There’s something deeply satisfying about driving older vehicles. Their unique looks and charming character ensure they’ll turn heads wherever they go. Owning a functioning piece of history is also a dream of many car aficionados across the world.
Unfortunately, because of their age, it can be easy to ruin classic cars if you don’t know how to take care of them. So don’t corners. Learn how to clean your vintage car, not only to keep it looking its best but also to avoid damaging it.
How to Wash Your Classic Car
Before cleaning a classic car, you need to make sure you have the following items.
- Hose and a bucket of water
- Soap appropriate for your vehicle
- Microfiber towels
- Sheepskin or cotton chenille washing mitts
- Clay bar kit
- Car wax appropriate for your vehicle
- Tire conditioner
What to Do
To wash your classic car safely and efficiently, follow these steps carefully.
Wash the Wheels First
The wheels are the dirtiest part of the vehicle. Wash them first to keep their dirt from getting onto other auto parts amidst the cleaning process.
Rinse the Car with Water
Once the wheels are clean, rinse your classic car with water. You can use a hose to get rid of any loose dirt, but it’s better to rinse it by hand with a sponge or towel. This way, you’ll have more control over how much water is applied to your vehicle.
With a hose, there’s more risk of water pooling, which can lead to rust. Similarly, don’t use a pressure washer because it might damage the paint.
It’s always better to have as much control as possible when it comes to cleaning vehicles as sensitive as classic cars.
Handwash the Car From the Top Down
After the vehicle has been rinsed, it’s time to wash the vehicle with soap.
Lather a pair of soft washing mitts with soap appropriate for your classic car. It’s important to use the right type of soap because stronger cleaning products can damage the car’s paint job.
Start washing from the top because the dirt can trickle down the sides of the car. If you started from the bottom and made your way up, the dirt from the top could muddy up the areas you’ve already washed.
Similarly, metal shavings and abrasive contaminants from the bottom can also scratch the more visible components up top.
Rinse the Car Again
After washing your classic car, don’t let the soap sit on the surface for long. Rinse it off with clean water as soon as possible to prevent the soap from drying and creating ugly marks on the paint job.
Dry the Car With Microfiber Towels
Even if all the soap has been cleaned from your vehicle, water that’s left to dry can leave unsightly marks due to the minerals in the water. Similarly, moisture can also cause rusting in metal components. Because of this, make sure to dry your car with a soft microfiber towel as soon as you finish rinsing it.
Use Your Clay Bar (Optional)
Most classic cars are aged and sensitive, which means their paint can look rough or gritty after wash. Fortunately, using a clay bar can smooth out any uneven patches and remove stubborn contaminants (like road salt) clinging to the vehicle.
Wax Your Vehicle and Use a Tire Conditioner
If you haven’t waxed your vehicle within the past two months, it’s a good idea to do so. Waxing provides a protective layer that safeguards the car’s paint from the elements and damage from the sun’s rays.
After the vehicle has been waxed, consider applying a tire conditioner to keep the tires strong and durable.
Just make sure to apply wax and conditioner after you’ve dried your vehicle completely. Water can interfere with the process.
Classic Car Washing Tips and Tricks
Besides following the guide above, you can use these handy tips to keep you at the top of your car washing game.
Always Start With the Wheels
Don’t skip the wheels when washing your vintage car. Neglecting them can make cleaning your classic car unnecessarily complicated. Dirt from the tires can ruin the paint job if you wash the wheels at the same time as the rest of the vehicle.
Only Use Soft Towels
Whenever you dry a classic car, make sure to use soft towels like microfiber towels and chamois leather. These materials work best with sensitive vehicles because they’re significantly less likely to damage the paint job or leave scratches and marks.
If you want to maintain the integrity of a classic car, never use rough towels.
Don’t Let Soapy Water Dry
After washing your vehicle, you need to rinse it and dry it immediately. Failure to do so leads to unsightly marks and stains all over your vehicle, especially if you washed your car in direct sunlight.
Always Wash in the Shade
Washing your vehicle in direct sunlight can do more harm than good. Sunlight dries water quickly, meaning you’re more likely to deal with crystallized minerals and other stains in your vehicle’s paint job. Because of this, it’s important to wash your classic car underneath a roof.
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
