Classic cars are an expensive investment. There is a huge variety of classic cars out there and the demand is ever increasing as well. People who like to own supercars prefer having one or two classic cars in their garage for their charm and elegance. But the upkeep of these vehicles is a lot more since old age, rust, and wear and tear ruin the finish and visual appeal. You have to consider having a garage for car and should install a paint protection film on the car’s exterior. If you know how to take care of such cars, you should opt for one. Let’s take a look at how you can protect your classic car from outdoor elements to keep it looking brand new.
Regularly Polish The Vehicle
Most of the classic cars found around the world usually sit in the garage until they show their presence at special car events and related occasions. In the meantime, a classic car sitting in a garage should be maintained and regularly polished.
The purpose of polishing a car is to keep the paint looking new and fresh. You have to keep in mind that the paint job and finish of classic cars will become weak and fade with time. Modern paint jobs are a lot more durable and reliable considering the advanced technologies and techniques.
A vehicle belonging to the 80s or 90s will have a paint job that is a lot more sensitive. This means, dirt, dust and other external factors are going to have a major impact on its paint quality. So, to prevent such factors from affecting the finish, you need to regularly polish the vehicle to keep it fresh.
Cover The Vehicle
Since classic cars are meant to rest and are not used on a daily basis, it is only logical to protect them using a cover. Now, one thing you should consider when it comes to using a cover to protect your classic vehicle is the quality and type of the cover.
Car covers come in different varieties based on the budget, needs, and preferences. You should opt for microfiber covers that ensure your classic car is not scratched or damaged while it rests in the garage or outside. These covers are relatively more expensive than the regular ones but are specifically made to keep the vehicle protected from extreme weather conditions and external factors.
Plus, you should also ensure to opt for a cover that is a perfect fit. The good news is that you can get a custom cover made for your classic car as well. A cover that is either too loose or tight is going to be a problem. With a loose cover, you will not be able to prevent dirt, dust, and moisture from affecting the vehicle.
Meanwhile, a cover too tight is going to make it difficult for you to remove and cover the vehicle when needed. So, you should measure the dimensions of the vehicle and get a custom cover made for it, if possible.
Install PPF
Perhaps the best way to protect your classic car is by installing a paint protection film. This is the most expensive option but the most effective as well. Paint protection films are sheets that are installed on the car and they protect your car from scratches and chips.
The process of installing a PPF film takes place in multiple stages. In the beginning, the vehicle is thoroughly cleaned and washed. This is an important step as it removes the dirt and dust that directly impact the lifespan and durability of the film.
The process of cleaning the vehicle takes time as experts use tools to remove even the tiniest of particles. For instance, a clay bar is used followed by polishing and compounding the vehicle. Once the vehicle has been thoroughly cleaned, the experts measure the dimensions of the vehicle and cut the film accordingly for installation.
Finally, after the installation, the film is left to cure for a certain period. The curing process helps bond the film properly to the vehicle. The curing process speeds up in warm temperatures while it slows down in cold temperatures.
Plus, the experts have to ensure there are no air bubbles or areas left to cover that could impact the durability of the film. So, depending on the vehicle, it could take a few days or even weeks to install a paint protection film.
Plus, you are also provided a guarantee or warranty if the film happens to peel off or turn yellow with time. This ensures that your investment is protected.
Regularly Wash The Vehicle
A vehicle sitting in a garage under the covers is still going to need maintenance. With a cover installed, you are simply protecting the vehicle’s body but with time, the paint is going to need a thorough cleanup and polishing.
It is a common misconception that vehicles parked under the covers do not need regular washing. Instead, these vehicles need to be washed at least once a week or two. But the case is different if there is snow outside and the temperatures are below freezing.
It’s recommended to avoid washing your car if there is a lot of moisture or humidity. Wait until the sun comes out and the temperature is sufficient enough to help the car dry. Also, you should not wash or polish the vehicle directly under the sun.
It can lead to spots that are hard to get rid of. Always read and follow the instructions mentioned on the products you are using. Removing spots and other issues requires force and harsh chemicals that affect the finish and paint quality.
However, if you installed paint protection film or auto window tinting Springfield recently, avoid washing the car until the film is dried and cured.
Opt For Professional Care
Classic cars need special care and nobody else is going to provide them other than the professionals. Every once in a while, your classic vehicle should be handed over to a professional who can clean it inside out. The best thing about expert care is that they check for minor flaws and fix them to keep the vehicle looking brand new.
When taking care of your car, they will properly clean and dry the car. The drying process is what most people get wrong but the experts know how to do it. With years of experience and skills, it is hard to ignore what an expert can do to keep your classic vehicle looking perfect.
And it sure seems like an expensive treatment but it is an investment. If you were to decide to replace your existing classic vehicle with another one by selling it, you would be in a lot better position to negotiate for a better price.
Conclusion
Protecting classic cars requires extra care, effort, and attention. Depending on the type of vehicle, you will have to develop a maintenance schedule to ensure the vehicle is protected. The above-mentioned tips are tried and tested when it comes to protecting classic cars from outdoor elements. This means you should follow them if you are planning to park a classic vehicle in your garage or already have one. Just make sure to find a certified paint protection film installer Springfield who can skillfully install a high-quality PPF.
