Tips for Taking a Classic Car on a Road Trip

For many classic car lovers, nothing beats a long-distance road trip in a vintage vehicle. Check out our tips for an idyllic road trip in your classic car here.

Have you always dreamed of taking a vintage vehicle on a long-distance road trip where you can sit back and enjoy the passing scenery and the fun of driving a beloved classic for hours on end? If so, check out our guide below, which includes tips for taking a classic car on a road trip for a safe and enjoyable journey.

Make a Plan

The first thing any cross-country road tripper should do is make a plan. While it’s freeing and exciting to begin a journey with no real destination and a live-by-the-moment mantra, doing so in an older, classic car is not recommended.

Consider the best cities to visit in your vintage vehicle and the ideal routes to get there from your starting point. If you have time to spare, consider getting off the interstate highways and into the backroads, where there’s less traffic, the speeds are easier for your classic, and you get to see more of the beautiful country! Having a predetermined route mapped out takes the stress and decision-making out of the driving.

Inspect the Car

Before you set out on your journey, you’ll want to ensure that the vehicle can survive. If it’s been a while since the vehicle drove such a long distance, you’ll want to thoroughly inspect it from top to bottom, inside and out.

Inspect the tires, brakes, oil, filters, and everything else. For this, it’s best to bring it to a professional mechanic with the tools and knowledge to spot even the slightest problems that could intensify during a long trip. If they give the car a clean bill of health, you’ll be able to set out with peace of mind.

Prepare the Vehicle

If your classic car looks in good shape for the road trip, the next tip is to prepare the vehicle. A quality tune-up is always a good idea for vintage rides before a trip, which means basic maintenance services like changing the oil, checking the spark plugs, and swapping out the air filters.

If the tires are old, it’s also wise to swap them out with new ones to ensure you have a smooth and safe ride. Lastly, don’t forget about the fluids, especially the coolant, as older cars are much more prone to overheating, especially on long, hot trips, than modern cars.

What To Bring Along

With the itinerary set and the car ready, there are a few things you should bring along for safety and convenience. Firstly, wise drivers pack a roadside emergency kit that contains jumper cables, a tire repair kit, and a first aid kit in case of an accident or vehicle failure.

Next, pack up a kit of cleaning supplies to keep your car sparkling after a long day of cruising outdoors. Also, a GPS or supply of maps with your route mapped out will ensure you don’t miss your exit and become lost halfway through!

Keep our tips in mind, and we’re sure you’ll have an enjoyable and safe road trip in your vintage ride. But remember that a classic car is more fragile than a typical modern one, so don’t push it too hard to get to your destination quicker!