The value of a car depreciates at a much faster rate than almost any other expensive asset you can own. That’s because a lot is demanded of them on a daily basis. It’s easy for vehicles to fall into disrepair as the years go by. And this is certainly the case when it comes to vintage cars. You have to take extra precautions when you’re the owner of a classic vehicle, given that most of them are already very old when you first get them. Whether you’ve just bought a vintage car or you’re thinking about getting one, here’s some advice to help you ensure that it stands the test of time.

Keep it sheltered from the elements.

First of all, it’s essential that you keep your vintage car sheltered from the elements. This is good advice for any vehicle, but it’s a necessity when you own an older vehicle. You should park your car in a dry garage. It’s very important that there’s no damp in your car’s storage space because moisture in the air can corrode the exterior and lead to rust (which can, in turn, damage essential components of your vehicle). It’s a smart idea to get a dehumidifier for your garage space if you’re worried about the damp. Additionally, you should keep the car windows open to let air circulate around the interior. Otherwise, you’re going to be faced with that dreadful “old car” smell inside the cabin, and you’ll find it impossible to concentrate on your driving.

Conduct regular check-ups.

This is another vital component of owning a classic car. Every car owner should know how to conduct self-maintenance checks on their vehicle, but it’s easy to just take your car to be serviced on a regular basis. Whilst this might be fine with most modern cars, however, it’s essential to conduct regular check-ups on your car when you own a vintage model. Unless you have a fortune to spend on getting it professionally serviced every week (by a specialist, at that), you need to know how to look after your own classic vehicle.

You need to make sure you frequently check the fluids (coolant will make sure the engine doesn’t freeze during winter), ensure that your car has a full tank (that way, condensation can’t form inside), and apply lubricant to rust spots (this will prevent it from spreading). You might also want to do some research on the best wax for cars if you don’t know much about waxing. Wax will give your car a polished finish after cleaning it. But it’s not just about the aesthetic; wax will provide an extra layer of protection for your vehicle too.

Drive cautiously and often.

Another important way to ensure that your vintage car stands the test of time is to drive it cautiously. Again, this is good advice for any car, but it’s even more important when you own a classic vehicle because it’s fragile. You need to avoid wearing out the accelerator and the clutch by driving aggressively. It might be tempting to hit 90 miles per hour on the highway, but think about the impact it’ll have on the health of your precious car. Driving your vehicle cautiously will keep it in good shape and ensure that you avoid any expensive breakdowns.

Of course, it’s also important to drive your classic car often. Whilst you don’t want to be a reckless driver and put too much strain on your vehicle, neglecting to drive your car at all is just as bad for it. You have to take it for a spin every couple of weeks just to make sure that everything keeps functioning as it should. You need to keep the engine and the battery working properly. Otherwise, you might try to start up your car after a few months and run into some problems.

Get a professional inspection.

This is the final piece of advice we can give to anyone who’s looking to get a vintage car. The opinion of a professional car inspector is incredibly valuable when it comes to making your decision (assuming you don’t already have the car). No matter how beautiful a classic car might look on the surface, it’s important to get an expert opinion if you want to be sure that it’s going to stand the test of time. When you’re spending that much money, you have to be certain that it’s going to be worth the cost. There’s no point buying a cheap vintage car that’ll cost you a fortune to keep running for a few years at best. It’s better to spend slightly more money on a classic car that’s in better condition and will be easier to maintain (if you follow the advice given throughout this article).