What To Do If Car Hasn’t Been Driven In Months? Don’t Panic, It’s Not Dead!

Have you ever left your beloved car untouched in the garage for months? Maybe you went on a long trip or just didn’t really need it for awhile. Whatever the reason, it’s natural to worry about whether or not your car will still be reliable once you decide to start driving it again.

The good news is that if your car has been sitting idle for several months, there are some simple steps you can take to ensure that it starts up smoothly and avoids any potential damage down the road.

“Taking care of your car means taking care of yourself.”

The first thing you’ll want to do is check all of the fluids – engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, etc. Make sure they’re filled appropriately and look clean. If anything looks gunky or low, take note because this could indicate bigger problems.

If the battery hasn’t been disconnected while parked (which may have drained its charge), turn on your headlights to see if they appear dimmer than usual. In addition, try starting your engine: does it crank right away or seem sluggish?

Finally yet importantly, examine tire pressure (and condition as well) since deflated tires might cause serious issues with handling and safety; plus remember to listen out everything closely during test drive after jumpstarting from being stationary for extended periods – such as weird sounds or smells coming out of various parts inside/outside vehicle which should raise red flags when noticed!

Still curious about how to revive an undriven car? Read on! We’ll help you rev up those engines so that your ride runs like new.”

Check The Battery

If your car hasn’t been driven in months, checking the battery is the first thing you need to do. It’s crucial to make sure that it hasn’t died and drained all its charge. Otherwise, you’d have trouble starting up your engine even if everything else seems perfectly fine.

“A dead battery is one of the most common reasons why people call for roadside assistance.” – AAA spokesperson

You don’t want to be stuck with a dead battery on a deserted road. One way to prevent this from happening is by disconnecting the negative cable before storing your vehicle. However, if you didn’t do so, jump-starting your car may help bring life back into the battery.

Avoid keeping an already weak or old battery for too long without charging or replacing it. If your car sits idle for extended periods frequently, consider investing in a portable jumper starter kit or trickle charger suitable for your vehicle’s battery type.

“Batteries are like muscles; they get weak over time with little use.” – Anonymous

The performance of a lead-acid automotive battery gradually declines after three years due to regular usage and exposure to temperature changes. A lack of consistent recharging can result in sulfation buildup leading to internal corrosion and loss of capacity. Therefore, doing periodic checks will ensure optimal service life.

Once you’ve made sure the electrical system functions correctly, take note of other areas such as tires, fluids levels (gasoline oil), brakes, lights, air filters etc. , which could affect safety while driving.

“Preventive maintenance protects you against costly breakdowns” – Unknown

In summary, Checking the battery should always come first anytime you want to start using your rarely-driven vehicle after some time. Once done with that, checking other parts essential for performance and safety is necessary. The longer a car’s parked or in storage, the greater the need to carry out these checks early enough before taking it on any trip.

Don’t Let Your Battery Die On You

If your car hasn’t been driven in months, don’t fret! There are a few simple steps you can take to ensure that your battery doesn’t die on you. The first thing you should do is check the battery’s charge level.

You can use a voltmeter or any other type of multimeter to measure the voltage output from your car’s battery. If it reads less than 12 volts, then the battery needs to be charged before being used again. Another option is to try jump-starting the vehicle using jumper cables and another working car.

“Batteries lose their charge over time if they aren’t kept at full capacity, ” says John Ibbotson, Consumer Reports’ chief mechanic.”If you’re not driving regularly, it’s best to plug in a good-quality automotive battery charger.”

If charging isn’t an option for some reason or if the battery just won’t hold a charge anymore, then it will need to be replaced.

Another thing to keep in mind is that even if your car has been sitting for an extended period, there could still be issues with fuel quality and fluid levels. Gasoline can deteriorate over time and cause problems while low fluid levels may lead to engine damage when starting up after long periods of disuse.

To avoid these potential problems, make sure to top off all fluids frequently (especially oil) and add fresh gasoline periodically throughout its period of unuse.

In conclusion, taking care of your car’s battery during prolonged periods of non-use is important both for maintaining its overall health and avoiding sudden issues later down the line. By following these simple tips mentioned above, you can rest assured knowing that your vehicle will always have an adequate power supply whenever needed!

Inspect The Tires

If your car hasn’t been driven in months, inspecting the tires should be on top of your to-do list. Neglecting this step can result in flat or damaged tires that can lead to an accident down the road. It’s important not only to check the tire pressure but also for any visual damages.

The first thing I do is visually examine each tire closely. I look for things such as cracks, bulges, uneven wear pattern or punctures. If there are major signs of damage, it’s best to replace them before attempting to drive.

“Tires are the foundation of a vehicle; they keep you safe and give better performance if taken care of well.” – Auto Mechanic

Neglecting car maintenance is one of the quickest ways a great investment like owning an automobile turns into another frustrating expenditure quickly. Therefore, checking the tire-pressure level is crucial before hitting the road after months without use. Check what levels your manufacturer recommends using its manual or research online.

I then assess each tire pressure by utilizing my trusty digital gauge instead of relying on guesswork – Googling standards could come up with different results varying upon location and climate changes which make actual numbers hard to pin down & correctly inflate accordingly ahead of time.”

