Don’t get us wrong here at Trinity Auto Care. This blog is not meant to discourage you from purchasing your dream classic car. Rather, we just want to caution you of some common problems found with vintage vehicles that are easily fixed. This gives you the knowledge to look for problems before you sign on the dotted line and hand over a check to purchase your classic vintage dream car.
Overheating Engines
We’ve talked about this in a previous blog post. Classic automobiles are known to overheat, and one reason why is that they were not made to operate in today’s driving conditions. Other common causes of an overheating vintage automobile include the engine coolant, the cooling fan, clogs in the cooling system, and a rusted or clogged radiator itself.
Brake Problems
One of the first things you should do once you have your classic automobile is to have the brake system inspected right away. If the automobile has been sitting for a while or wasn’t cared for properly, you may find yourself unable to stop your classic beauty the first time you drive it. These automobiles don’t have brake warning lights, so have the system inspected to make sure it’s okay.
Electrical Problems
Another common problem with classic cars is electrical issues. This can be caused by the age of the wiring, i.e., it’s worn and frayed, or your classic automobile may have been infested by pests that chewed through the wiring and made the engine and other parts of the car their nests. Have the electrical system inspected, including the battery and alternator.
Breakdowns
Your vintage automobile has an entirely different engine from your modern-day vehicle. These engines are feats of engineering for their time, but they often struggle in today’s driving conditions. It’s important to have the engine inspected fully before you take your classic automobile out for a spin. It’s also important to understand that maintenance is required more frequently to avoid breakdowns.
Aesthetic Trouble
Finally, if you’re a fan of television shows that restore classic automobiles, you’ve seen how worn the outside can look. Many people have a hard time finding a classic automobile in mint condition. Consequently, things such as the exterior paint, the upholstery, and even the tires must be replaced in order to restore the automobile’s appearance. Good tires are particularly important.
Trinity Auto Care can be found in White Bear Lake, MN. If you live closer to Blaine, MN, don’t worry. We’ve got a shop there, too. We can inspect your vintage automobile from top to bottom to make sure everything is okay. If not, we can fix any problems we find.