Summer has arrived. The cicadas are singing, the air is warming up, and the summer holidays are fast approaching. This year, you have decided to go on vacation differently, to rediscover a time that those under 20 years old have not experienced. A time of long journeys along the various national roads, most often to reach the seaside. This year, so you decided to travel with your vintage car to enjoy it all summer long. While vintage cars have undeniable charm, it is essential to maintain them well before hitting the road. Classic vehicles require special attention due to their age and specific characteristics.

So we decided to prepare a multi-step maintenance guide to ensure you have a worry-free trip and fully enjoy your vacation.

 

1. Interview planning:

Before hitting the road, it's crucial to establish a maintenance plan for your vintage car. Consult the owner's manual and identify the recommended maintenance intervals. Make sure to take into account the duration of the trip and allow enough time to carry out necessary repairs. If you are a true adventurer, bitten by the retro travel bug, the distance of your trip may exceed that of the maintenance plan. Therefore, plan accordingly. the necessary parts for a complete service.

 

2. Fluid check:

The first major check to carry out is the control of different fluids of your vehicle.

First, there is the essential engine oil. The maintenance of vintage cars varies depending on the era in which they were manufactured. To simplify, vehicles from the 1930s, for example, require thick oil and need servicing every 1,000 kilometers. Cars from the 1950s, on the other hand, require the use of additives and should be serviced every 3,000 kilometers. Youngtimers with multi-valve engines will benefit from new synthetic oils and can have annual oil changes. It is important to emphasize that these general recommendations may vary based on the specificities of the car model and the manufacturer's guidelines. In any case, ALEPOC can provide you with the solution with our engine oils that meet these different requirements:

Then, there are the various auxiliary oils used for the Lubrication of the transmission system such as the gearbox. or the bridge. The intensive use of your car in high summer heat puts these elements under stress, which must be preserved through proper lubrication. We have several suitable products:

High temperatures also require excellent cooling. For liquid-cooled engines, don't forget to fill up with coolant. This can be very useful if you get stuck in a traffic jam as you approach your vacation spot, like in Clermont l'Hérault on the weekend of July 1st and 2nd.Read the guide to vintage car outings ideas.) ;)

Of course, the control of the level of the brake fluid is to be done. An old car is not very efficient in braking, so don't hesitate to thoroughly check the system.

Finally, as you will make plenty of new friends on the road who will come to kiss your windshield, plan to fill up on windshield washer to ensure optimal visibility.

 

3. Control of electrical systems:

Websites pour obtenir des conseils sur l'entretien des voitures classiques. Bulbs Available immediately in case a replacement is necessary.

Discover our light bulbs

Also check the battery and clean the terminals to ensure an optimal connection. We tend to forget this, but the battery does not like extreme heat, just as much as the cold. So a weak battery could cause you a breakdown during your trip.

 

4. Inspection of brakes and tires:

The brakes and tires are essential elements of road safety. Check the wear of the brake pads and discs., and replace them if necessary. You can also clean them using degreaser and dust remover. After a period of wintering, they might need it.

Even if it seems obvious, do not forget to check the tire pressure and the spare tire. Also check the condition of the tires, looking for signs of uneven wear or damage, such as cuts or bulges.

 

5. Steering and suspension control:

A well-tuned steering and suspension are essential for safe driving and optimal comfort. Check the ball joints, the joints, and the shock absorbers to detect any signs of wear or leaks. On some older cars, these components may tend to shift more frequently. If necessary, you can perform an alignment to fully enjoy the road performance of your beautiful machine.

Discover our selection ofshock absorbers 

 

6. Cooling system maintenance:

As we have seen in the chapter on fluids, it goes without saying that the cooling system is particularly important For vintage cars, as they may tend to overheat, check the condition of the radiator, hoses, and thermostat. Ensure that the radiator is free of dust and obstructions.

See our hoses

 

7. Exhaust inspection:

Inspect carefully the exhaust system from your vintage car, ensuring that it is free from leaks or holes. Exhaust gases can be dangerous, so it is essential to make sure that the system is in good working condition.

8. Cleaning and protection of the bodywork:

We finish with the cherry on top. When you own a vintage car, you want it to be as beautiful as possible. So, before going on vacation, give your vintage car a good cleaning. Carefully wash the bodywork by hand from top to bottom and apply a layer of quality wax to protect the paint against the sun's rays and the weather. For a quick touch-up cleaning, you can opt for the famous wipes. Vulcanet.

 

Preparing your classic car before leaving for a vacation requires time and attention, but it's worth it to ensure a pleasant and trouble-free driving experience for a memorable journey. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you'll be able to hit the road with confidence, knowing that your classic vehicle is ready. We look forward to seeing you on the road or at an upcoming event. The entire ALEPOC team wishes you a great vacation !