Classic cars can be a great hobby to indulge in—but it’s important that you take the necessary steps to preserve the condition of your class car for as long as possible. Classic cars require special attention and care that goes beyond routine maintenance, especially if you plan to store your classic care long-term or even send it through interstate car transport. The following are 5 essential tips that will help you preserve the condition of your classic car.

Keep it covered

If your car is going to be kept outside for any period of time, then you need to keep it covered. This will help protect your car from rain, leaves, bird droppings, as well as the wind bellowing debris like gravel which could scratch your paint. You have two options for keeping your car covered in an open space: a carport or a tarp. Tarps are cheaper and more direct protection as they form a layer between your car and possible debris, but they can be annoying to constantly secure onto your car after use. Carports are slightly more expensive and are best for protecting your car from rain and sunlight rather than debris.

Install a moisture barrier between your car and the floor

If you can, create some type of moisture barrier between your car and the floor/ground where it will be parked. Insulated plastic or insulated foam barriers are ideal as they will help keep moisture away from your tires as well as the undercarriage of your car. This type of barrier is especially important if you will be engaging in any interstate car transport, as it will help prevent harmful moisture from damaging the underside of your car.

Have your moving parts regularly maintained and lubricated

The moving parts of your car need to be regularly maintained, cleaned and lubricated—even more so than you would a modern/new car, due to the fragility of classic car parts when they are left unmaintained.

Remove the battery when not used regularly

If you won’t be using your classic car for a while, then you should remove the battery; you can keep the battery charge up by routinely topping it off so that the battery won’t lose its strength. If you plan on using the car regularly you can keep the battery inside, but if you’ll be sending it across state lines or you plan on not using your car for, say, the winter season, then removal is the best option.

Get your car waxed every 6 months or so

Waxing is something that classic car owners shouldn’t neglect if they want their car to look its best over a long period of time. A regular waxing—about every 6 months or so—will help protect your classic car from various types of scratches and damages while making it look its very best.

Preserving the look and feel of your classic car isn’t easy, but if you follow the above tips you’ll find that preserving your classic car is easier than ever before.