Seasonal Maintenance: Care in Every Season

Keep your classic car in perfect condition all year round with these practical tips from seasonal maintenance.

My passion for the classics: more than a hobby, a way of life

Hello, fellow classic car enthusiasts! I'm Javier, a professional restorer and collector for over 15 years.

I still remember the first time I drove my 67 Mustang, an incomparable sensation that hooked me forever to this fascinating world.

After restoring more than 30 vehicles and helping hundreds of owners, I've learned that maintaining a classic isn't just a matter of mechanics, but also of adapting to the changes that each season brings.

Recently, a client brought me his 1963 Volkswagen Beetle, completely rusted underside, after a particularly wet winter in Valparaíso.

"How could I let this happen?", I wondered desolately.

Her story isn't unique. Many owners meticulously care for their rolling jewels during the months on display, but forget that each change of season requires specific attention.

Read also: Impact of climate on classic car preservation

❄️ Winter: Protect your classic from its greatest enemy, humidity

Winter represents the greatest challenge for our beloved classics, especially in areas like Mexico City, Bogotá, or coastal regions where humidity can be devastating.

The combination of rain, road salt, and ambient humidity creates the perfect cocktail for accelerated corrosion.

Moisture protection: my proven system

After losing part of the underbody of my beloved Chevrolet Bel Air to a water leak, I developed a five-step system that has saved dozens of vehicles in my shop:

1. Preventive sealing of underbody: I apply a coat of anti-corrosion product specifically for classic cars, paying special attention to joints and areas prone to rust. Products like Dinitrol or Mike Sanders are my essential allies.
2. Regular ventilationEven in storage, I run the engine every two weeks for 20 minutes to prevent condensation in the exhaust system. It's essential not to store the car completely cold and wet.
3. Strategic dehumidifiers: I always place silica gel bags or electric dehumidifiers near critical areas such as upholstery and under the dashboard.
4. Breathable cover: I only use high-quality covers that allow the vehicle to "breathe" while protecting it. A waterproof, non-breathable cover can be worse than no protection at all.
5. Drain inspection: I thoroughly clean the drainage channels on the roof, doors, and trunk. Even a small blockage can cause catastrophic water accumulations.

An Argentine customer followed this protocol with his Torino 380W for three consecutive winters in Buenos Aires, and he confessed to me that he had never seen his classic so immaculate in the cold months.

Cavity treatment: the best kept secret

Few owners know the importance of treating internal cavities.

The A, B and C columns, the inside of the doors and the side members are the areas where the 80% of the serious oxidation processes begins.

I always use a protective wax injection system in these hidden areas.

It's a laborious process, but it has saved countless classics from ending up in the scrapyard.

I fondly remember a 1962 Alfa Romeo Giulia that seemed lost after decades of coastal exposure in Chile, but which we completely recovered thanks to this preventative approach.

🌼 Spring: Time to wake up and revisit after the winter lethargy

The arrival of spring is the perfect time to perform a complete inspection of our vehicle after the winter period.

This is when I see the most cases of neglect in my workshop, precisely because many owners underestimate the effects of prolonged downtime.

My foolproof spring checklist

I always follow this checklist with all my classics:

• Complete fluid check: Always change the oil, even if the mileage has not been met, since during the winter the engine can accumulate condensation and contaminate the lubricant.
• Brake system inspection: I check the condition of the pads, discs and, especially, the brake fluid, which absorbs moisture over time.
• Refrigeration systemI check the hoses, radiator, and water pump. Overheating during the first few spring rides can be catastrophic for a classic engine.
• Tires: I check tire pressure, uneven wear, and possible cracks due to aging. Classic tires tend to degrade with age rather than mileage.
• Electrical systemThe battery is especially vulnerable after winter. I connect it to a smart charger and check the charging system.

"I spent years changing tires prematurely until I understood that tire pressure needs to be adjusted with every seasonal change in temperature," José, a Mexican customer who owns a collection of classic Porsches, told me.

He now checks the pressure monthly and has doubled the life of his expensive classic profile tires.

