FOR SALE: 1961 Cadillac Sedan DeVille

More information on the listing page.

If you’re an owner of a classic or collector’s vehicle, you will know just how special and rare they are. It’s likely you have spent a lot of time and money on retrieving it, which is why it’s so important to know how to take care of it properly. This article is going to explore some of the essential steps in taking care of your classic and collector vehicle.

Safe Driving Practices

Even if you rarely drive your vehicle, safe driving practices are essential when it comes to protecting it. Before even getting out on the road, you need to give your car the chance to warm up properly. This helps the oil to circulate, allowing the engine to reach optimal operating temperature. A cold start can lead to excessive wear on engine components, especially in older models. It’s also important to drive your classic vehicle regularly. This keeps all components lubricated and functioning properly, preventing seals from drying out and fluids from becoming stagnant. If you’re storing the vehicle for a long time, consider taking it for a short drive every few weeks.

This also means being cautious of other drivers on the road and always driving safely. It’s also important to have an awareness that typically classic and collector cars tend to be slower than modern cars. While other drivers on the road should really have some patience, that’s not always the case. So in particular, always be aware of cars overtaking. Try to avoid sudden acceleration or hard braking, as classic vehicles often do not have the same braking technology as modern cars. Instead, practice smooth and gradual inputs to maintain control. This approach not only enhances safety but also prolongs the life of the vehicle. You should also be extra cautious during the dark, especially if you’re car isn’t as visible. You could even consider adding reflective accessories in order to make your vehicle more visible. If you’re driving for long periods of time, you need to make sure you’re taking regular breaks. Even if you’re stopping for 10-15 minutes to give your eyes a break from the road. In this time you could rest your eyes, grab a snack or even put your focus somewhere else by playing a game on your phone. Visit here to find the best crypto casino platforms to play on during your break from the road. 

Regular Maintenance and Inspections

Proper maintenance is essential when it comes to preserving the integrity and value of your vehicle. Unlike newer cars that have technology that notifies you of issues, older vehicles require a more hands-on approach. Which is why regular maintenance is so important. Therefore, on a regular basis, it’s important to complete: 

• Fluid checks: This includes checking engine oil, coolant, brake and transmission fluid. 
• Tires and brakes: Inspect tires for proper inflation, tread wear and any signs of damage. For brakes you need to inspect pads and rotors frequently. 
• Battery maintenance: Check battery terminals for corrosion and make sure it’s still able to hold a charge. 
• Detailed cleaning: this will help to protect the vehicle from rust and deterioration as well as help to maintain its appearance. 
• Exterior: Wash your vehicle regularly to remove dirt, salt and other contaminants.
• Interior: Keep the interior clean, just make sure you’re using the right cleaning products for the materials in the car. 
• Undercarriage: Regularly wash the undercarriage, this will remove dirt and salt. This is especially important if you’re driving in winter conditions. This prevents rust and extends the life of the vehicle.

Proper Storage Solutions

And finally, proper storage is essential when it comes to taking care of your classic or collector’s vehicle. If you’re able to, indoor storage is the most effective solution. This will protect your vehicle from temperature fluctuations and moisture which can cause rust and mould. If you’re unable to provide indoor storage, the next best thing is a good quality car cover that’s designed to store classic vehicles. If you rarely drive your vehicle or are storing it long term, then it can be a good idea to place the vehicle on jack stands. This can help to prevent flat tires and reduce the stress of the suspension of your vehicles. Additionally, for long-term storage, it’s also important to take measures that protect the fuel system, such as adding a fuel stabilizer or even draining the fuel tank and lines. This can prevent the fuel from breaking down and clogging the system. 

All in all, whether you own a classic Aston Martin or a Jaguar taking care of your classic or collector vehicle requires you to be dedicated, knowledgeable and proactive. By maintaining regular inspections, practicing safe driving habits and ensuring proper storage, you can enjoy your vehicle while preserving its beauty and value for years to come. The joy of owning a classic vehicle is incredibly rewarding and with the right care, it can be a cherished part of your life and legacy. 

