10 Steps to Get Your Car Spring Ready

Here are 10 essential steps to get your classic car ready for spring, so you can confidently prepare it for the road or car shows after winter storage:

1. Inspect for Rodents and Damage: Over winter, rodents can nest in the engine bay, exhaust, or interior. Check for chewed wires, nests, droppings, or insulation damage. Clean any mess to avoid electrical or fire issues.

2. Check Fluid Levels and Condition: Inspect and top off or change:
- Engine oil – if it's dirty or sat all winter, change it.
- Coolant – make sure it’s at proper level and not old.
- Brake fluid – look for discoloration (flush if needed).
- Transmission & power steering fluid – top off if low.

3. Charge and Test the Battery: Reconnect the battery if disconnected. Charge fully with a trickle charger. Test voltage and cranking power; replace if weak.

4. Inspect Belts and Hoses: Look for cracks, dry rot, or soft spots in rubber hoses and belts. Tighten or replace if anything is loose, brittle, or leaking.

5. Check Tires for Cracks and Pressure: Rubber deteriorates in storage. Inspect sidewalls and tread for dry rot or flat spots. Inflate to correct PSI before driving.

6. Test Brakes Thoroughly: Press the pedal: it should feel firm, not spongy. Check for fluid leaks, rusted lines, or stuck calipers. Consider bleeding the system if it’s been over a year.

7. Clean and Detail the Car: Wash off any dust or storage residue. Wax the paint and polish chrome to protect it. Vacuum and condition the interior.

8. Inspect Fuel System: Gas can go bad over winter. If untreated, drain old fuel and replace with fresh gas. Inspect fuel lines for cracking and carburetors for varnish.

9. Check Lights and Electrical Components: Test all lights – headlights, turn signals, brake, and dash lights. Make sure gauges, horn, and radio work properly.

10. Go for a Short Test Drive: Start the engine and listen for odd noises. Take a slow, careful drive to test brakes, steering, and shifting. Monitor temperature, fluid leaks, and drivability.

Final Tip:
Keep a notepad handy during your first few drives to jot down any issues that crop up. Catching minor problems early helps avoid bigger repairs later.