For many, vintage cars are a seasonal passion that is experienced during the sunny days. The rest of the time, cars sleep in the garage waiting for the next rays of sunshine. But some still drive despite the weather. Here are some tips for both cases.
Preparing your vintage car for winter storage
For wintering, everyone has their own little recipe and solutions that can range from a simple shutdown to complete preparation so that storage takes place in the best conditions.
We offer you a brief review of things to undertake, not all of which are necessarily good ideas.
Be careful with the battery
In fact, this is the advice that applies to every period of immobilization, even if it is only two days: disconnect the battery or at least take care of it. Bad contacts happen quickly, and a battery drains quickly!
The risk is simply that you won't be able to start when the good weather returns. It would be stupid to miss the start of the season for that.
In fact, you don't have to disconnect the battery completely, there are many battery disconnect solutions, some installed in the passenger compartment, others under the hood... And you also have the option of connecting a CTEK charger to the battery. In addition to recharging it, it will maintain the battery charge as long as it remains connected.
Tires
Normally, it is not in one winter that your tires will be damaged... if they are already in good condition. But if they are worn or slightly underinflated, watch out for flat spots. There are small, simple solutions, TyreGuard curved ABS plastic shims, or Reifenkissen foam cushions to put under the tires.
The load of the car on the tire is distributed over more surface area which will alleviate the problems caused by deflation.
Empty your tank
Not everyone sees the point, but just think that fuels are full of additives. And while some won't budge, others can create a deposit. And we can easily understand the problem of these deposits when restarting the car, when they will clog your hose and make the car sputter.
However, once drained, it is advisable to apply an anti-corrosion product inside the tank to prevent condensation, which is natural in this enclosed space, from gradually attacking your tank.
Check the coolant
Just because you put in a coolant with antifreeze doesn't mean it will last forever. The same goes for the can you've been storing for several years. You'll need to remember to check that the liquid hasn't deteriorated.
There are antifreeze testers if needed, little things that will tell you how cold the liquid you have can get.
Cover your beautiful
Finally, you can simply cover it to keep it warm... No, actually, it's mainly to avoid small accidents. It's not because you turn off the ignition for the winter that you won't approach your car.
And even less so going to get your grandson's bike, right behind the car... It is mainly to avoid damaging it when you go around it (or even put things on it) that it is advisable to cover your car.
Be careful though: use a suitable cover. It must not be airtight to avoid condensation inside and help rust to eat away at your car even faster. Conversely, you should avoid thick cotton or wool covers that could retain moisture, which would be in direct contact with the bodywork! You can contact our partner Car Cover France who will be happy to advise you.
Driving a vintage car in winter
For some, this may seem absurd. Why risk your beauty on slippery roads, or with salt, when you can calmly wait for spring?
Because for some, we can't wait to drive, whatever the weather, and for others it's simply the choice made to use their vintage car on a daily basis.
In any case, you can take some precautions in winter to avoid crashing into the back of a 208 and scratching your bumper (try it, it's really very unbalanced).
Keep the battery in shape
No, we are not repeating ourselves, the battery must be pampered when stationary, but for other reasons when it is operating in winter.
Already the cold. Electricity and cold don't mix very well, a story of electron excitation, in short, your battery won't like temperatures that are too low. There are no 25 solutions, you have to cover it.
In addition, it will have to be efficient, because alternators are often a little less so. So, with the constraints of winter driving, we will draw more on the battery. The constraints? Heating, headlights on more often, in fact that's already enough!
Help your starter and the choke
Your battery will already have a bit of trouble, and starting is often the phase that will cause you the most problems during winter use.
You can help your car with various starter bombs. The principle is always the same: play on the air-fuel mixture, already helped by the starter.
Then, moisture will not help your igniter to properly launch the first explosions. This is where having an electronic ignition kit installed will help your car.
Use chains!
Driving in winter means there is a chance of snow. Of course, you won't take your old car out for fun if the road has become an ice rink, but you can never be safe from getting caught out.
So the advice is the same as for a modern one: use chains! It's not because you have an old one that you won't find some. As with many supplies, thanks to the internet you can find supplies for all frames.
Here are our little tips, and you, do you have others? Share them!
