Spring is finally on the horizon. After months of staring at that silhouette in the garage, waiting for the salt to clSpring is finally on the horizon. After months of staring at that silhouette in the garage, waiting for the salt to clear and the mercury to rise, it's finally time. But as any enthusiast knows, waking a car from hibernation requires more than just a charged battery. Whether you’re dusting off a 1960s muscle car or a modern weekend toy, the transition from storage to the street can be a minefield of mechanical mishaps.To help you kick off the motoring season right, AutoGuide teamed up with the experts at Hagerty. We sat down with Hagerty’s Bryant Kolle to tackle the burning questions submitted by our forum community.1. The #1 Mistake: The "Driveway Disaster"Before you even think about horsepower, Bryant warns of a much humbler system: your brakes."I’ve seen countless claims where the owner is so excited to get the car out that they forget the brakes might have developed surface rust or lost pressure," Bryant explains. "If your driveway has even a slight incline, that excitement can quickly turn into thousands of dollars in damage to your neighbor's car—or your own house."The Expert Fix: Always pump the brake pedal several times and test the engagement on completely level ground before shifting into gear.2. The Fuel Dilemma: Did You Forget the Stabilizer?It’s the question that haunts us every spring: “I forgot to put fuel stabilizer in back in November... am I in trouble?”Fortunately, Bryant has good news for the forgetful. Modern high-octane fuels are generally stable for 3 to 6 months. While letting a car sit for a year would require draining the tank, a standard winter nap usually just calls for a fresh top-off of premium fuel and a long drive to cycle the system through.3. Check for Uninvited GuestsEven if your car looks pristine on the outside, the local wildlife may have spent the winter moving in. Bryant and the AutoGuide team broke down the tell-tale signs of rodent damage that go far beyond a few droppings:Musty HVAC Systems: Often caused by mice nesting on top of the cabin air filter.Chewed Wiring: A major fire hazard and electrical nightmare.Blocked Exhausts: Critters love packing acorns and bedding into tailpipes.A thorough visual inspection under the hood, behind the dash, and in the exhaust tips is non-negotiable before your first start.4. Does Your "Modern" Car Qualify as a Classic?One of the most surprising takeaways from our session involves your insurance policy. You don’t need a car from the 1960s to benefit from collector insurance.Bryant explains that many 1990s and 2000s "analog modern" cars—and even some brand-new enthusiast models—qualify for specialized coverage. These policies are often significantly cheaper than standard commercial insurance and offer better protection for your pride and joy.
