When you think about the most iconic American cars, the Corvette is probably the first vehicle that comes to mind. Everything about the classic Corvette is legendary.
From its slick, distinctive silhouette to its high-performance engine, the Corvette has captured hearts and withstood the test of time.
If you’re lucky enough to own a classic Corvette, keeping it looking and running like new should be your number one priority.
Here are five things you need to do to give this iconic car all the TLC it deserves.
1. Wash it Regularly
To protect your Corvette’s exterior and keep it looking like new, wash it thoroughly and regularly. If you don’t remove the dirt, dust, bird droppings, and debris that accumulate on your car, they can damage the paint.
Wash and dry the entire car – including the wheels and corvette exhaust. Clean the exhaust tips with water and degreaser to remove any carbon buildup, dry them with a soft microfiber towel, and apply metal polish to achieve a high shine. If there is a lot of carbon caked on the exhaust tips, you may need to apply several layers of polish.
Use a wheel cleaner and a wheel brush to clean the wheels, and be sure to rinse them thoroughly when you’re done. When water is left to dry on the wheels, it can leave them looking dull.
2. Store it in a Garage Whenever Possible
The best place to store your classic Corvette is in a garage. If it’s locked away, it will be protected from the elements, animals, and vandals. A garage is also the best place to perform cosmetic upgrades and routine maintenance.
Remember to leave the windows slightly cracked when storing your Corvette in a garage – this will help prevent condensation from forming inside, which encourages mildew and mold growth. However, a better option is to purchase a dehumidifier and install it in the garage.
3. Protect it with a Car Cover
As previously stated, the safest place to store your Corvette is in a garage. Whenever it’s not in a garage, cover it up. If you only take your Corvette out for a spin once or twice a week, invest in a thick, protective car cover to shield it from bird droppings, dirt, and the elements.
A protective car cover will protect your paintwork, upholstery, and general interior from the sun’s harmful UV rays – which can cause the leather to crack, paint to peel, and the car’s trim to perish or fade. A car cover can also potentially protect your Corvette from rain damage. You can also purchase specialized car covers that inflate – these are even better at protecting your car’s exterior from hail damage.
No matter what climate you live in, a protective car cover is absolutely necessary to keep your Corvette looking like new – especially if you can’t always keep it in a garage. If you live in an area that receives a lot of heavy rain and hail, you can also download a storm warning app that will alert you of any extreme weather.
4. Monitor the Fluids
Even if you hardly ever drive your Corvette, you need to check the fluids often – this is especially important for older classic models.
Only use high-quality oil specifically formulated for high-performance cars, and monitor the level of transmission and brake fluids. Depending on the model, you may also need to keep an eye on the power steering and antifreeze.
When checking the fluids yourself, always ensure the engine is at the correct temperature. If your Corvette’s engine is too hot, you may not get an accurate reading of the transmission fluid level and run the risk of under-filling it.
If you raise the car to check the fluid levels yourself, always perform a safety test on your jack and make sure you know how to use it correctly.
5. Take it to a Mechanic Who Specializes in Corvettes
When choosing a mechanic to service your Corvette, don’t decide on the cheapest or closest shop just for convenience’s sake. Instead, choose a certified mechanic who has experience working on Corvettes, and make sure they are qualified.
Classic Corvettes are specialized vehicles, so you want to make sure the mechanic you choose to conduct services and repairs knows what they are doing.
Taking proper care of your classic Corvette will improve its performance and longevity and keep it looking and feeling brand new. With the appropriate care, you and your Corvette can have many happy years together.
ABOUT STEVEN NOVAK
Steven is a certified mechanic and technical writer. Steven is excited about off-road trucks, camping and car modifications.
Every year he visits SEMA, and other car shows. He knows everything about wheels. tires and is always ready to help our readers.
