Your Ultimate Guide to Classic Car Upkeep by Season

Keeping a classic car in pristine condition requires a careful, year-round maintenance strategy. Here's how to protect your cherished vehicle through the changing seasons, ensuring it remains road-worthy and beautiful no matter the weather.

Spring Awakening: Refresh and Revive

Comprehensive Check-Up: Use the first signs of spring as a cue for a full vehicle inspection. Examine tires, belts, hoses, and other rubber components for signs of wear or dryness.

Fluids and Filters: Check all vehicle fluids and look for any leaks. An oil change might be due if your car has been idle or overlooked last season.

Warm-Up Routine: Before hitting the road, let your car run for about ten minutes to warm up, clearing any residual dampness.

Detailing Day: Celebrate the first drive of the season with a thorough wash, wax, and interior clean-up to remove winter's residue. Looking for ways to save? Join Hagerty Drivers Club Hagerty Drivers Club for exclusive automotive discounts, 24/7 emergency roadside service and more.

Summer Road-Trip Readiness

Drivetrain Deep Dive: Take advantage of the warmer weather to inspect your car's brakes and undercarriage for any signs of wear or damage.

Cooling System Care: Flush your coolant if it hasn’t been done in a while, ensuring your car stays cool under the summer sun.

Battery Beat the Heat: Test then replace your battery if needed; summer's extreme temperatures can be as harsh as winter's freeze.

Air Conditioning Assessment: Ensure your A/C is functioning efficiently to keep you cool on those hot summer drives.

Protective Wax: A fresh coat of wax can protect your paint from the sun’s intense rays.

Fall Forward: Prepare and Protect

Heating and Defrosting Check: Ensure your car's heater and defroster are ready for cooler temperatures.

Wiper Once Over: Replace old or worn windshield wipers in anticipation of sleet or snow.

Filter Replacement: After a summer of adventures, check and replace air filters as necessary.

Lighting Check: Shorter days mean more reliance on your car's lights. Ensure all are working properly.

Winter Wrap-Up: Secure and Store

Oil Change: If you haven’t already, change the oil to ensure your car isn’t sitting with contaminants.

Fluids Check: Top up antifreeze and check all other fluids.

Tire Pressure Adjustment: Inflate tires to the correct pressure, considering a slight over-inflation for colder temperatures.

Battery Care: Disconnect the battery or connect it to a trickle charger to maintain charge over the winter.

Moisture Control: Place baking soda boxes in the trunk and cabin to absorb moisture.

Fuel and Stabilizer: Fill the tank and add a stabilizer to keep the gas fresh until spring.

Final Wash and Cover: Give your car a wash before covering it up for the winter, ensuring it’s clean and protected. Consider Hagerty Garage + Social for world-class vehicle storage to protect your classic car from the elements.

Whether you're driving through every season or preparing for storage, these tips will help you maintain your classic car's beauty and functionality throughout the year.

One thing you’ll need in any season is the right kind of auto insurance. Hagerty can craft the right kind of coverage for your special car, including required coverage for offsite storage or for vehicles that only see a few miles per year on the road.