When the car enthusiast has everything then finding the right gift for them can be a challenge. Diecast trucks and cars, however, make a great gift. Not only can they be used with a drift track for your work desk for fun, but they can also make excellent heirlooms and even an investment.

One thing to keep in mind, however, is that they are meant to last a long time. They need to be properly cared for in order for you to get the most out of them. After all, they are made out of metal and can be susceptible for corrosion. In this article, we will go over some basic tips on how to make sure you are taking care of your diecast cars.

1 -- Cleaning 

If you are getting a new diecast car, then they likely don’t ever need to be washed. If you are getting one from a flea market or online auction, then they may be in rough shape and need a deep cleaning.

If this is the case, then use some warm water with soap. With a washcloth, gently give the car a wipe down making sure to rub off any dirt and corrosion. If it is a model of an antique then it probably has a lot of angles and nooks and crannies. Take a Qtip and wet it with the soapy water and use it to get into those hard to reach spots.

Then, make sure to use a dry cloth to thoroughly dry it. Afterward, leave it in a dry area where it can air out completely.

If the car is fairly new or in new condition, then simply taking a dry tack cloth and wiping off any dust with that will be good. To get into the hard to reach areas, a can of compressed air will get in there.

2 -- Maintenance 

After cleaning, it is very important that you adhere to a maintenance program. As soon as the car is dry, you should apply a very light coat of car wax on your diecast. This may seem like overkill, but it is what will add many years to the life of the model.

Since they are prone to corrosion, the wax will create a barrier that repels any humidity and even air that could start working away at the metal. They can even tarnish if you don’t do this and they will start looking a bit tired. The wax will give them a new appearance for years to come.

3 -- Storage

If you are collecting for an investment or for passing these items down to an heir, then it is wise to keep new cars in their box. Years from now the value will be much higher if they are in the original box.

If they are already out of the box then buying a tarnish proof bag for them is a good idea. This keeps the air from discoloring the paint and metal. Or, you can buy some display boxes specifically made for diecast cars.