How to Care for Your E-type
E-Type owners tend to be very proud of their classic car, and for good reason. The Jaguar E-Type is one of the most iconic British classics, instantly recognised by its elegant lines and stunning bodywork, never failing to turn the heads of even those who know very little about cars.
Like any valuable classic car, the E-Type requires specialist care and maintenance in order to keep it in the best condition possible. E-Type UK, restoration specialists and dealers, share some helpful tips on caring for your E-Type.
Mechanics
It’s vital to keep your engine in good working order, and one of the best ways to ensure this is to change your E-Type’s oil regularly. Oil can degrade over time in an engine, so it’s best to change the oil and check the filter once or twice a year, depending on how much you drive the car.
Maintaining a regular service schedule can also help ensure you can avoid any costly repairs before it is too late. Some owners may overlook a regular service because classic cars aren’t typically driven as often or as far as modern cars, but classic cars can be more delicate, so it’s important to get it serviced regularly.
Another rule of thumb is to regularly monitor water/antifreeze levels, as well as brake and transmission fluid. Keeping on top of regular engine and component maintenance, as well as carrying out all minor repairs as soon as possible, is the best way to ensure expensive repairs can be avoided and your E-Type is kept in great condition.
Exterior
The exterior is the first thing anyone notices about a car, modern or classic. One of the most important things you can do to preserve the exterior of your E-Type is to store it properly. No classic car should be left exposed to the elements, so when possible, store it in a garage, carport or beneath a good quality car cover. This will help to reduce rust and other damage that can come with exposure to the damp British climate.
Keeping your E-Type clean by regularly hand-washing is another important tip, as dirt, bird droppings and grit on the roads during the winter can wreak havoc on that glossy paint job and delicate metalwork. Protect the paint further by waxing at least twice a year. A good quality wax will act as a barrier and can protect the paint from damage.
Due to the E-Type being very rust-prone, it is also a good idea to Waxoyl underneath the car and in all possible crevices, especially if your E-Type is used in the wet or at all during the long winter months. It is better to have this carried out by a professional, but can be done at home using a can or air compressor and jack stands. Be sure to clean all dirt from under the car first and let the car dry for at least 14 hours before applying the coating. Be generous with your application and look for any small crevices to spray it into to ensure the fullest protection possible.
Interior
The traditional interior of an E-Type includes leather seats, which are easy to wipe down with a dry cloth. You can also invest in a quality leather conditioner and treat the seats and any other leather trim included in the interior.
Fabric seats and the floor of your car are easy to maintain by hoovering regularly to remove dust, dirt and debris that is tracked into the car. A good carpet or upholstery cleaner can be used occasionally to freshen up the interior and to remove any deep dirt or stains. It’s important to test any cleaner on a small patch in a hidden area (i.e. beneath a seat) to make sure it is the right type and does not damage the upholstery.
Regularly wiping down the dash, steering wheel and details with a soft cloth will remove regular dust and keep everything looking shiny. One of the best things you can do for your E-Type’s interior is to store it away from direct sunlight. Intense sunlight over a period of time can crack leather, fade upholstery and otherwise damage your interior.
Driving Regularly
A certain level of anxiety is often experienced any time a classic car owner takes their vehicle out for a drive, and E-Types are no exception to this. A lot of time and money is invested in a restoration project, and so a lot of people are hesitant to add miles to the counter or risk damaging their car during a drive. However, it’s actually very important for the engine of a classic car, that it is driven regularly even if only for a short distance.
Try and drive your E-Type for a weekly errand to keep everything in good working order. Leaving your E-Type sitting for too long can actually cause damage, like the corroding of engine components and rust buildup in the fuel tank. Just like an elite athlete, an E-Type needs regular exercise to keep it in tip top shape.