Jay Leno’s tips on maintaining rare vehicles

Drive your collection regularly

Jay Leno, a famous car collector, says cars are mechanical and must be driven, not just stored. He points out that a car with only 9 miles on the odometer can be in worse shape than one that is used often.

His Big Dog Garage, located near Burbank, California, houses approximately 181 cars, all of which are registered and driven. The 1994 McLaren F1 is widely valued at $20 million today; one sold for $20.465 million at Pebble Beach in 2021.

Modern tech for antique systems

Since driving classic cars is key, Leno utilizes new technology to enhance the reliability of their old systems without altering their appearance. For example, he uses the Gener-Nator, which converts an original 6-volt generator on a classic car into a stronger 50- to 60-watt alternator.

This power update enables him to run brighter 6-volt halogen bulbs in his vehicles, such as his 1937 Cord 812 Westchester sedan, without having to convert the entire car to a 12-volt electrical system.

Waterless coolant & high temperatures

For the cooling systems of these older cars, Leno uses a special product called Evans Waterless Coolant to fight overheating and rust. This waterless product is safe for metal parts because it contains no water, which prevents corrosion.

It also will not boil until it reaches 375 degrees Fahrenheit. He has used it in his replica 1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic for over 14 years. A complete fill for a large radiator using this special coolant can cost several hundred dollars, with the product costing about $55 per gallon.

Ultrasonic cleaning for delicate parts

To clean small, delicate, and irreplaceable antique parts, Leno’s team uses ultrasonic cleaning technology. This modern method cleans components using high-frequency sound waves in a warm, soapy bath of biodegradable detergent.

This is a much gentler way to remove dirt and carbon from parts that are a century old, such as the engine pieces of a steam car. His garage began using this process about a decade ago when they worked on a steam engine restoration project.

The challenge of steam car operation

Among his many rare vehicles are historic steam cars, including a 1907 White Steam Car. Operating these requires specific routines and attention to detail. To drive his 1909 Stanley Steamer, a driver must stop every 50 miles to squirt oil into the dry engine’s bearings.

Before the car can move, it takes about 20 minutes for the pilot light to heat the fuel and build steam pressure. Because it lacks regular brakes, the driver must throw the engine into reverse and open the steam valve for emergency stopping.

Continuous battery maintenance

Another important tip for maintaining any rare car is continuous battery maintenance. Leno ensures that every vehicle in his collection, including over 160 motorcycles, is always connected to a battery charger.

This simple step prevents the battery from slowly losing power and suffering from sulfation, which can shorten its lifespan. Keeping the vehicles constantly charged means that his entire collection can be started and driven at a moment’s notice without any delays.

Fluid analysis for engine health

In addition to keeping the batteries charged, Leno monitors the health of his rare engines with regular oil analysis. For approximately $25 per sample, a small amount of engine oil or other fluids is sent to a laboratory for examination for microscopic contaminants.

This testing can detect issues before they become significant problems. For instance, if the lab finds high silicon levels in the oil, it warns the mechanics that dirt is getting into the engine.

Avoiding ethanol in vintage fuel

When it comes to fuel, Leno strongly advises against using modern gasoline that contains ethanol in vintage cars, especially those made before 1990. Ethanol is a solvent that can damage old parts, such as rubber fuel lines and fiberglass tanks.

He noted in an article published on March 4, 2015, that he had been replacing fuel-pressure regulators every 12 to 18 months due to damage caused by the presence of ethanol. For collector cars, he recommends using pure gasoline that does not contain ethanol to avoid these issues.

Tire pressure and flat-spotting

Leno takes specific steps to protect the tires on cars that are not driven much, which helps prevent flat-spotting and early aging. When storing a car for an extended period, he recommends inflating the tires to the maximum PSI indicated on the sidewall.

This reduces the risk of flat spots, which can cause the suspension to shake when the car is driven again. He also says that tires over seven years old should be checked, even if the tread looks new, because the rubber may be unsafe.

Using synthetic gear oil

For classic cars with old or difficult-to-shift transmissions, Leno recommends using modern synthetic gear oil. He mentions using Red Line Oil’s MTL 70W80 GL-4 manual transmission lubricant.

He added one quart of this synthetic product to his 1972 Dodge Challenger, which was having trouble with grinding gears during shifts. The synthetic oil provided better lubrication, acting like a “liquid synchronizer,” which allowed the transmission to shift smoothly and resolve the issue.

Paint protection and detailing

To maintain the original paint and bodywork in top condition, Leno employs meticulous detailing techniques. He teaches his team that they must never wash a car in direct sunlight, but only in a cool, shaded area.

This prevents the soap and water from drying too quickly, which can leave streaks on the paint. For long-term protection, he stresses applying car wax or a sealant in the shade. A complete washing and detailing of one of his typical collector cars takes his team about 3 hours.

Want to explore the classic American machines Jay Leno admires most and what makes each one special? Read more about Jay Leno’s favorite classic American rides and why they stand out.

Mileage tracking for maintenance

Since he drives all his rare cars, Leno closely tracks their use. He does not just focus on simple mileage; he also monitors the total running hours and the time between fluid changes to figure out when service is needed.

This is important because wear happens even when a car is idling and not adding many miles. For instance, he follows the rule to change the oil at least every six months, even for cars that travel less than 1,500 miles per year, because oil degrades even when the car is idle.

Interested in why the longtime car enthusiast says Ford’s new track-focused Mustang GTD changes the game? See the details in Jay Leno calls Ford’s new Mustang GTD a total game-changer.

Do you have your own tricks for keeping special cars alive? Share your thoughts below.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.