible cars idle for a long time hardens and even degrades their components, such as rubber seals, gaskets, and hoses. So, it is essential to proactively address these issues through regular driving, which protects classic cars from corrosion by circulating the fuel and fluids.
Most importantly, driving collectibles occasionally allows collectors to monitor their performance and notice potential problems beforehand.
Tips for Protecting Collectibles During Shipping
Cleaning and inspecting collectible cars are again crucial factors when preparing them for shipping. The following is a step-by-step guide on how to perform proper inspection and detailing for collectibles when shipped across the country:
Thorough Pre-Shipment Inspection
Before entrusting a collectible car to a shipping company, car collectors must conduct a thorough inspection to identify potential transportation issues. Checking for loose trim pieces, unlatched doors or hoods, and any fluid leaks is essential. Address these issues before shipping to prevent further damage during transit:
- Top off all fluids, especially coolant and brake fluid.
- Maintain proper tire inflation and traction.
- Secure all loose items inside the car, such as personal belongings or tools.
- Remove external accessories like roof or bike racks to minimize drag and potential damage.
Professional Cleaning and Detailing
To have your collectible delivered in pristine condition, it must be cleaned and well-maintained before shipping. So, it is paramount to clean collectible cars thoroughly before shipping them. Remember that leaving any dirt, debris, or residue can scratch or damage the paint during transport, which thorough cleaning prevents from happening.
Additionally, proper cleaning and detailing protect cars from moisture and environmental factors. Thus, car collectors should give the following practices a priority when preparing classic cars for shipping:
- Waxing the car. This protects the paint from scratches and fading.
- Clean the interior thoroughly without neglecting carpets, upholstery, and dashboard surfaces.
- Remove any personal belongings or items that could shift during transit.
Tempus Logix is a professional and top-rated car shipping company that ships all vehicle types nationwide. The company offers classic car shipping services in both open and enclosed methods and delivers the car to customers’ doors for maximized safety and convenience.
Conclusion
Collectible cars are a captivating investment for those who appreciate the beauty and history of motoring. Following the tips for maintaining collectibles ensures that these cherished automotive treasures continue to shine for generations to come.
