Essential Care Tips for Your Classic Toyota

It's true when they say that everything old becomes new again. Think about it. Fashion trends go in and out of style and everything gets recycled into something new. 80s and 90s clothing is in now, vintage clothing stores are everywhere, and thrifting for older clothing is in right now. Even retro and vintage video games are undergoing a resurgence right now. What was once old becomes new again and the same case can be made for cars. Classic car collecting is very popular among older demographics looking to relive the days of their first car and younger people are noticing their striking and unique aesthetic appeal. 

While collecting vintage vehicles is cool (and also probably the most expensive hobby you'll ever get yourself into), you have to be careful when it comes to maintaining your classic Toyota car. Luckily, Toyota of Orlando is here with an easy guide to help you better take care of your classic ride. 

How to Take Care of Your Classic Toyota Car

1) Have the Oil Checked and Changed

Today's cars run on very advanced technology that helps them to perform better than ever before. Many classic Toyota cars use seat belts that are less safe than ones in go karts. As old as a classic ride is, the engineering is dated and needs special attention to keep it all intact. If the oil hasn't been changed in quite some time or you're unsure of its condition, make sure to have it inspected and replaced if necessary. 

2) Clean Everything

After years and years of use, your Orlando classic Toyota car has grown sensitive to things like dirt, dust, and other forms of filth. To keep your ride preserved for years of admiration to come, make sure to clean it often. Condition the leather seats, vacuum the carpets, and wipe down all the surfaces at least once a week. 

3) Bleed and Pump the Brakes

Orlando Toyota vehicles experience wear and tear like anything else, but classic Toyota cars are built using older and less advanced components, in this case the brakes. While modern vehicles use a caliper and rotor system older vehicles use a disk with fluid that's prone to build up and clogging. To fix this issue, classic car owners should pump and bleed the brake system once a month. We won't dive into the dirty details, but we recommend discussing this process with one of our auto service experts before you get started. 

4) Repack the Wheel Bearings

Like we said earlier, classic Toyota cars use an older brake system from the pads and rotors of today. Instead, they use a disc and bearing that creates tension when the brake is applied. The main issues with this system are that the grease inside to keep the bearing operating ages and the system is completely contained. It's possible to repack the wheel bearings by yourself, but it's a very messy and temperamental procedure that could go wrong. If you'd rather play this one safe, our auto service experts at Toyota of Orlando are here to help. 

There's nothing better than a classic, but you need to take special care of your classic Toyota if you want it to last. If you need help or have questions, our auto service experts at Toyota of Orlando are here to help! Find us at 3575 Vineland Road seven days a week!