Someone recently asked me – hey, how come Canada doesn’t have any car brands? And while that isn’t entirely true, I understood what they meant by it. We do have domestic car brands, but we don’t have brands like Ford, or VW. We, as a nation, just didn’t seem to be interested in manufacturing cars on that scale. As an importer, we mostly looked right across the border for the US brands, but also Japanese, and lately the South Korean brands. Here’s what we love driving.

The Most Popular Car Brands in Canada: Traditional Favorites

Last year, Ford released a statement about how it’s the best-selling auto brand in Canada for 14 consecutive years. But more interestingly, their F-series is the best-selling pickup in Canada for the last 57 years. Which makes the Ford car brand number one for Canadians. Ford has a long history in Canada, and established its brand presence generations ago.

Toyota is following closely behind. The company has been present in the Canadian market since 1954, reaching several important milestones since. Toyota not only sells a lot of cars in Canada, but it also manufactures them in two factories. Corolla and RAV4 remain the top-selling models.

Having a strong truck and SUV offering (which Canadians love), General Motors is a third brand on this list, or more precisely, Chevrolet and GMC. The full-size trucks and SUVs help Canadians battle the environment and tackle long distances, but lately, GM’s offering is not always their first choice, which is reflected in sales numbers.

Honda, with its top-selling models Civic and CR-V, also joins the list of the most popular car brands in Canada. When it comes to durability, usability, and reasonable pricing, Hondas are the choice for many Canadians. One of the best-selling models is the CR-V, whose sales have been consistently good and have added to Honda’s share in the market.

When it comes to success stories, hardly any brand can beat Hyundai. And it’s not exclusive to Canada. Hyundai has enjoyed a remarkable journey from offering budget cars to being one of the best-selling brands with several best-buy options, like Kona and Tucson. Hyundai appeals to Canadian families with generous features and reasonable prices that often put the brand on best-buy lists.

Nissan remains among the most popular brands thanks to a long tradition that has lasted since the 1960s. Nissan has a broad offering of models, which helps them appeal to a wide customer base.

Understanding Canadians

Canadians are well-educated on financials and approach them with care. When Canadians spend money, they spend it after putting effort into actual research, especially when it comes to buying something as expensive as cars. They reward good-quality companies with their trust and money but expect things to work. They are also very keen on safety and security – something they look out for in car brands as well. Canadians will look for robust safety features not just on their cars, but in all sectors of life. They do appreciate security even when it comes to entertainment, especially online. Online safety and data protection are highly valued, which is why people prefer trusted and encrypted websites, whether they’re playing simple online games or accessing casino platforms like the Casino Days login page, for example. For Canadians, it’s all about making choices that fit their lifestyle the best, combined with feeling secure.

Car Brands Dominating Canada’s Market: Shift in Preferences?

Canada is not immune to the trend of switching to SUVs and crossovers. While pickup trucks remain popular, sedans are slowly dying out and are being replaced by bigger and more practical vehicles. To put that in numbers, SUVs and crossovers see a 25% increase in sales every year and now make up more than six out of every ten new vehicles sold.

Judging by this alone, you would think the market is dominated by brands that traditionally produce this type of vehicles – Ford and GM for example. Surprisingly, it’s the Japanese and South Korean brands that are leading Canada’s market this year. The significant news centers on the remarkable growth by several high-volume Japanese brands. Honda experienced a 70 percent rise, Nissan grew by 49 percent, and Toyota climbed 36 percent. While some of these increases can be attributed, at least partially, to the challenges these brands faced in the first quarter of 2023, these sales achievements are nonetheless substantial. Perhaps we’re about to see a shift in preferences when it comes to car brands.

FOR SALE: 1990 RUF BTR III

More information on the listing page.

FOR SALE: 1978 Aston Martin AMV8

More information on the listing page.