Getting a car going that hasn't been used for ages

Mr Johnson

Hi,

I'm getting a car up and running this weekend that hasn't moved for 15 months. I'm going to put a new battery in it but I was wondering is there anything else I should look out for, i.e. should I change the oil ?

Thanks.

piston

I wouldn't change the oil, just make sure there is some in it. Once you have it started and running and fully warmed up, then change the oil.

It goes without saying to check the coolant levels as well, and give it the once over for perished hoses and fan belt.

CharlieCroker

Has it been parked outside?
As said, check the fluids (personally I would change the oil, but that's just me), check the tyres and any other rubber (hoses, belts etc) to male sure they haven't perished and do an early brake test to clear any surface rust from the brake discs.

Mr Johnson

It's just been stuck on the driveway. Got it for the other half to learn to drive in but that didn't work out too well ! Hopefully I'll be able to get a garda to sign off on the tax (if they still do that, not sure).

So I'll change the oil and filter after the car warms up, and check all the other things you mentioned.


Thanks very much for your advice.

Gone Drinking

If you are having trouble getting it started, get a can of easy start (or ez start) from your local motor factors. Great for getting cars up and running when they've been sitting awhile.

Once you do get it started, be sure to leave it idling for a few minutes.

MidlandsM

Fresh fuel is a must, and listen to hear if the full pump primes up the fuel system.
Check it for coolant, remember he has 2 hard winters there before the one just passed.

CreepingDeath

CharlieCroker wrote: »

... do an early brake test to clear any surface rust from the brake discs.

+1

I'd a car lying idle for just 3 months a few years back, and the brakes were noticeably weaker until the surface rust wore off. Definitely something that could catch you out.
Engine sounded rough too, until it was driven around.
It was grand after a weekend of driving.

The handbrake could be rusted to the disk/stuck too.
Years ago, I drove through some water and the next day the handbrake had stuck. An AA guy just kept banging the wheel with a big hammer until it freed up.

Mr Benevolent

CreepingDeath wrote: »

+1

I'd a car lying idle for just 3 months a few years back, and the brakes were noticeably weaker until the surface rust wore off. Definitely something that could catch you out.
Engine sounded rough too, until it was driven around.
It was grand after a weekend of driving.

Yep, just sold a car that hadn't been used for the guts of 4 months. Rust on the brake disks and condensation inside were the only problems. A few laps of the block hitting the brakes every now and with the heater on full sorted it out.

piston

You should never leave a car parked for more than a few days with the handbrake on. It will seize, sometimes surprisingly quickly.

dr.fuzzenstein

MidlandsM wrote: »

Fresh fuel is a must, and listen to hear if the full pump primes up the fuel system.
Check it for coolant, remember he has 2 hard winters there before the one just passed.

It would be if it was laid up for 15 years instead of months.

MidlandsM

the fuel would still be off in it, potentially.

dr.fuzzenstein

MidlandsM wrote: »

the fuel would still be off in it, potentially.

With fuel prices the way they are, having to fill it up could be viewed as a financial write-off.:D

corktina

that petrol smell you get is the volatile elements vapourising. It's quite common for petrol left in a standing car to go stale, especially if the cap doesnt fit too good.

Buffman

OP, What car is it?

Mr Johnson

Buffman wrote: »

OP, What car is it?

It's a 2000 Corsa