There are many reasons you might keep a vehicle in storage for long periods. Perhaps it’s part of a collection of classic cars meant mostly for display. Maybe you simply didn’t need to drive about for a while because you were on vacation or using another.
Whatever the case, starting a stored car requires careful preparation. Otherwise, you risk damaging its internal components in the process. Here are some tips for starting an old car that’s been hibernating:
If you didn’t use a trickle charger to keep your old car’s battery topped up during storage, it’s probably out of charge. You can remove the battery for storage to keep this from happening.
However, if the battery is out of charge, be sure to jump-start it when you turn your vehicle on.
If anything is amiss with the fuel system, the engine will fail to operate properly. For example, expired or contaminated fuel can damage the engine when it reaches the cylinders.
To avoid fuel system issues when starting your old car, here’s what you need to do:
Fuel degrades over time and loses its combustibility, and starting your vehicle with old gasoline or diesel can lead to issues like clogged fuel lines or a damaged engine.
Fully flush and replace the fuel in your old vehicle to ensure its smooth operation. You might need to detach the fuel lines for this. Keep the lines detached until you crank the engine to circulate the oil.
The fuel filter keeps the fuel flowing into your engine clean and contaminant-free. Dirt and debris can obstruct the filter, which can cause engine misfires, hard starts, stalling and hesitation during acceleration, and reduced fuel efficiency.
Make sure to clean or replace the fuel filter before starting your vehicle, especially if it’s been in storage for a while.
The fuel pump drives the fuel from the tank to the engine, and it tends to degrade over time. Inspect the fuel pump for leaks or damage before starting your vehicle. If it has issues, the vehicle might not start at all.
Next, you should look at the engine and its various components.
Once the fuel system’s refreshed, you can move on to the engine oil. Check and change the vehicle’s motor oil as needed. Replace the oil filter if it’s degraded.
Keep in mind that if your vehicle is a classic car made before the 1980s with a flat-tappet camshaft, you’ll need to top it up using oil with a zinc additive called ZDDP. If your vehicle doesn’t require this additive, make sure to buy an oil without it. Otherwise, the zinc can contaminate the catalytic converter.
Check and refill the vehicle’s other important fluids as needed, including the transmission fluid, brake fluid, and coolant.
Dust and dirt will settle inside an old car’s engine bay if it’s been sitting idle for a long time, so inspect and clean the engine bay thoroughly.
Also, keep an eye out for any critter infestations. You don’t want to smell burned rodents in your engine when you fire it up.
The ignition coil and spark plugs ignite the air-fuel mixture in the engine’s cylinders, which in turn start up the car. Time can wear down the ignition coils and spark plugs, so replace them if necessary. Otherwise, there won’t be a strong enough spark to start the vehicle.
The cylinder walls and other engine components need lubrication to ensure smooth operation. Use high-quality lubricant to reduce friction in these parts and protect them from natural wear and tear.
The cooling system keeps the engine at safe operating temperatures. The coolant is crucial in that process, so ensure its fluid levels are sufficient. Check the clamps in the cooling system as well. Make sure they’re nice and tight.
When the fuel lines are connected and the engine is running, allow the engine to reach full operating temperature before checking for leaks. Run through the cycle a few times to ensure the cooling system is in good shape before driving.
If a vehicle sits unused for two to three years without a coolant change, the vehicle’s aluminum radiators and cylinder heads might start to corrode. Change the coolant every two years if you mainly use your vehicle for short drives. If you plan to take longer drives, change the coolant more often.
If you find signs of rodents or other critters nesting in the engine bay, inspect the wiring. If there are holes in the air intake ducting or there are exposed, chewed-on wiring harness parts, the electrical system might be compromised.
Have a professional auto electrician take a look at your vehicle if you suspect damaged wiring.
Tires can deflate and develop flat spots if your vehicle’s been in storage for a while. Re-inflate tires with low air pressure to the correct, manufacturer-recommended pressure. Change the tires if they can no longer hold air or if the damage to their tread or sides is too great.
Also, examine your vehicle’s brake pads to ensure they have enough material on them to reliably stop your vehicle. If you notice braking abnormalities while driving or the brake pads look like they have too little material left on them, take your vehicle in for an inspection asap.
Once you’ve checked all essential parts and ensured they’re working well, you can start and test drive your vehicle.
Ensure the charging system is working and double-check the brakes before taking on the roads. Pull each wheel to check for hydraulic fluid leaks if you want to be extra safe. The test drive should help you identify any areas that still need repairs.
And that’s it! Now you know what to do with an old car that’s been sitting for a while.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.