To many, a new car is about much more than that iconic smell. Lots of petrolheads covet the freshest technology for a mixture of practical and status reasons. This inspires plenty of people to update their car via lease year on year. However, to others, older cars are as charming as a vehicle can be. And to many more, keeping an older car is simply a practical decision!
This blog offers insights on how to maintain an older car effectively, to ensure that you can keep it in working order for years to come and minimise breakdown cover callouts.
Stick to a strict maintenance schedule
If you’re going to lease older cars, you need to stick to a strict and careful maintenance schedule – likely more than you would with a more modern vehicle. The older the car, the more likely it is to suffer from wear and tear, even if it seems to be running fine.
The kinds of things that you need to stay on top of include:
- Regular oil changes, otherwise the engine could suffer from heat buildup and damaged gaskets. High-mileage oil is best for older cars.
- Regular fluid checks, including for coolant, brake fluid, power steering and transmission fluids are vital.
- Replace the timing belt at the manufacturer’s recommended intervals, as broken belts can cause serious engine damage.
Proactive, not reactive
It’s hard to get an affordable warranty for older cars, which is why you should treat maintenance as a proactive, rather than reactive process. You need to keep an eye on your car’s behaviour, such as:
- Any new noises, vibrations or smells
- Checking the tyre pressure and tread depth to avoid blowouts
- Inspecting the bottom of the car for any drips or puddles
In the same vein, the components of older cars, such as the brakes, batteries and hoses should all be replaced more frequently than in modern cars. You might be able to get cool older cars cheap (in comparison to newer models), but you should still invest in proactive maintenance and replacements.
The importance of cleaning older cars
The car value for older cars can be protected effectively with regular cleaning. Things like dirt, salt and other contaminants cause rust on cars. Practices like regular washing and waxing protect the paint from the elements, while also combating the effects of harsh sunshine. It’s also important to check the underbody and interior of your older car, with rust-proof coatings and cleaning, both of which extend the long-term lifespan of most cars.
Understanding the total cost of ownership
Older cars might save you money on purchase, while vintage vehicles can cost a lot. Whether you buy an older vehicle to restore or grab a classic from a workshop, it’s important to consider that your total cost of ownership might be different. Sometimes, it might be more economical to part with the car if repairs are too expensive, while other older cars can save you plenty compared to new models. Older cars aren’t for the lighthearted, so make sure to keep all of this in mind.
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