Spring is almost here, and that means it’s time to dust off your hot rod, cruiser, or even the family car and get it ready for some fun on the open road. But before you hit the streets, there are a few crucial things you need to take care of. I’ve seen a lot of people make the same mistakes when prepping their cars for spring, and I want to make sure you don’t fall into the same traps.
Battery Blues: Don’t Let a Dead Battery Ruin Your First Ride
One of the most common mistakes actually happens before you even put your car away for the winter. If you neglect your battery, you’re going to have a hard time getting it started in the spring. I recommend using a battery charger and maintainer throughout the off-season. This ensures that your battery stays in top condition and is ready to crank when you are. Newer cars, especially those with computer systems or LS swaps, are very sensitive to voltage fluctuations, so a healthy battery is essential. Plus, who wants to buy a new battery if they don’t have to?
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Tire Troubles: Inspect Your Rubber Before You Roll
Before you even think about backing your car out of the garage, take a good look at your tires. Flat tires are no fun, and a tire that blows out on the road can cause serious damage to your car’s sheet metal. Check your tires for proper inflation, weather cracking, and any other signs of damage. If you have a tire that tends to lose air, consider putting the car on jack stands to prevent damage to the sidewall.
Brakes: The Most Important System
When you’re excited to drive your classic car, it’s tempting to jump in, hit the key, and take off. However, you need to check the brakes, especially if the car has been sitting for a while. Press the brake pedal firmly. If it feels spongy or goes to the floor, you have a problem. I’ve heard stories of classic cars crashing through garage doors due to brake failure, so don’t take any chances.
Choke Issues: Tuning For Success
We all know we need to check the fluids before starting our engine, but the next biggest failure point for getting a classic car ready to drive is the choke. If the choke mechanism isn’t working correctly, it can seriously impact how well your car runs. If the choke is stuck on, it will cause the engine to rev too high at idle and make the car difficult to control.
Make sure your choke is set to close correctly. Most chokes have three screws that allow you to adjust the bimetallic strip. The choke wires and connectors are also notorious for breaking. Make sure yours are connected properly and that you’re getting 12 volts to the choke when the key is on. Finally, clean and lubricate the choke linkages to ensure they move freely.
Mystery Puddles: Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs
After you finally get your car out of the garage, pay attention to any mystery puddles that appear underneath it. A puddle under the wheel could indicate a brake fluid leak, which is a serious problem that needs to be addressed immediately. Ignoring these leaks can lead to major component failure.
Cooling and Charging: Keep Your Car Running Smoothly
Two of the biggest failure points on classic cars are cooling and charging system issues. Check the condition of your radiator hoses, belts, and coolant. Also, use a voltmeter to check the output of your alternator to ensure it’s charging the battery properly.
Don’t forget to check your power steering system for leaks, and inspect your suspension components for wear and tear. A little bit of preventative maintenance can go a long way toward keeping your classic car running smoothly.
So, before you hit the streets this spring, take the time to give your car a thorough inspection. By addressing these common issues, you’ll be able to enjoy your classic car without any unexpected breakdowns or costly repairs.
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