If you own a classic car in Chicagoland, you know they have their own set of needs, maintenance, and repairs. Regular servicing which is helpful for newer vehicles is even more critical for classic cars and high-mileage vehicles. When it comes to taking care of your older car’s transmission, it’s important to think about more than just the system itself. A healthy transmission depends on the operation of other connected systems, too. Ultimately, having the right mechanic on your side — like the experts at your local AAMCO — will help keep your classic car on the road for years to come.
Help Prevent Trouble with Your Classic Car
A proactive maintenance schedule and routine will serve your classic car well. Not only will it help prevent serious issues, but it will also help keep your car fun to drive. Many of the most common classic car problems can easily be kept at bay with these tips.
Keep a Regular Maintenance Schedule
Every vehicle needs regular maintenance services. However, a number of factors make maintenance even more important for classic cars and other older vehicles. Their age means there’s more overall wear on individual components and systems, making it more likely you may run into issues. Regular maintenance like oil changes or transmission fluid replacement helps prevent excess wear that can shorten the life of your classic car.
Drive it Once or Twice a Month
You may be a fair-weather driver with your classic car — and for good reason. But make sure you start the engine and take a short drive at least once or twice a month. This allows fluids to circulate through important systems like the engine and transmission, keeping parts lubricated and preventing seizing. It also helps keep the battery charged, though you can also keep the battery connected to a charger while parked it may not be able to drive for a longer period of time.
Avoid Driving in Snowy Conditions
A winter storm isn’t the best time for a classic car joyride. Not only are classic cars often not the easiest to drive in snowy conditions, but it can also lead to damage or the buildup of rust and corrosion. This is especially true in places where road salts are used to clear away snow and ice. In general, keeping your classic car out of any wet conditions — whether rain or snow — will help prevent damage to the exterior and other metal components.
Clean the Exterior Regularly
The exterior of your classic car is more than just a cosmetic feature. It also protects systems and components that help keep your car running. Rusting is one of the most common problems classic car owners deal with — and washing your car regularly is one of the best ways to help prevent the build up of rust and corrosion. Clearing away dirt and grime also allows you to see any spots where rust has started to grow and prevent it from getting worse.
Stay Proactive with Repairs & Keep Your Classic Car on the Road
Always pay attention to your classic car’s performance. The key to keeping the transmission and other important systems operating efficiently is staying proactive about scheduling services, taking care of your car at home, and noting any early signs of trouble.
Check & Replace Key Fluids Regularly
Engine oil, coolant, and transmission fluid all should be checked and changed regularly — and they all impact the health of your classic car’s transmission. Most likely, a professional mechanic will have to check your transmission fluid. If need be, they’ll remove the current fluid and check for metal shavings or other debris buildup. Excessive buildup may warrant doing a more thorough cleaning of the inside of the transmission before refilling.
You can check both the engine oil and coolant at home. If either is low, top them off before driving. Both of these fluids impact transmission health by preventing overheating. Though they more directly lead to the engine overheating, the engine and transmission work closely with one another and if one overheats, the other is also likely to run hot.
Don’t Ignore Signs of Transmission Trouble
Though this is true of any vehicle, it’s especially important with classic cars. Pay attention if your car starts slipping out of gear, hesitating, has poor acceleration power, or it’s difficult to shift gears. Each of these can indicate a transmission problem that needs to be handled by a trusted mechanic. A final sign to check for is any dripping underneath the car. While this doesn’t necessarily indicate a transmission problem, it’s possible — and any other system that may have a leak is likely just as important to repair.
Find a Mechanic Who Understands Classic Cars
Not all cars are created alike. Though any professional mechanic can work on common modern vehicles on the road, they don’t all know how to perform maintenance and repairs on classic cars. Older vehicles use outdated technology and have unique needs that your mechanic must be familiar with. Take the time to research which mechanics in your area specialize in or are certified to work on classic cars and you’ll help extend the life of one of your prized possessions.
Take Care of Your Classic Car’s Transmission in Chicagoland. Visit your Local AAMCO.
As leaders in transmission repair, we’re equipped to work on any vehicle you bring to your local AAMCO. Whether your car is just a few years old or your prized classic car is in need of repairs, our expert mechanics can help get and keep your transmission operating smoothly and efficiently. Schedule your appointment with us today!
