The engine is the beating heart of any vehicle. But, as you might imagine, a classic car’s engine that’s 40 or 50 years old might not run as well as it did in its heyday. If you are new to classic cars, there are many things you should take into consideration when it comes to engine upkeep and repair, which is why we thought we’d highlight some of the most common problems people face and how to overcome them.

How to keep your classic car’s engine ticking over

Keeping your engine in check is the best way to avoid high maintenance costs or even the need to change the engine completely. Engines that aren’t maintained properly can overheat, fail, or wear beyond repair. To prevent this from happening, make sure you change the oil regularly, change worn or broken spark plugs, replace air filters, and keep the engine water and coolant topped up. If you leave the car in storage for any amount of time, you should regularly start the engine and run it for 5 minutes or so to ensure the battery keeps in check.

Swapping the engine

If your engine is beyond repair, you’ll need a complete engine swap. This doesn’t come cheap, but it can make a world of difference to your driving experience. Luckily, most modern engines can be added to classic cars, meaning you can avoid the cost of specialist engines and have the smooth ride and reliability of a modern vehicle. You might just need to come to terms with the fact that you will lose some of that classic car growl that comes with engines built in the 60s and 70s.

A full engine rebuild

If you really can’t do without the feeling of that classic growl of an engine from the good old days, you could opt for a full engine rebuild. This involves dismantling the engine down to its bare components and then rebuilding it with as many original pieces as possible. Any parts that are damaged or worn can be redesigned by specialist manufacturers or bought in stores that sell replica classic car engine parts. Unless you are a qualified engine specialist, it’s probably best to leave an engine rebuild to the professionals. Also, if you’re trying to keep your engine repairs to a tight budget, this choice probably isn’t for you. It can often cost significantly more than purchasing and installing a modern engine.

Getting help with your classic car engine problems

If you keep a classic car, make sure you follow the maintenance steps mentioned in the first section. If this doesn’t work or your engine is simply beyond repair, it’s a good idea to decide whether you need an engine swap or rebuild. For advice and any help you may need, don’t hesitate to contact us here at JD’s Auto Repair. Our dedicated team of experts will be glad to talk you through your options and give you a quote for any work you may need.