Germany is known for its long history of manufacturing cars built for performance.
This means that often, these cars need a little more maintenance than most. With some dedication and the right care, your German auto can have a long and full life.
Here's what you need to know when caring for your vintage dream car.
This means that often, these cars need a little more maintenance than most. With some dedication and the right care, your German auto can have a long and full life.
Here's what you need to know when caring for your vintage dream car.
1. Have a Healthy Savings Account
No joke. The dedication needed to care for German performance cars often stems from the wallet, too.
Parts and care will cost German auto owners more than average, with Mercedes and Audi being the amongst the highest.
Today, vehicles from German manufacturers such as these can cost over $1500 a year (as shown in the same study referenced above.) With high mileage vehicles, this can increase even more.
In making your buying decision, it's important to keep in mind that there will be a high average cost of repairs.
Parts and care will cost German auto owners more than average, with Mercedes and Audi being the amongst the highest.
Today, vehicles from German manufacturers such as these can cost over $1500 a year (as shown in the same study referenced above.) With high mileage vehicles, this can increase even more.
In making your buying decision, it's important to keep in mind that there will be a high average cost of repairs.
2. Hit the Road, Jack
Avoid letting your vintage vehicles sit idle for too long. If a car sits without use for months, it can begin to deteriorate.
Starting a car after a long period without use can often cause many of its systems to fail or need maintenance quickly after you bring it to life again.
Make sure you're taking your ride for a spin every now-and-again. This is the most fun part about owning a vintage car, after all.
Starting a car after a long period without use can often cause many of its systems to fail or need maintenance quickly after you bring it to life again.
Make sure you're taking your ride for a spin every now-and-again. This is the most fun part about owning a vintage car, after all.
3. Provide Regular Maintenance
An oil change every 3000 miles may or may not be right for your vehicle, but it is a good rule of thumb. However, watch all of your vehicle fluids when driving a vintage car. Oil changes are something to always keep an eye on. Every 3,000-7,000 miles will do depending on your cars make, model age and driving conditions.
It is always a good idea to check the oil regularly.
The oil lube system should be a closed system. That means it shouldn't get used-up. If you see your oil level dropping, check for leaks. These can be especially common as the car gets older.
Also, get a coolant flush once a year. Finally, keep an eye on other fluids, such transmission leaks, once you reach 60,000 miles.
It is always a good idea to check the oil regularly.
The oil lube system should be a closed system. That means it shouldn't get used-up. If you see your oil level dropping, check for leaks. These can be especially common as the car gets older.
Also, get a coolant flush once a year. Finally, keep an eye on other fluids, such transmission leaks, once you reach 60,000 miles.
4. Take Care of Your Body
Keeping your car clean and cared for doesn't just make the experience driving better. It also adds years to the life of the vehicle.
Even rain can contribute to wear on the body. Washing regularly can help extend the life of your paint job.
Frequent waxing is important as well. Apply wax every 6 months for the protection your German car needs.
Treat your leather interiors with a cream. This will keep them in good condition, and save you from spending more on trying to salvage damaged leather.
Even rain can contribute to wear on the body. Washing regularly can help extend the life of your paint job.
Frequent waxing is important as well. Apply wax every 6 months for the protection your German car needs.
Treat your leather interiors with a cream. This will keep them in good condition, and save you from spending more on trying to salvage damaged leather.
5. Find a Professional German Auto Technician
Don't be afraid to ask for help.
Providing professional care for your German car is paramount. If your maintenance shop doesn't have the proper tools and expertise to properly work on the specialized German parts? Well, then they can very easily damage the vehicle.
This is why it's crucial to work with a professional who specializes in German cars.
Providing professional care for your German car is paramount. If your maintenance shop doesn't have the proper tools and expertise to properly work on the specialized German parts? Well, then they can very easily damage the vehicle.
This is why it's crucial to work with a professional who specializes in German cars.
Need More Vintage German Auto Tips?
This was a quick overview of tips that can keep your classic ride in top shape for years to come.
For more in-depth help for caring for your specific vehicle, or any other questions, contact us. We'll be happy to assist you.
For more in-depth help for caring for your specific vehicle, or any other questions, contact us. We'll be happy to assist you.
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