There is no simple answer in what is involved in a recommission because every classic car has its own back story before being laid up, including the preparation undertaken for the car being off the road, the length of time the classic car has been laid up and where the vehicle has been stored.

We asked our workshop team at ADO Restoration the areas to consider when embarking on a classic vehicle recommissioning and the aspects to consider and to budget for. These are the critical elements of a recommissioning a classic car which hasn’t been used for at least six months.

The below advice is issued with caution that vehicle recommissioning is different for every car, even when discussing the same make and model. Getting expert advice or vehicle care from a classic vehicle restoration or repair specialist can pay dividends in a car returning successfully back to the road.

Visual checks
Visual checks are the best starting point for every recommission and something you can do at home to help prepare a list of things to investigate or replace. Checking the tyres for tread, bulges and signs of wear is important alongside checking the age of the tyres and for any uneven wear which may suggest a swift appointment with a tyre fitter in your area.

Checking for leaks, including oil, water and brake fluid will help identify any areas requiring attention and booking in with a classic car garage for these safety checks on your classic car prove worthwhile as they’ll be able to get a better perspective with a vehicle lift.

Braking system
Brakes are one of the most important aspects of your vehicle and ensuring they’re all working as they should with no emerging problems is a vital part of a recommissioning service. Checking all elements of the braking system is vital for any recommissioning of a classic car and every element should be checked; from the condition of your disc brakes or drum brakes through to the brake hoses on your classic and a visual check to ensure there is no loss of brake fluid.

With brakes being such a safety critical item, it is always worthwhile getting the opinion of a classic car specialist for your brakes if you’re unsure of any aspect of the system or unsure of how to adjust and inspect.

Rubber components
Rubber is not what it once was, and the degradation of rubber is a lot quicker and more pronounced than it was a generation or two ago. With rubber hoses and parts perishing at a faster rate, it is important to check every hose and part thoroughly to assess for damage or breakages.

Many of these parts can be easily checked whilst completing the visual inspection, but for those which are in hard to spot places including the car, it can be worthwhile enlisting the support of a classic car specialist to check your classic car or inspect it on a ramp.

Checking the underside
For many of us looking to recommission a classic car, one of the most important areas is the underneath of the car.

Checking underneath your classic car and knowing what to look for can be a minefield if you’ve not approached it before. With this in mind, this is where the services of a classic car restoration company or classic car workshop can be the most valuable investment in recommissioning your classic car.

With the experience of checking over classic cars every day, a classic car specialist will know all the elements to check, replace or refurbish including suspension components, hoses, pipes and other parts.

Plus, working at home can be fraught with difficulties and potential hazards and relying on the services of a classic car garage local to you can help avoid the potential pitfalls of trying to reach or see those hard to spot areas under the vehicle.

Full service
Every classic car which has been recommissioned or you are planning to recommission should receive a full service as a non-negotiable. Putting a classic car on the road after a period of inactivity can mean the fluids such as oil and antifreeze need changing and a fresh set of spark plugs for a classic engine never did it any harm.

Plus, if you’re recommissioning a new to you classic car which you have limited history with, you may find the car has gone quite some time without a service and will benefit enormously from it.

Many classic garages offer servicing for classic cars and if you’re uncertain on any aspects or want a seasoned set of eyes to look at the car on the first service as part of the recommissioning. A lot of people opt for a service on their classic car, even if it’s just been parked up for autumn winter.

MOT or not?
Quite often, owners of classic cars that are recommissioned decide to opt for an MOT even if the vehicle does not need one. A classic car garage or classic restoration specialist will be able to recommend a local MOT tester for

At ADO Restoration, the team specialise in recommissioning British classic cars and know how to sympathetically approach the car