What Could a Petrolhead’s December Involve?

If you’ve not yet planned your weekends ahead of Christmas, now is just the time to think about how you can incorporate your car into your plans. We can’t emphasise enough how important it is to use your car in the winter. Don’t worry about wet roads, just simply wash the water off. Here’s a selection of suggestions for using your car over the next few weeks:

1. Connect:

Reach out to other owners local to you through our Facebook page and arrange a drive. A quaint journey through your local countryside is an opportunity to stretch your car’s legs and keep the engine in working order, while also allowing you to escape from the impending chaos that is Christmas. You may also forge a new friendship – SL and classic Mercedes owners are around every corner; you just need reach out.

2. Give Back:

It is often forgotten that Christmas can be a very lonely time for some people. This is a chance for you to share you’re the nostalgia of your classic car with a local member of the community. Take them for a drive one weekend or afternoon. Simple things like helping with shopping or collecting your elderly, young or middle-aged neighbours forgotten gravy is a positive gesture and let’s face it, you’ll have the space in your boot.

3. Peace of Mind:

The Christmas period can often be one of the quieter periods to get out on the road – a Christmas morning road trip to fetch the gravy you’ve also probably forgotten is just the excuse you need to get the car out. If you’re planning a more ambitious trip for the day and intend to embrace the top-down spirit, a wind deflector will make your drive much more enjoyable for both you and your passenger.

4. Support Local Business:

Breakfast, afternoon tea or even dinner are all favourable ways to combine a stint of motoring with festive activities. Reconnect with old friends or squeeze your in-laws into your SL and take a trip into town to refuel your heart, mind, and machine. Remember, it is the small businesses that depend more on this festive period; so, show them support throughout the holidays.

5. Events:

There’s always something to get involved with across the UK. Utilise the web to find local car meets and classic Mercedes specific events.

Caffeine & Machine:

If you’re as involved in the UK car scene as we are or you have younger petrolheads in the family, you’ll have heard of Caffeine & Machine. Located on Banbury Road between Ettington and Stratford-upon-Avon lies an old farmhouse that has been converted into a bar and restaurant come hotel – aptly named Roadhouse. Venture onto their site and you’ll immediately understand why this is a go-to destination for the petrolhead. Expect to see a semi-circle of exotic vehicles from supercars to restomods, as well as bikes and quirky pre-war transportation. Anything ‘machine’ is accepted, just be sure to book a space before turning up on the weekend.

In addition to the usual weekend events, the team have announced another Strassenkultur event on the 21st of December, inviting owners of charismatic German vehicles to unite in their yard. Of course, if you fancy something more sophisticated and want to put on your new Christmas outfit, they will no doubt be putting on a themed New Years Eve party, so keep your eyes peeled for announcements.

Gilks Garage Café

A local landmark based in Kineton, Gilks Garage has been operated by the same family since 1904. Over the years, the family as sold and serviced a range of iconic classic cars, as well as supplied fuel to them. The fifth generation of the family recently pivoted the business towards the future, turning the site into a café with an extensive kitchen for all to enjoy.

Gilks have become synonymous with classic cars with thanks to an array of car meets as pictured on Instagram. Show your support for this fantastic local business.

6. Become a Master of Wash Mits

The last chapter in any winter outing should be a carefully arranged cleaning and drying regime. If you have been driving when there is salt on the roads, we advise you to clean the undercarriage, sills, and wheel arches in addition to the main body of the car. Salt lowers the freezing point of water and chemically reverts it from ice to water. However, while this process protects us from accidents on the road, salt also increases the electrical conductivity of water and in turn increases its corrosive abilities.

If you intend to use your car when there is salt on the roads, be prepared to wash your car thoroughly afterwards. But avoid doing this in temperatures below 3-degrees, as the water could end up freezing on your car. Use a pressure washer to get right underneath the car and loosen the salt particles and any other grime that has built up.

Once you have cleaned your car thoroughly, ensure you dry it just as thoroughly using a microfibre cloth. Auto finesse, the car detailing gurus advise patting the car dry rather than wiping, as contaminants left on the bodywork can become further entrenched into the paintwork.

For a full and comprehensive guide on how to care for your vehicle over the winter period, check out James’ top detailing tips and products here.

7. Make some overdue improvements to your vehicle

It’s not always easy to get free time, particularly when engaged with family/friends. But if you can seek sanctuary in your garage this December, why not make some long over due improvements to your Merc? Perhaps change some seals, replace a few dials, clean up the engine bay or fit new chrome? Old cars always require some TLC and there is no doubt something you could do to improve the condition of your car. For inspiration, head over to our parts website.