According to some sources, this past July was the hottest month on record, and if you attended a classic car show, you probably noticed. This year’s extreme heat posed serious challenges for classic car enthusiasts. The weather has been especially difficult because most classics aren’t equipped with air conditioning and other luxuries necessary for dealing with the heat. Try getting into a 1932 Ford Roadster after it’s sat out in the sun all day. The black leather feels hot enough to fry an egg, and that heat feels incredibly uncomfortable on your legs.
People often use the phrase, “They don’t make cars like they used to,” and my response during the summer is “Thank goodness!” While there’s much to love about fine classics, most lack tinted windows, A/C, ventilated seats, and other important amenities for beating the heat. Some classics even lack windows, leaving their drivers exposed to the scorching weather.
In this Month in Motoring, we have some essential tips for all you car enthusiasts who love attending summer events. We’ll share important guidance for preparing for events as well as what to do on the day of the event.
Preparation Tips for a Successful Summer Car Event
You must plan ahead and prepare your vehicle before your car event. You can start by double-checking the basics the night before. Start by ensuring that your radiator has a 50/50 antifreeze mix. Sufficient antifreeze levels are critical during the summer because the mixture raises your radiator water’s boiling point by around 30 degrees.
Next, check your classic’s tire pressure, as your tire pressure will increase as the temperature rises. It’s also crucial that you ensure your tires aren’t under-inflated. High temperatures can cause under-inflated tires to overheat while driving, potentially leading to a blowout.
After checking your radiator and tires, remember to inspect the belts and hoses under your hood because they will also be under stress in the heat. Finally, you should do a quick walk around to make sure everything looks as it should.
Another important step you should take the night before is freezing a wet towel. You can keep this towel in your cooler the day of the event, as it’ll come in handy if you overheat.
How to Keep Cool While Showing Off Your Classic Vehicle
Perhaps the most important thing you can do on the day of the event is create a schedule. You can reduce your exposure to the heat by ensuring you arrive at the event early. Instead of meeting your friends at 7 am for breakfast, hit the road and get your coffee when you arrive at the event. Additionally, you can stay late to avoid driving during the hottest parts of the day. A few hours can make a huge difference in staying cool.
You can also wear a hat to protect yourself against the sun. It’s also never a bad idea to pack a spare! Before hopping in your car the morning of the event, place a white sheet over your seats. This will make your seats less hot amidst the oppressive heat. You should also keep a cooler with plenty of water close at hand.
Once you’re on the road, stay hydrated and pay attention to how you feel. If you start feeling a bit off, find a safe place to pull over and take a break. Heat exhaustion is serious and can sneak up on you, so don’t second guess yourself if you start feeling poorly. Some common symptoms of heat exhaustion include headaches, lightheadedness, sweating, nausea, weakness, and dizziness.
As you drive, you should also stay cognizant of your classic car. If your car’s motor starts knocking, pull over and address the issue if possible.
Classic Cars That Beat the Summer Heat
If you are lucky enough to have the means and space to store a second vehicle, you can invest in a modern collector car that thrives in the heat. There are plenty of exceptional cars from the 1980s and later that look great and include contemporary luxuries, like air conditioning. These vehicles are practical during the summertime and still fit nicely in most car shows.
My personal favorite modern collector cars are the C3 and C4 Corvettes from the 1980s. These cars are incredibly eye-catching and are equipped with comfortable amenities for beating the heat.
The 1981 C3 and the 1988 C4 are especially noteworthy and have price points that can meet almost any budget. The 1981 C3 Corvette boasts a breathtaking classic look, while the 1988 C4 Corvette offers impressive performance. These cars are collectible, comfortable, and affordable, all of which make them fantastic backup cars for enjoying the best car events even in the summer weather.
Get the Best Insurance for Your Classic Corvette
Whether you’re driving a 1932 Ford Roadster, a 1988 C4 Corvette, or another timeless classic, you need classic car insurance to protect your prized beauty. Here at Classic Auto Insurance, we provide our clients with flexible and affordable policies that include top-of-the-line benefits.
Our policies come with inflation guard, rollover miles, and nationwide roadside assistance with flatbed towing. Roadside assistance is especially important during the classic car season, as you cruise around in your classics more frequently and for longer distances.
If you want to learn more about our policies, call us at 888-901-1338, or you can get an instant quote here.
