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The season for Convertibles and Oldtimer is coming to an end. But before that there is still a little Work on.
Most owners of summer cars allow their vehicles a longer break at the latest when the days are getting shorter, the weather is uncomfortable and there is a threat of frost. But before you send your automotive sweetheart into hibernation, you should do a few things.
Don't forget to clean the bottom
First of all, a little maintenance is on the program. The dirt gets on the collar, and not just on the surface of the paint, but a little more thoroughly. Leaves, dirt and other debris also settle in the wheel arches and on the underbody.
Depending on your darling status, you can drive your summer car through the car wash or grab a brush and sponge yourself. If you use a high-pressure cleaner, you should handle it very carefully and keep a good distance from the vehicle. Otherwise sensitive components, tires or seals could suffer. For the correct care of chrome and plastic parts, there are appropriate remedies in stores. The best thing to do is to test in a concealed place whether the selected product matches the materials of the vehicle.
Freshly greased for sleeping
Carefully washing the top is recommended for convertibles. Then you have to make sure that the cloth cap dries well. While you do something good for hinges with oil or grease, seals and other rubber parts enjoy a layer of petroleum jelly. A little tip: If you leave the hood slightly open during hibernation, the joints and fabric are not under tension. In no case should you leave the convertible with the top down for a long time.
It also doesn't hurt to focus on the interior of the vehicle. Mucking out, tidying up, dusting and vacuuming is the motto. If you have leather upholstery, it should be treated with an appropriate care product. Replacing a pollen filter is recommended to prevent mold.
Fill up the tank in the summer car
In addition, you should treat the engine to an oil change so that old suspended particles do not form acids that could damage the engine. Then the oil level in the gearshift and in the possibly existing rear axle differential is checked, which is often forgotten in classic cars. It is also advisable to park the car with a full tank. If there is a lot of air in the tank, condensation can form, which leads to corrosion in metal tanks. In the case of the windshield wiper system and cooling water, you should check the antifreeze and fold down the windshield wipers so that the lips do not press flat.
Change now and then
Before going into hibernation, the tire pressure should also be adjusted: For the tires, a slightly increased pressure of 2,5 to 3 bar is recommended during the idle time. To avoid standing plates, it helps to change the position of the vehicle slightly from time to time. The battery is only disconnected from classic cars and connected to a maintenance device. In modern cars with their complex electronics, the power storage should remain connected. Here you can maintain the state of charge with an appropriate device in the event of longer idle times.
The ideal place for the car to hibernate is a dry and well-ventilated garage or hall. To ensure that the interior of the vehicle is also well ventilated, the side windows ideally remain open a little. This also prevents the formation of mold.