How To Weatherproof Your Classic Car

Protecting your car from weather damage can be an issue for any driver, but even more so if you are the proud owner of a classic car.

The additional years since your car's production means it needs that little extra TLC to make sure it remains in prime condition.

This is especially important during the current winter months, with road salt and extreme cold providing extra risk to classic car collectors.

We have put together a list of some of the biggest culprits for weather damage, and some tips on how to deal with them.

Rain

Whenever moisture and oxygen are together on untreated metal, rust is liable to form.

Make sure that your car is prepared for this by inspecting your car for damage regularly, and make sure that any exposed metal on the framework and body is covered and treated.

Additionally, make sure that when you park, do so in a covered area or bring a waterproof cover for your car. 

Cold

Extreme cold can affect your car, especially if you don’t use it as much during the winter months.

If you are using your car regularly in the cold then make sure your car is properly prepared with antifreeze, wiper fluid, and winter safe tires, and that all fluid levels are topped up.

If you are not planning to use your car much, or at all, during winter, try and take your car out at least once a month to keep the engine in prime condition, and leave it in a dry environment.

For an extra precaution, you could take the battery out of your car, as leaving it unused for months may cause difficulty starting the engine when spring rolls around.

Salt

Road salt can be an issue for classic car drivers as it will eat through paintwork and corrode exposed metal if it is left untreated.

This can be an issue throughout the year if you live near the sea, but the prevalence of road salting to improve driving conditions needs to be considered if you are driving your car during the winter months.

In order to combat this, make sure you wash your car regularly and thoroughly, placing emphasis on areas with exposed metal work.

Waxing your car will also give you an extra layer of protection.

Heat

Most drivers plan for the winter and are aware of the issues it can present to classic cars, but few consider the adverse effects that sunny weather can have.

Leaving your car exposed to consistent sunlight can cause fading in paintwork, especially in older cars.

To avoid this make sure that you keep your car covered when parked, and out of sunlight where possible.

Heat can also cause damage to tires, so make sure that you check tire pressure and quality to avoid damage.

Weather is often unpredictable, especially in the UK, but following these simple tips and understanding how weather conditions can affect your car will leave you in a better position to enjoy your car all year round.

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