A classic car is a treasured possession to many. They will go above and beyond for its care and maintenance and spare no expense. But is maintaining a classic carย similar to the upkeep of other cars? Here are 5 ways how a classic car wash differs from your everyday car wash.
Classic Car Wash – 5 Specifics
1. Frequency of Washing
To maintain its pristine condition, a classic car is stored in a garage and taken out only during special occasions such as car shows. Thus, it does not require frequent cleaning as ‘normal’ cars would. ย However, this does not mean that your car will not accumulate dust and other contaminants. You can keep them at bay by wiping down the surface with a quick detailer. This will not only maintain the appearance of the car but also lessen the amount of work that has to be done during the next major detailing procedure.
2. Type of Wash
Although automated car washes are not recommended for any type of car, systems such as touchless or laser car wash can come in handy during winter times when hand washing a car is difficult. However, a classic car should never be taken through an automatic wash, touchless or not! If you want the best possible care for your classic car, hand washing is the best practice. We also recommend getting it steam cleaned by a professional auto detailer for better results.
3. Type of Products
A classic car is a champion of appearances, so the products used for its maintenance should be able to give it a finish that will be the envy of other car owners. It would, thus, not go amiss to use premium auto detailing products for a classic car wash, especially for polishing and waxing – the two ultimate procedures that add a sparkle to the paint.
4. Importance of Rust Prevention
A classic car is more susceptible to rusting than a newer model, hence it is extremely important to keep moisture away from all metal surfaces. After a wash, your classic car needs to be thoroughly dried using an absorbent cloth. Genuine chamois leather is great for removing excess water and preventing water spots and swirl marks during the drying process.
Also, if there are any spillsย or your classic car has been driven around the beach area, make sure to clean/wash your car as soon as possible.
While in newer car models the undercarriage is built using galvanized steel that can withstand rust, classic cars cannot boast of the same feature. Hence getting the undercarriage rust-proofed using a special coating is a good preventive measure.
5. Engine Cleaning
A classic car engine has to be handled with more care because its parts are more delicate and moisture-sensitive. So it’s best to allow a professional to handle this process. Steam cleaning can give great results when it comes to engine degreasing and rust prevention, but steam has to be handled very carefully around a classic car engine. For instance, steam should NOT by any means be applied on to a hot engine!
Keep these five specifics in mind when it comes to a classic car wash and you won’t go wrong!
Need a professional hand to detail your classic car? Schedule an appointment with DetailXPerts for best results.
