Five essential checks to prepare your classic car ahead of the new season

With the start of the classic car season on the horizon, many enthusiasts will be looking forward to getting out and enjoying their classic after a long winter.  

Leaving your classic in storage over the winter months can cause damage. Here are five essential checks owners should consider before getting back in the driver’s seat.   

1. Thoroughly check the tyres

Tyre checks are one of the most important things you can do after prolonged storage. You’ll need to check the tread depth and the sidewalls for cracks, and inside the tread for fractures too. The rubber should also be relatively soft; if it’s hard, this could mean a loss of grip. As well as the wheels, check the tyre pressure and spokes, as they can tend to break off or loosen when unused for a long period of time.

It’s recommended to replace your tyres every five years, or sooner if there are signs of damage. Many classic car owners will also opt to change their tyres from winter to summer equivalents to help improve driving performance.

2. Ensure engine fluids are at optimum levels

Before taking your classic for a spin, make sure the brake fluid, washer fluid, and clutch fluid levels are all in range. Engine oil checks are also recommended, especially as oil has a limited lifespan. If a car hasn’t been used for more than six months, it’s likely the oil’s quality and efficiency will have been reduced, so a top up is advised.  

It's also wise to see if any animals have taken up residence in the engine bay – mice and birds can nibble on wiring, eat sections of rubber hoses or connectors to make nests, or store nuts inside empty spaces.

3. Inspect the brakes

As well as the brake fluid, it’s important to also check your brakes. It’s best not to keep your handbrake on when storing your classic, as this can cause significant wear on your brake pads and rotors. Inspect the brake pads and consider changing them if they have worn or separated and leave the car in gear next time you park up for an extended period.

4. Look at your fuel

Fuel will generally last around 6-9 months, so there shouldn't be any issues if you filled up your car before storing away for the winter. Check and replace your fuel filters in the system, and if your classic is running rough upon starting back up, you can always flush and drain your tank to help.

5. Have a professional check up

If you’re not sure how to conduct these checks yourself, or if you’d like a second opinion, then you can take your car to a classic-friendly garage for a check over. Generally, classics over 40 years old do not require an MOT, but you can still ask for the car to be tested to MOT standards. Even if not required, owners have a responsibility to ensure their classic is roadworthy at all times.

When you are starting your car after a long period of time, start slowly. Let the engine run up to temperature, check for any issues, let it cool, and perform your checks again before driving.

There’s a lot to consider before starting up your classic car ahead of a new season. Preparing for the new season begins in the winter, and there’s plenty that can be done during this time, such as using a trickle charger for your battery, keeping your car properly covered, and topping up the fuel tank.

The start of the season is an exciting time for many of us, and we hope these tips help classic car enthusiasts get back out on the road safely this springtime.