Classic and antique car organizations in the United States define a classic car as a top-end, initially high-priced, and limited vehicle. Antique car prices can vary based on factors like the manufacturer, model, year, and more.

Owning a classic collector car is a job for people who appreciate and understand the status and quality of the vehicle they own. Considering that it can be a challenge to come by classic car parts or replace a vintage automobile, antique car owners have to be willing to spend much time lavishing their vehicles with the attention, care, and maintenance they deserve. Listed below are five essential tips for classic car owners and collectors to follow.

1. Always clean all sides of your vehicle.

Cleaning your classic vehicle is a crucial part of keeping it in excellent condition. When doing so, don’t just wash, wax, and polish the exterior. Deep clean the interior and as much of the underside as you can. Doing so ensures your car is clean throughout and can help you prevent damage from vermin, rodents, or weather.

2. When the weather isn’t great, treat it as downtime for your car, not hibernation.

Understandably, classic car owners may not want to drive their vintage vehicles when the weather conditions are poor. Precipitation and wet grounds are sure to keep a classic car off the road. Still, vintage car owners should hop in their ride and drive it now and then, rather than letting it sit dormant for months on end, which will encourage corrosion issues. Taking your classic car for a drive once or twice a month when it’s dry outside enables the engine to reach full operating temperature, helping people maintain proper mechanical system lubrication and avoid clutch and brake seizures and tire flat-spots.

To avoid mechanical issues caused by stagnation, consider going for a drive in your car on a special occasion, like your birthday, if the weather is right. Celebrating your birthday may be a different experience this year because of the ongoing coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Health experts’ advisories against traveling and holding social gatherings may have ruined your plans for having a birthday party. If you’re spending your birthday alone, consider going for fresh air and an enjoyable drive in your beautiful classic car. A fun ride or solo road trip is just one way you can make sure your special day is a happy birthday.

Giving yourself something you’ve always wanted can be another way to pamper yourself on your big day. If you love collector cars, you might also love luxury wristwatches, too. If you want a new accessory, don’t get just any piece of jewelry or a watch. For your special day, consider spoiling yourself with a luxurious gold timepiece that’s full of style and demonstrates a rich history. A gold watch can be the perfect accessory for a professional event, formal occasion, or just for collecting. Shop luxury gold watches online and choose the best one for your style and preferences. Purchasing a luxury watch from a reputable watch house enables you to pick a leather strap or a bracelet or choose various shades of gold—white gold, yellow gold, or rose gold—from the luxurious collection of your choice. Whether you choose a modern luxury watch or a vintage one, you’ll have a stunning birthday gift.

3. Obtain car insurance for your classic car.

There are several factors car owners should keep in mind when getting insurance for classic cars. Classic car owners searching for an insurance company should be sure the company provides coverage options for vintage and old vehicles. A classic car may require more expensive insurance coverage compared to new non-classic cars. In general, insurance premiums and deductibles may depend on the model and brand of the vehicle.

Classic car owners should determine if their car qualifies for particular types of insurance. Check state laws regarding classic car insurance. Each state follows its own rules, but in several states, a vehicle must be 15 years or more to be considered a classic car. Cars that are more than 15 years old and have a particular monetary value could qualify for a select type of insurance.

Car owners should get insurance for their classic car the same way recreational vehicle (RV) owners would get an extended RV warranty, for instance. When planning the perfect road trip to embark on in an RV or camper, people may not anticipate having to make a stop for roadside assistance or detouring to a service center or repair facility. An extended warranty protection plan can provide RV owners coverage if their camper or RV experiences a mechanical failure, or the gas valve, hot water tank, or PC board needs repairing to function correctly during a long road trip.

Whether you’re driving your classic car regularly, taking it to and from car shows, or it’s just sitting in your garage, getting it insured with the right kind of insurance will be beneficial and give you peace of mind.

4. Find a suitable storage space or garage for your classic car.

In keeping with protecting the look and condition of your classic car, a clean, spacious, and well-ventilated garage or car storage can be just as practical as insurance coverage. The cool, pristine look of your classic car could play a role in you getting attention from others and even attracting older women.

Both older women and younger women may have an attraction to a sophisticated, polished look. Besides dressing well and carrying yourself with style and sophistication, owning an antique car, hot rod, or vintage motorcycle could make you a boyfriend or significant other material for some older women or younger women. For this reason, get an idea of average storage costs and purchase a storage facility for your classic car. By keeping your vintage vehicle in a storage facility or garage instead of an outdoor parking space or the driveway, you’re safeguarding it from theft, vandalism, debris, sunlight and sun damage, moisture from precipitation, and storms, allowing it to maintain its attractive look.

5. Keep your keys in a secure place, too.

You may think keeping the keys to your vehicle above the visor, in the ignition, or anywhere near the car is safe and convenient, especially if it’s inside a garage or storage space. However, keeping your keys in the ignition could invite thieves to steal your vehicle if they break into your garage. Likewise, it’s not a good idea to leave spare keys in a key rack or on a hook in your house. Consider storing your spare keys in a home safe or a locking box.

Caring for a vintage car differs from maintaining a regular car. Classic car owners should always keep their car’s condition and age in mind, as these vehicles need great care and love to preserve their vintage quality.