First of all, a little maintenance is on the program. So it’s the dirt of the year on the collar and not only on the surface of the paint, but a little more thoroughly. Leaves, dirt and other contaminants also settle in the drains and water tanks in the engine compartment. Stubborn dirt can sometimes also be found on the underbody. But be careful: If you use a high-pressure cleaner, you should handle it very carefully and keep a good distance from the vehicle. Otherwise sensitive components, tires or seals could suffer.
Special care for chrome and plastic parts
There are special remedies for the correct care of chrome and plastic parts. The best thing to do is to test in a concealed place whether the selected product matches the materials of the vehicle. If you own an expensive or even rare oldie, you can of course hire a specialist company specializing in old-timer care to clean it.
Every material needs the right cleaning agent
If you clear out your vehicle after a long driving season, you will find all sorts of memorabilia and probably a lot of dust in all corners of the interior. When cleaning, the upholstery and dashboard should be treated with special care products. You shouldn’t dare to experiment with leather, in particular. First clean the surfaces gently and then treat them with a special leather care product. Pay particular attention to the age of the vehicle. In the case of convertibles, it is also advisable to wash the top carefully. While you do something good for hinges with oil or grease, seals and other rubber parts enjoy a layer of Vaseline. A little tip: if you leave the hood slightly open during hibernation, the joints and fabric are not under tension. In no case should you leave the convertible with the top down for a long time.
Add oil and fuel
A bit of fresh oil is not only an important ingredient in cooking, it also helps with wintering a classic car. In the course of operation, acids and other aggressive substances form in the oil, which attack metal parts and seals. It is best to park the car with a full tank so that it does not rust. A lot of air in the tank promotes the formation of condensation, which can corrode metal tanks. Check the antifreeze on the windshield wiper system and cooling water, and fold down the windshield wipers so that the lips do not press flat.
Pay attention to the cavities
Every few years, vintage car owners should also meticulously examine the cavity seal. This is particularly true for cars with a self-supporting body, i.e. especially for post-war models. But older vehicles with a frame construction also have cavities. The seal must be undamaged and intact, otherwise there is a risk of corrosion and costly repairs.
Increase tire pressure before going into hibernation
Before going into hibernation, the tire pressure should also be adjusted: a slightly increased pressure of 2.5 to 3 bar is recommended for the tires during the idle time. To avoid standing plates, it helps to change the position of the vehicle slightly from time to time. The battery is only disconnected from classic cars and connected to a maintenance device. In modern cars with their complex electronics, the power storage should remain connected.
Ventilation prevents mold
The ideal place for the car to hibernate is a dry and well-ventilated garage or hall. Before you mothball your baby for a long time, you open the side windows a little at the end to prevent mold from forming. (Authors: ef / sp-x, tv)