Three Ways to Extend the Life of Your Sports Car
Sports cars are important and expensive investments and drivers
often develop a deep appreciation for their car. As such, they
seek to maintain their cars well and prolong their useful life
as long as possible.
There are many things one can to do extend their sports car's
life. Some involve great expense and technical expertise. Others
are as simple as placing a drop cloth or car cover over a
garaged vehicle. All activities of this sort, however, can be
placed in one of three general categories. These are the three
ways by which one can extend the life of a sports car:
Exterior Maintenance
Of course, the guts and inner workings of any sports car are the
driving force behind its performance. Engines, suspensions and
transmissions are have a far greater impact on sports car
performance than does appearance. Although aerodynamic sports
cars may receive some performance boost from their design,
exterior aspects are primarily aesthetic matter not directly
tied to the quality of a drive.
However, neglect of a sports car's external shell can destroy
the vehicle's attraction and render it nearly as useless as a
car with a blown motor. Exterior rust and decay is more likely
to destroy the visual impact of the car than to have a real
impact on its drivability, but maintenance for the car's body
can keep the car fresh, pleasing and more fun to drive.
Regular attention must be paid to the exterior. This includes
regular washings with appropriate detergents and careful
application of was or other protectants. Small scratches and or
chips should be repaired immediately. These seemingly
insignificant blemishes provide an opportunity for oxidation and
subsequent visible rust.
The car should be protected from the elements when possible.
There is no reason to leave a sports car in the sun,
unprotected. The sun's rays will fade paint and can cause rubber
and plastic moldings to crack or wear unevenly. One should also
strive to store their sports car appropriately and to protect it
from sun and inclement weather.
Regular Maintenance
If a car has a significant mechanical problem it must, of
course, be carefully and correctly rectified before the
automobile is used. Repairs are obvious and no sports car owner
can look past them.
Regular maintenance, however, is just as important to a sports
car and is often overlooked. Regular oil-changes, tune-ups, hose
and belt replacement and other maintenance chores must be
conducted in order to effectively protect the vehicle against
excessive wear and tear. One cannot stop time, but they can slow
its impact through quality maintenance.
Often, one may take the attitude of those who say "if it isn't
broken, don't fix it." This seemingly common-sense approach
however may keep sports car owners from thinking proactively
about maintaining their car. When you spot older model sports
cars that still look great and run as beautifully as the day
they rolled off the assembly line it is usually because they are
owned by sports car buffs who take maintenance seriously.
Appropriate Driving
Sports cars are strong machines, but are finely tuned
instruments at the same time. They respond to use in unique
ways, yet can still be victimized by poor driving habits just
like any other car.
It is incumbent upon a sports car driver to be a good overall
driver and not to force the automobile beyond its limitations or
to use it incorrectly. Many major automotive problems stem not
from mechanical deficiencies, but instead from poor driving.
One would not give a child a Stradivarius with which to take
introductory fiddle classes. Likewise, one should not embark on
using a high-performance sports car until they are prepared to
drive it optimally and with great skill.
Sometimes the most basic themes hold the keys to success. That
is certainly the case with sports car preservation. There are
many details that need to be managed, but following the basic
principles of conducting correct maintenance and driving
appropriately will extend the life of your sports car more
effectively than any single product or quick fix.