☀️ Summer: Protection against extreme heat and UV radiation

Summer in many regions of Latin America can be especially harsh on our classics.

In my experience, the intense sun in cities like Monterrey or Santiago can degrade paint, interior, and rubber components faster than any other factor.

Paint protection: my proven formula

After seeing the original paint on a beautiful Mercedes Pagoda fade under the Mexican sun, I developed a comprehensive protection system:

1. Semi-annual application of carnauba wax: Provides a protective layer against UV rays. I prefer natural waxes for vehicles with original paint.
2. Specific protector for rubber and plastics: I apply products like 303 Aerospace Protectant to gaskets, weatherstripping, and trim every two months during the hot season.
3. Interior protection: I use reflective sunshades when the car is parked and apply specific leather and vinyl conditioners that include UV filters.
4. Regular washes: I remove pollen deposits, sap and bird droppings immediately, as heat accelerates their corrosive effect on the paint.
5. Strategic parking: I always seek shade, even if it means walking a little further. A classic stay in direct sunlight at 35°C can reach indoor temperatures above 70°C.

"Your advice to apply wax every two months during the summer saved the original paint on my Dodge Charger," Alejandro wrote to me from Medellín.

"I used to notice how it dulled every summer, but now it maintains its shine all year round."

The cooling system: the absolute summer priority

In my years as a restorer, I have seen more engines ruined by overheating than any other cause.

Classic cars already have less efficient cooling systems than modern ones, and extreme heat pushes them to their limits.

My summer maintenance protocol includes:

• Deep cleaning of the radiator, removing insects and accumulated dirt that reduce airflow.
• Checking the fan and its clutch (if mechanical).
• Check the thermostat and consider one with a lower opening temperature for extreme climates.
• Checking the concentration of antifreeze, which also acts as an anticorrosive.

A Costa Rican customer continued to experience overheating in his Ford Galaxie 500 until we discovered the radiator core was partially clogged internally. A professional chemical cleaning solved the problem that had plagued him for years.

🍁 Fall: Dormancy Preparation and Preventive Protection

Fall is the perfect season to prepare our classic before the winter weather arrives.

It's time for preventive measures that will make a difference in long-term conservation.

My autumn ritual for classics

Every fall I do these tasks without fail:

1. Deep cleaning: I include a pressurized water cleaning of the underbody to remove mud and contaminants accumulated during summer outings.
2. Anti-corrosion treatment: I apply protection in susceptible areas such as wheel arches and underbody.
3. Complete filling of the tank: This prevents interior condensation during the months of lower use.
4. Addition of fuel stabilizer: Essential if the car will be inactive for more than 30 days.
5. Tire pressure adjustment: Slightly increase the pressure if the vehicle will be stationary for a long time.

"I started following your advice about fuel stabilizer and I never had trouble starting my Impala again after the winter," Roberto proudly told me from Uruguay.

My personal philosophy: predictive vs. reactive maintenance

After years of restoring true automotive gems, I've come to an inescapable conclusion: every euro/peso/dollar invested in preventative maintenance saves ten in repairs.

Owners who follow a rigorous seasonal schedule enjoy their vehicles more and retain their value better.

The story of Miguel and his Ferrari Dino 246 GT is the best example.

By following a meticulous seasonal program, he has managed to keep his original vehicle for 25 years in Lima, in very challenging humid conditions. Meanwhile, his friend with a similar model has spent a fortune on partial restorations because it couldn't adapt to the needs of each season.

The key is seasonal consistency

Maintaining a classic requires passion, dedication, and, above all, adaptation to climate change.

As we've seen, each season presents unique challenges, but also opportunities to properly care for our investment and passion.

My final recommendation: create a seasonal calendar specific to your region and classic model.

Set reminders on your phone so you don't forget any critical tasks, and most importantly, enjoy the process.

Maintenance shouldn't be a burden, but part of the pleasure of owning a rolling piece of history.

Do you have any special seasonal maintenance tips for your classic? Or perhaps have questions about how to adapt these tips to your specific model?

Share your experience in the comments, and let's build a community of informed homeowners together.