Getting Your Classic Ride Ready for Summer
When the weather warms up and the roads clear off, there’s nothing better than firing up that old classic and going for a drive. Whether it’s a Sunday cruise through the backroads or heading to the local car show, summer’s the time to let your vintage beauty stretch her legs.
But before you turn the key and roll out, it’s worth giving your classic car or truck a little TLC to make sure it’s ready for the road—and not headed for the tow truck.
At B&R Repair, we love working on old iron. Whether it’s a emerald ’73 Camaro, grandpa’s retired farm truck, or a well-loved muscle car, we treat it like it’s our own.
Here’s how to get your classic vehicle road-ready for summer.
🔋 1. Check the Battery and Electrical Connections
If your vehicle’s been sitting through the winter, the battery might be weak—or dead altogether.
Test the battery charge and look for any corrosion on the terminals
Make sure all ground wires and connectors are clean and tight
Turn on the lights, blinkers, wipers, and horn—make sure everything works before you head out
👉 Pro tip: If your ride has an old-school generator instead of an alternator, you’ll want to be extra sure everything is charging properly.
🛢️ 2. Change the Oil and Check All Fluids
Old engines love clean oil, especially when they’ve been sitting. Before you hit the road:
Change the engine oil and filter
Top off or flush coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid
Check rear diff and power steering (if equipped)
Look for any leaks under the car or around gaskets
👉 Don't forget to check for old fuel if it's been sitting a while. That gas can go stale and gum things up quick.
🚗 3. Inspect the Tires and Brakes
Tires and brakes are your first line of defense—and older vehicles don’t have the fancy backup systems modern cars do.
Check for dry rot, cracks, or flat spots in the tires
Make sure the brake pedal feels firm, and that shoes, pads, and drums/rotors are in good shape
Take a look at brake lines and hoses—rubber can get brittle over time
Check your lug nuts and tire pressure (especially if you’re running vintage wheels)
🧰 4. Belts, Hoses, and Seals—Give ’Em a Look
Rubber parts don’t age well, especially if your ride’s been in storage. Look for:
Cracks or dry spots in belts and hoses
Leaks around gaskets and seals
Loose clamps or frayed wiring
A 10-minute inspection can save you a headache on the side of the road.
🕶️ 5. Make Sure She’s Road-Ready—and Legal
Before you head out to cruise Main Street or hit the next local show:
Double-check your insurance and registration
Make sure your lights, signals, mirrors, and horn are all working
Keep a basic toolkit and a jug of water in the back—just in case
And if your vehicle’s running a little rich or rough, we’re happy to help you tune it up so it’s running smooth and sounding just right.
✅ Let Us Help You Get It Running Right
At B&R Repair, we love old vehicles as much as you do. We’re not just here for the everyday drivers—we’re here for the folks who keep the classics alive.
We offer:
Classic car and truck tune-ups
Oil, fluid, and filter service
Electrical troubleshooting
Brake and suspension checks
Carburetor adjustments
Whether it's a restored beauty or a patina-covered survivor, we’ll treat it with the care it deserves.
📍 Time to Bring That Classic Back to Life?
If your vintage ride needs a once-over before hitting the road or even if it needs more in-depth TLC, bring it on by. We’ll help you make sure she’s ready to shine—without breaking the bank.
📞 Call us at (815) 699-2641 or roll on into B&R Repair in rural Princeton.
Proudly keeping the classics on the road in Bureau County and beyond.