Tips for maintaining, storing, and insuring your collector car

Picture this. You’re driving through town in your 1969 Pontiac Firebird and everyone you pass stops and stares as you go by. Now if you want them to be staring because your collector car is in impeccable condition and not because your car squeals every time you touch the brakes, please take the time to ensure you’re taking proper care of your investment.

Maintenance and storage are incredibly important if you want your collector car to look like it just came off the line. Here are some maintenance and storage tips that could help:

Proper maintenance tips for your collector car

1. Make sure you’re getting regular tune-ups by someone qualified to work on the specific vehicle you have. Older vehicles should only be trusted to skilled technicians.

2. Make sure to wash your vehicle regularly as dust and dirt can damage your paint job.

3. Try to drive your collector car at least once a month as your climate allows. A vehicle was made to be operated, and driving your collector car ensures that all the fluids are properly lubricating. You can also ensure it’s not overheating and the brakes work correctly.

4. Avoid parking on gravel or dirt when parking your collector car. Doing so allows moisture to get into the car from the undercarriage and will cause the vehicle to degrade much faster than if it’s parked on cement.

Proper storage tips for your collector car

1. Make sure you fill your gas tank and change your oil before storing your car for the winter. You will also want to use a fuel stabilizer to guarantee your vehicle is ready to go come spring.

2. Thoroughly clean inside your car to ensure that food particles left inside the vehicle don’t attract animals. 

3. Protect your vehicle with a cloth car cover rather than a plastic one. Plastic covers trap moisture against your vehicle, which causes rust and corrosion.

4. Remove your spark plugs to ensure no moisture is trapped, as this will also lead to corrosion and rust.

Insurance Coverage

The most crucial storage and maintenance tip is getting proper collector car insurance. West Bend covers collector and antique vehicles as long as they meet our guidelines. We classify collector cars as vehicles that are more than 20 years old, and antiques as vehicles that were manufactured before 1950. Please get in touch with your insurance agent for more information and to get a quote on your collector or antique car.

Blog provided by West Bend Insurance.

This article is intended for general educational and illustrative purposes only and should not be construed to communicate legal or professional advice. Further, this article is not an offer to sell insurance. Please consult with your licensed insurance agent for specific coverage details and your insurance eligibility. All policies are subject to the terms, conditions, limitations, definitions, and exclusions contained therein.