Few things are quite as cool as a vintage ride. Unfortunately, maintaining that level of cool generally comes with a price. If you’re not willing to keep up with repairs, your vintage vehicle isn’t going to last very long. If you want to keep your vintage car on the road, you’ll want to follow these four tips.
Find a Specialized Mechanic
One of the most important relationships you’ll have is with your mechanic. You can’t just take a vintage vehicle into any shop, though – you need to find someone who is skilled at working on vintage cars. This doesn’t just mean finding an older mechanic, though. In many cases, you’ll want to seek out someone who has a passion for older vehicles to help you keep your ride on the road.
Get Spare Parts Online
It’s also a good idea to start stockpiling parts. If you care about ensuring that every piece of your vehicle is original, you’re going to be competing for a limited set of replacements. Stocking up on type 2 VW bus parts when you don’t need them will not only make it easier for you to repair your van, for example, but it will stop you from having to hunt down the parts when you’re not in a position to pay a premium for them.
Network with Other Owners
Getting plugged into a network of other classic vehicle lovers is a good way to make sure that you’re always in the know when it comes to vintage vehicle news. You can join local car clubs or even online groups to meet people who know more about maintenance and where to get parts than you do. At the very least joining one of these networks will give you a way to share your love of vintage vehicles with new friends.
Use High-Quality Fuel
Finally, try to remember to fill up on high-quality fuel. The higher quality the fuel, the less wear and tear you’re going to end up putting on the engine. It might not be the biggest maintenance-saving tip out there, but it’s a little thing that you can do without having to put in too much extra effort.
Always make sure that you know the right people and get access to the right resources when you have a vintage vehicle. Keeping the vehicle on the road will require extra work, but it is ultimately worthwhile. If you can stay ahead of maintenance, you can enjoy the car for many years to come.