The Hidden Dangers of Neglecting your Classic Car

At East County Classics, we're passionate about keeping classic cars, especially MGs, on the road where they belong. Whether it's a weekend driver or a long-term restoration project, every classic car deserves the right level of care and attention. Unfortunately, one of the most common mistakes we see from owners is leaving too long between checks and services.

It's easy to assume that if your car seems to be running fine, there's no need to have it looked over. But with older vehicles, many issues develop slowly and go unnoticed until they cause something to fail - often at the worst possible time.

A Real Example from the Workshop

BEFORE: A small crack like this can quickly turn into a major failure if left

AFTER: New fitted 'A' pan

Recently, we had a customer bring in an MG Midget that hadn’t been checked over for several years. From the outside, it looked like a well-kept car — the paint was good, and it still ran and drove. But as soon as we got it up on the ramp, several serious faults became apparent.

This MG looked perfectly fine from the outside - but underneath, we found a missing oil cap on the shock absorber and suspension 'A' pan fracture.

Among them were:

• A fuel leak from the pipe union at the tank – a potentially dangerous fault that could easily have led to fire risk.

• A broken suspension leaf spring, which could affect handling and ride height.

• An oil leak from the rear differential pinion seal leaving the diff half-empty.

• Rear wheel cylinders needed freeing off due to inactivity, however were not leaking.

• A leaky rocker cover gasket needed changing.

• Severely worn front shock absorber was knocking on inspection.

The owner was genuinely surprised. They had no idea that any of these problems existed — and that’s often the case. Many classic car components deteriorate quietly, especially when a car is used infrequently or stored for long periods.

Why Regular Checks Matter

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A quick look underneath revealed multiple faults that could have caused serious safety issues - e.g. this severely worn shock absorber.

Classic cars are built differently from modern ones. They don’t have electronic warning systems to alert you to faults, and their mechanical parts need more regular attention. Over time, things like rubber seals, fuel lines, brake hoses, and suspension bushes dry out, crack, or perish. Fluids degrade, metal components corrode, and settings can drift slightly out of alignment — all of which can lead to reliability or safety issues.

Regular inspections and servicing can help catch these problems before they turn serious. A small weep in a coolant pipe or fuel joint might not seem like much today, but left unchecked it could cause a complete failure down the line. Likewise, uneven tyre wear or a cracked spring might indicate a deeper suspension problem that’s affecting your car’s handling and safety.

Routine maintenance also keeps your car enjoyable to drive. A properly set-up MG or classic feels alive — crisp steering, smooth braking, predictable handling. Those little tweaks and adjustments make a world of difference.

A broken leaf in a rear spring can weaken it and cause extra demands on the remaining leaves.

Fuel leaks, like this one, are more common than you might think - and potentially dangerous if unnoticed.

How Often Should You Check or Service a Classic Car?

As a general rule, we recommend:

• An annual service – even if you’ve only covered a few hundred miles. Oil deteriorates over time, not just through use, and brake and clutch fluids absorb moisture when left standing.

• A mid-season or pre-show-season inspection – to make sure your car is ready for the summer months, when it’s most likely to be used.

• A safety check after long storage – if your car’s been off the road for winter or longer, a full check before driving it again is essential.

If you notice anything unusual — fuel smells, uneven handling, strange noises, or a drop in performance — don’t wait for the next service interval. A quick inspection could save you a costly repair.

Protecting Your Investment

Owning a classic car is as much about preservation as it is about passion. Regular maintenance not only keeps your car reliable and safe but also protects its long-term value. A well-maintained service record and photographic evidence of regular care go a long way when it comes to resale or insurance valuation.

At East County Classics, our experienced team specialises in MGs and other British classics. We understand their quirks, common failure points, and how to maintain them properly — from fuel systems and suspension to electrical components and bodywork. Whether it’s a quick health check, a full service, or preparation for an MOT, we treat every vehicle with the same level of detail and respect.

Book Your Check or Service

If it’s been a while since your car was last inspected, it might be time to give it some attention. A simple check-over can reveal hidden issues before they become serious and ensure your car stays safe, reliable, and ready for the road ahead.

Regular maintenance keeps your classic safe, reliable, and ready for the open road.

📍 East County Classics – MG and British Classic Car Specialists, Norfolk

🧰 Servicing • Repairs • MOTs • Restorations

📞 Call us 07572 481517

Keep your classic running the way it should — because the best way to avoid a breakdown is to prevent one.