Taking A Car Out Of Storage
Removing car storage, starting car after long term storage, taking dents out cars
Whether it has been months or years, when you pull your car out of storage there are a few things to take care of before you take it out on the road.
Fluids
The first thing to do is look underneath the car. This will tell you if
you have any leakage problems, which could be a hose, a seal, your radiator
or a blown gasket.
If the car has been sitting still for years, you should drain all fluids
and flush all systems before replacing the fluids. However, if the car
has just been garaged for a few months this isn’t normally necessary.
Instead, do an oil and filter change. Flush the fuel lines, drain and
flush the radiator and check levels of all other fluids.
Checking the Battery
A car that is being stored should have its battery disconnected and shelved
to protect it. If this is the case, clean the terminals, charge it up,
and reinstall it.
However, if the car has been sitting for years with its battery connected,
you will need to get a new one and install new cables as well.
Before Ignition
If the car hasn’t been started for over three months, you should take
off the spark plugs and lubricate the cylinders. If you haven’t removed
your spark plugs before, take note: label the plug wires as you remove
them, because they fire in specific order. Be careful when you pull the
wires, making sure that you grasp them as close to the engine as possible.
Once your spark plugs are removed, turn your ignition key a few times;
this will enable the lubricant to lubricate the walls of the cylinders.
Keep running the engine until your oil pressure shows as normal. Then
replace the spark plugs correctly.
Take off the engine’s air filter cover, and then spray engine starter
fluid through the carburetor mouth. This will give you a good chance to
start your engine, so now it’s time to give it a go.
Before You Leave the Garage
When your car starts, just let the engine idle and slowly warm up. Don’t
rev the engine. While it’s running, put the air filter cover back on,
and check for leaks and the level of transmission fluid.
Now turn the engine off, and get back under the hood to check for any
hoses or belts that need tightening. Also, lubricate the suspension.
Before you drive off, make sure you have checked the brakes thoroughly.
Rotors, drums and friction linings should all be inspected, and check
wheel cylinders for corrosion. Also, jack up the car and rotate your wheels
while someone else pushes the brake pedal to make sure each wheel brakes
cleanly.