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> its cold outside how to protect your healey over winter

The Winter Chill Can't Touch Your Healey with These 7 Maintenance Tricks

Posted: Tuesday, 30 January 2024 @ 08:39

Mechanic inspecting Austin Healey engine

Classic cars, Austin Healey’s included, need some extra TLC over the winter months.

In order to safeguard your beloved Austin Healey during the colder months, A H Spares, the world's largest supplier of spare parts for this classic car, offers seven superb tips to help you do so effectively.

Cleaning Big healey

1 - Wash & Polish

Winter is the ideal time to show some love to your Healey and give it a refreshing spring clean. Ensure the exterior is immaculately cleaned using car shampoo to get rid of all dirt and grime, and don't forget to apply wax polish to the bodywork and chrome. This will prevent bird droppings, tree resin and other substances from causing damage to the paint. The interior also needs attention - cleaning and vacuuming will make it spotless and ready for use when the weather gets warmer.

Cleaning engine coolant

2 - Coolant

The engine coolant not only serves the purpose of safeguarding against freezing but also acts as an anti-corrosive agent. However, with the passage of time, the anti-corrosive properties of the coolant tend to decrease. Therefore, it is recommended to periodically check and replenish the anti-freeze or alternatively, drain and refill the entire system if deemed necessary.

Castrol antifreeze

Part ID: LUB250 | Castrol Antifreeze

Castrol antifreeze is a mono ethylene glycol-based coolant with excellent corrosion protection for all metals.

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Retro Shell petrol pump at A H Spares

3 - Fuel Tank

Unprotected metal that is exposed to air is susceptible to corrosion, and fuel tanks are not exempt from this. To prevent corrosion, it is advisable to fill the tank with fuel, minimising or eliminating air circulation. Additionally, for extended periods of storage, it is wise to incorporate a fuel preservative.

Oil flowing over engine pistons

4 - engine

Over the course of a driving season, engine oil accumulates a variety of dirt and chemicals that can lead to corrosion within the engine. Whilst it is commonly known that changing the oil on a regular basis is crucial, doing so at the end of the season, rather than at the start, can prevent damage from occurring during the winter months. This preventive measure ensures that your engine stays in optimal condition.

Castrol Classic oil - 1 gallon

Part ID: LUB201 | Castrol Classic Oil - 1 Gallon

Castrol Classic XL 20W-50 for pre-1980 modern classic cars. Offers excellent oil consumption and a very high level of engine wear protection.

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Austin Healey wire wheels with tyres

5 - Tyres

If you leave your car stationary for extended periods, the tyres can develop flat spots from being in contact with the floor. To prevent this, you can elevate the vehicle on stands or use tyre trainers to distribute the weight over a larger area of the tyre. Another option is to inflate the tyres to their maximum pressure as indicated on the sidewall. These solutions will help mitigate the potential for flat spotting.

Tyre trainer set

Part ID: WHE185 | Tyre Trainer - Pair

  • Reduces side wall cracking on older tyres.
  • Slot together design for use on wider profile tyres.
  • Suitable for cars, trailers, caravans etc.
  • Possible garage stop position markers.

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Austin Healey wipers protected with newspaper

6 - Wipers

Leaving your wipers stationary for extended periods can result in them becoming fused with the windscreen. To prevent this, it is essential to either lift them away from the glass or place a layer of newspaper beneath them.

Austin Healey battery

7 - Battery

Removing the battery and storing it indoors or using a battery conditioner to maintain its charge can be a practical measure to prevent it from losing its power. This ensures that when spring arrives, it will be fully charged and ready power your Healey without any hindrances.

 
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