Classic Car Checklist for Spring Driving

1. Change & Top Up Fluids

After a long winter in storage, some of the fluids need a bit of attention. Even if you changed them before parking the car, time and temperature swings can still affect how well those fluids do their job. Take engine oil, for example. If it’s been sitting for months, moisture can build up inside the engine and mix with the oil, which isn’t great for internal components. Pull the dipstick, and if the oil looks overly dark, it’s worth doing a fresh oil and filter change.

2. Battery Check

Batteries naturally lose charge over time, particularly in colder temperatures. Look for any corrosion around the terminals, which usually appears as a white or bluish buildup. If you see any, clean it off with a battery terminal cleaner or a simple mix of baking soda and water. Make sure the connections are tight, too, as loose terminals can cause all sorts of electrical issues. Then, if you have a multimeter, check the battery voltage. A fully charged battery should read around 12.6 volts with the car off. If it’s sitting closer to 12.2 volts or lower, it’s most likely undercharged. If the engine cranks slowly or you hear a click when turning the key, it could be a sign that the battery doesn’t have enough power left or that it has reached the end of its lifespan.

3. Tire Inspection

Check the pressure with a gauge and bring it back up to the recommended PSI, usually found in your owner’s manual or sometimes on a sticker inside the car. Flat spots are another common issue after storage. If the car’s been sitting in one position, you might feel a bit of vibration when you first start driving. Sometimes this works itself out after a short drive as the tires warm up, but if the vibration sticks around, the tires may need to be balanced or replaced.

4. Replace Old Fuel

Gasoline can start to break down in as little as 30 to 60 days. As it does, it loses volatility and can leave behind varnish-like deposits in the system. After a classic car has been sitting for a few months, there’s a good chance that what’s in the tank isn’t at its best anymore. Some symptoms you may experience include harder starts, rough idling, or hesitation when you hit the throttle because degraded fuel can affect injectors and fuel pressure. The safest move is to drain the tank and refill it with fresh gas. If that’s not practical, you can dilute the old fuel by topping up with fresh premium fuel and adding a quality fuel system cleaner to help break down deposits.

5. Start Slowly with a Test Drive

Once everything checks out, it’s finally time for the part you’ve been waiting for. That said, the first drive of the season shouldn’t be a full send. Start by letting the engine idle for a few minutes to come up to operating temperature. When you do pull out, keep the drive short and close to home. Listen for anything unusual and pay attention to how the car feels. Don’t be surprised if you notice a few odd smells at first, because dust burning off the exhaust is pretty normal. Anything persistent, though, is worth checking out.

Get Your Classic Car Spring-Ready at Munro Motors

Now that you’ve gone through the checklist, it’s time to enjoy your drive in Brantford, Ontario. However, if you’d rather not go through all of this on your own or just want a second set of experienced eyes on your car, bringing it into Munro Motors is never a bad idea, because sometimes it takes a bit of specialized knowledge to catch things that aren’t immediately obvious. Give us a call at 1-866-868-9532, or visit us online to schedule your spring service today.