TIPS FOR GETTING YOUR CLASSIC BACK ON THE ROAD
As a New Hampshire Classic Car Insurance Agency we are pleased to share with you some helpful ideas on how to get your classic or antique car back on the road. Message below provided by Hagerty.
The classic car experts at Hagerty® have put together the following start-up checklist. If your car has
been sitting for a while, take the time to prep before a long drive. You’ll both be better for it.
Start with your battery. If it’s been on a trickle charger all winter, disconnect it from the charger
and reconnect the battery. If you simply removed the battery and stored it in a warmer spot for the
winter, time to charge it up.
Check your fluids. Start with a walk around and examine the floor beneath the car. Drips are
common and expected; puddles are not. A fresh oil change is recommended since water or other
fluids may have found their way in your crankcase. While you’re at it, replace the oil filter. Also
check your other fluids – brakes, coolant, transmission, windshield washer. Do they look dirty? Are
they at the recommended level? Smell your transmission fluid. If it smells burnt, change it.
Generally speaking, if you can’t remember the last time you drained and flushed any particular fluid,
it’s probably time to do it again. As for gasoline, your car should be good to go if you put STA-BIL in
the gas tank before storing your car. If not, you might consider adding a water-absorbing product or
– if you’re really worried about it – drain the tank.
Check your belts and hoses for cracks and decay. Since rubber breaks down over time,
examine the condition of your tires. Make sure they’re inflated to the correct air pressure, and
remember the spare. In addition to potentially damaging your engine, water can cause brake problems as well. If your car has been sitting for a while, consider bleeding your brakes. They should feel firm when you push
the pedal.
By this point, you should already know if any mice spent a comfortable winter in or around your
engine. Also check inside the passenger compartment, especially under the seats and in the
glove box. And one last thing – check the headlights, turn signals and brake lights. Yes, this
requires a friend’s help.
It’s finally time to start your car. If you’re just testing the engine, make sure an exit door is open
enough to allow exhaust fumes to escape. If the weather allows for a drive, make that first one fairly
short – a half hour or so should put the car through its proper paces. And before you take drive No.
2, do the ol’ walk-around again. No major leaks? Tires look good?
Let ’er rip, and enjoy the drive!
If you love your classic car and want to make sure you get the best NH CLASSIC or NH VINTAGE CAR INSURANCE CALL ATLANTIC INSURANCE today at 603-882-2909.
As a New Hampshire Classic Car Insurance Agency we are pleased to share with you some helpful ideas on how to get your classic or antique car back on the road. Message below provided by Hagerty.
The classic car experts at Hagerty® have put together the following start-up checklist. If your car has
been sitting for a while, take the time to prep before a long drive. You’ll both be better for it.
Start with your battery. If it’s been on a trickle charger all winter, disconnect it from the charger
and reconnect the battery. If you simply removed the battery and stored it in a warmer spot for the
winter, time to charge it up.
Check your fluids. Start with a walk around and examine the floor beneath the car. Drips are
common and expected; puddles are not. A fresh oil change is recommended since water or other
fluids may have found their way in your crankcase. While you’re at it, replace the oil filter. Also
check your other fluids – brakes, coolant, transmission, windshield washer. Do they look dirty? Are
they at the recommended level? Smell your transmission fluid. If it smells burnt, change it.
Generally speaking, if you can’t remember the last time you drained and flushed any particular fluid,
it’s probably time to do it again. As for gasoline, your car should be good to go if you put STA-BIL in
the gas tank before storing your car. If not, you might consider adding a water-absorbing product or
– if you’re really worried about it – drain the tank.
Check your belts and hoses for cracks and decay. Since rubber breaks down over time,
examine the condition of your tires. Make sure they’re inflated to the correct air pressure, and
remember the spare. In addition to potentially damaging your engine, water can cause brake problems as well. If your car has been sitting for a while, consider bleeding your brakes. They should feel firm when you push
the pedal.
By this point, you should already know if any mice spent a comfortable winter in or around your
engine. Also check inside the passenger compartment, especially under the seats and in the
glove box. And one last thing – check the headlights, turn signals and brake lights. Yes, this
requires a friend’s help.
It’s finally time to start your car. If you’re just testing the engine, make sure an exit door is open
enough to allow exhaust fumes to escape. If the weather allows for a drive, make that first one fairly
short – a half hour or so should put the car through its proper paces. And before you take drive No.
2, do the ol’ walk-around again. No major leaks? Tires look good?
Let ’er rip, and enjoy the drive!
If you love your classic car and want to make sure you get the best NH CLASSIC or NH VINTAGE CAR INSURANCE CALL ATLANTIC INSURANCE today at 603-882-2909.
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