The UAE is a wonderful place to own a classic car, with dry roads, little rain and long evenings that are perfect for a drive. The climate does bring its own challenges, though. Intense sun, summer temperatures well above 40°C, fine sand and coastal humidity all take a toll on older materials. The good news is that a few consistent habits go a long way. Here is how to keep a classic in top shape all year.
Storage comes first
Where the car lives matters more than anything else you do.
- Keep it out of direct sun. A covered, shaded space protects paint, rubber, plastics and leather from UV damage.
- Choose climate control if you can. A cool, dry environment slows the ageing of every material in the car and keeps humidity in check.
- Use a breathable, soft car cover indoors to keep dust off without trapping moisture. Avoid plastic covers, which hold heat and condensation.
Look after the cooling system
Heat is hardest on engines that were designed decades ago, often for cooler climates. Have the radiator, hoses, fans, water pump and thermostat checked regularly, and keep the coolant fresh and at the right mix. Watch the temperature gauge on every drive. If a car runs warm in traffic, a specialist can often improve cooling without changing its character.
Keep the air conditioning healthy
Air conditioning in older cars works hard here. Service it before summer, check for leaks and make sure the condenser is clean. A working system makes the car far more enjoyable and keeps the interior from baking.
Batteries and electrics
Heat shortens battery life, and cars that are not driven often slowly drain their batteries. A quality battery maintainer (trickle charger) keeps the battery healthy between drives. Check wiring and connections periodically, because heat can make older insulation brittle over time.
Tyres and rubber
Tyres can look perfect and still be past their best. Rubber hardens and develops cracks with age and UV exposure, which affects grip and safety.
- Check the age printed on the sidewall, not just the tread depth.
- Keep pressures correct, and adjust for cars that sit for long periods to help prevent flat spots.
- Inspect seals and hoses around doors, windows and the engine bay. Dry, cracked rubber lets in dust and water and is worth replacing early.
Protect the paint
Original paint is precious and difficult to replace. Wash the car gently and regularly to remove fine sand, which can scratch when wiped dry. A good wax, sealant or ceramic coating adds a layer of UV protection, and paint protection film on the front of the car guards against stone chips on the highway.
Care for the interior
Leather, wood and dashboards suffer most in the heat. Use sunshades whenever the car is parked outside, condition leather a few times a year with a product suited to older hides, and keep the interior clean of sand and dust. In humid months, a dehumidifier in the garage helps prevent musty smells and mould.
Drive it regularly
Cars are made to be driven. A drive every couple of weeks, long enough to bring the engine fully up to temperature, keeps seals supple, fluids moving, the battery charged and the brakes free. Early mornings and evenings are the best times to enjoy a classic in the summer months.
Follow a service schedule
Older cars benefit from servicing by time as well as mileage. Fresh oil, fluids and filters, and a yearly inspection by a specialist who knows the model, will catch small issues before they become big ones.
Looking for a classic that has already been well cared for? See our classic cars, or talk to our team for advice on looking after your car.
