Get Your Classic Car Road-Ready: The Ultimate Pre-Season Checklist

 A Classic Passion Passed Down

I've been hooked on classic cars since I was a teenager. At 14, I began restoring my first car—a 1966 Chevy Impala Convertible. It took two years of learning, wrenching, and trial and error, but by 16, I was cruising in a car I built myself. Decades later, I still own that Impala, and now my grandchildren ride in it with me. If there's one thing I've learned, it's that a well-maintained classic is a safe and reliable classic.

With driving season just around the corner, here’s a step-by-step checklist to ensure your classic car is ready to hit the road!

Step 1: Battery & Electrical System Check

• Inspect the battery terminals for corrosion and clean them with a wire brush.
• Check voltage levels with a multimeter (should be around 12.6V when fully charged).
• Ensure all lights, gauges, and fuses are working properly.

Recommended Products:
🔧 NOCO Battery Terminal Cleaner
🔧 Topdon BT100 Battery Tester
🔧 DeoxIT Electrical Contact Cleaner

Step 2: Fluid Levels & Quality

• Oil: Change the oil in the beginning of every season
• Coolant: Ensure proper mix and level; flush if over 2 years old.
• Transmission Fluid: Should be bright red or amber, not dark/burnt.
• Brake Fluid: If it’s brown or murky, flush it.
• Power Steering Fluid: Top off if needed.

Recommended Products:
🛢️ Valvoline VR1 High-Zinc Oil
🛢️ Prestone 50/50 Coolant
🛢️ Lucas Transmission Fix

Step 3: Tire Inspection & Air Pressure

• Look for cracks, bulges, or dry rot—especially if the car sat all winter.
• Check and set tire pressure to factory specs.
• Inspect the spare tire and jack.

Recommended Products:
🚗 Milton Digital Tire Pressure Gauge
🚗 Slime Tire Inflator
🚗 Kobalt Torque Wrench

Step 4: Brakes & Suspension

• Test the brake pedal; if it feels soft or spongy, inspect the system. 
• Check brake pads/rotors/drums for wear.
• Inspect shocks, struts, and control arms for leaks or play.

Recommended Products:
🛠️ Motive Power Bleeder
🛠️ Raybestos Brake Pads
🛠️ KYB Gas Shocks

Step 5: Fuel System Check

• Inspect fuel lines for cracks or leaks.
• If the car has been sitting, Hopefully you used  a fuel stabilizer.  
• If not I recomend using it during the season and for storage.
• Check carburetor/fuel injection for clogs. 
• Check Fuel Filter. Change as Needed. 

Recommended Products:
⛽ Sta-Bil 360 Ethanol Treatment
⛽ Gumout Carburetor Cleaner
⛽ ACDelco Fuel Filter

Step 6: Belts, Hoses, & Cooling System

• Check for cracks, fraying, or soft spots on belts and hoses.
• Squeeze the radiator hoses—they should be firm, not mushy.
• Ensure radiator cap holds pressure properly.

Recommended Products:
🛠️ Gates V-Belt Kit
🛠️ Stant Radiator Cap
🛠️ Lisle Hose Cutter

Step 7: Detailing & Protection

• Wash, clay bar, and wax the exterior to remove winter grime.
• Clean and condition leather, vinyl, or upholstery.
• Treat rubber seals to prevent drying/cracking.

Recommended Products:
🧽 Meguiar’s Clay Bar Kit
🧽 Chemical Guys Leather Conditioner
🧽 303 Rubber Seal Protectant

Step 8: First Start & Road Test

• Start the engine and listen for unusual noises.
• Let it warm up fully and check for leaks.
• Take a short drive, testing brakes, steering, and throttle response.

Quick Reference Summary

✅ Battery & electrical system check
✅ Fluid levels & quality inspection
✅ Tire pressure & tread check
✅ Brake & suspension inspection
✅ Fuel system check
✅ Belts, hoses, & cooling system check
✅ Detailing & protection
✅ First start & road test

Need Help? Contact Me!

📧 Email me at Troy@VtwinsToV8s.com for personal guidance on classic car maintenance and restoration.

📥 Download the Pre-Season Checklist! Get a printable to-do version of this checklist by Clicking Here and signing up with your email.

Final Thoughts

A little pre-season prep can mean the difference between a smooth ride and an unexpected breakdown. Follow this checklist, and your classic car will be safe, reliable, and road-ready for the best driving season yet!

🚗 Happy Cruising!