Getting ready for spring Leave a comment

If you own a classic car, winter storage is often an essential part of its maintenance. However, as the winter comes to an end, it’s time to bring your prized possession back on the road and ready for warmer weather and a full calendar of classic car events. At Motaclan we recommend some simple checks before getting your classic back on the road.

The first thing you should do is check the battery. If it was not disconnected during storage, check its voltage and recharge it if necessary. You can do this by using a voltmeter to check the voltage. A good battery should have a voltage reading of 12.6 volts or higher. If it was disconnected, reconnect it and ensure that the battery terminals are clean.

Next check the tyre pressures; after a long winter, your classic car’s tyres may be flat or have low pressure. You should also check the tires for any signs of wear or damage and if the tyres are more than six years old, it’s time to replace them.

It’s a good idea to change the oil even if the car was not driven during storage, as old oil can become contaminated and acidic over time, which can cause engine damage. Remember to change the oil filter as well. Whilst you’re checking to oil, the other fluid levels may also need attention including coolant, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid (if applicable!). If any are low or contaminated, it’s best to replace them. If the car was stored with a full tank of fuel, it may have deteriorated over time. Check for signs of water or debris in the fuel and drain it if necessary. Refill with fresh petrol and consider adding a fuel stabiliser to prevent it from deteriorating in the future.

Check the brakes for wear and ensure that the brake fluid is at the correct level. If the car was parked for an extended period, the brake pads may have rusted to the rotors, so test the brakes carefully before driving.

You should also inspect the suspension of your classic car to make sure it’s in good working condition. This includes checking the shocks, struts, and springs for any signs of wear or damage. If any of the suspension components are damaged, it’s important to repair them before taking your car out for a drive.

Test all the lights and the electrical system, including the horn, wipers, and heater. Check that the battery is charging correctly and that the alternator is working. If the car has been stored for a long time, it may take a while for the engine to turn over so be patient and don’t crank it for too long. Once it starts, let it idle for a few minutes to warm up before driving.

Take it slow when you take your classic car out for its first drive after storage, don’t push the car too hard or travel too far until you’re confident that everything is working correctly. Be prepared to stop and check everything if you notice any problems.

Getting your classic car back on the road after winter storage requires some preparation and careful checking, but these routine checks could prevent your first spring journey from being a troublesome one, and at Motaclan we have all the spares you need from fluids and filters to spare brake and suspension components for classic MGs, Minis, Jaguars, Triumphs, TVRs and more. If you can’t find what you are looking for or need any advice from our experts please don’t hesitate to get in touch.