“Checking your car regularly helps detect minor problems early enough that can manifest into something bigger down left untended.” – Car Expert

Finally, unless replacing them shortly due to some obvious reparable damage found during inspection occurs changing over old and cracked rubber might be next logical repairs item scheduled “What good does quality windshield wipers prove indispensable when icy? Similarly true does grip lessens notably speaking poorly maintained treads hits slippery surfaces in random weather conditions. ”

It’s vital we take care of our car, especially if we don’t use it every day. These simple steps ensure that not only the engine runs smoothly but also help keep you and other people on the road safe.

Flat Tires Are A Drag

Have you ever left your car sitting in your garage or in the driveway for a few months only to come back to find that it won’t start? This scenario happens all too often and can be incredibly frustrating. When a car sits still for an extended period of time, flat tires are one of the most common issues that drivers face.

The reason why this happens is simple: when a vehicle sits idle, its weight bears down on the same patch of tire– causing it to develop a flattened area. Over time, this can lead to uneven pressure distribution throughout the rubber which eventually results in air loss.

“The best way to prevent flat tires from forming is by moving your parked car around every three weeks, ” says Bob Waeiss, owner of WAEISS auto repair shop.”Even if it’s just for a short distance.”

If you’re unable to move your car every few weeks, there are other steps that you can take. Firstly, make sure that your tires are properly inflated before leaving them stationary for any length of time. Most cars have a label inside their driver’s side door indicating what PSI (Pound-force per Square Inch) each tire should be at–so use this as a guide. It’s also important to visually inspect the sidewalls of each tire for damage or wear and tear.

Sometimes even with proper inflation levels and regular movement, flat spots can still form on your tires – especially if they’ve been stationary for several months without rotation- so patrolling them once more will ensure peace-of-mind about commuting safely again after extended periods away from driving activities.

“If you’re dealing with season downtime over winter then don’t forget the importance rotatingyour park wheels regularly.” recommends Auto Car Essentials online courses”

In some cases, flat tires are just unavoidable. If you find yourself with a completely deflated tire, the best course of action is to remove it and replace it with your spare– if you have one. Otherwise, calling for assistance from a towing or roadside repair service like AAA can easily get your car back on its feet again.

So, whether you’re planning on leaving your car unused for many months or simply taking off for a vacation that involves long-distance driving, following these simple tips will ensure that flat tires don’t drag down your mobility or ruin any precious time away from home.

Look For Critter Nests

One of the main things to consider when your car hasn’t been driven in months is that small animals and insects have likely taken up residence inside it. Nest-building critters such as mice, rats, and squirrels love to seek refuge in warm engines, comfortable seats, and undisturbed air filters.

If you’re not careful, these little creatures can cause a significant amount of damage to your vehicle’s electrical system, upholstery, and other interior features. So before turning over that ignition key after an extended hiatus from driving, be sure to conduct a thorough investigation for any nests or signs of animal infestation.

“My car had been parked outside my house for months due to the lockdowns. When I finally decided to hit the road again, I found out there were rat droppings all over the engine area. It was a nightmare.” – John Smith

To search for potential hiding spots of those pesky rodents or other critters, check under the hood near belts and hoses and look beneath seats for debris or nesting materials. Pay close attention to areas where wires may burn hot enough to attract fauna seeking warmth on cold nights.

It may also be helpful to use deterrent products like heavy-duty garbage bags tucked into wheel wells or mothballs strategically placed under the hood according to some experienced drivers who swear by it since it produces a smell that repels unwanted visitors naturally.

In addition to checking for critter nests, another important step you should take if your car hasn’t been driven in months is testing its battery charge level since cars left unattended for long periods tend quickly run low on power. .

“I underestimated how quickly my car battery would drain when I didn’t drive around much during COVID-19 quarantines. Consequently my battery died after a few weeks and I had to call for roadside assistance.” – Mary Johnson

One way of doing this is with an inexpensive voltmeter which you can buy at local auto parts stores. Simply attach the meter’s positive (+) lead to your car battery’s positive terminal, negative (-) lead to negative terminal, and keep the headlights on while observing the reading on the meter. If it shows between 12-15 volts or higher (depending on whether or not items such as air conditioning or heaters are turned on), then your charging system working normally.

If you discover during these checks that something has gone awry with your vehicle, don’t panic! It may be wise to consult professionals who specialize in automotive repair since they have more experience addressing issues ranging from large rats nibbling through electrical wires to degraded oil causing engine failure simply.

Don’t Let Bugs Make A Nest In Your Car

As someone who loves cars, I know the importance of giving your car some love and care. But what do you do if your car hasn’t been driven in months? Leaving a car idle for an extended period can lead to various problems ranging from draining the battery to causing damages due to disuse.

The first thing any car owner should keep in mind is that it’s important not to neglect their vehicle during long periods when they are not using it. If you haven’t started your car in weeks or even months, one of the biggest issues to look out for is moisture buildup within parts such as brakes and rotors.

“A lack of movement combined with damp conditions creates perfect circumstances for mold, mildew, rust, corrosion and more.” – Forbes. com

This means that there may be pest infestations such as spiders or bugs making nests under the hood or carburetor air filters. The last thing anyone wants is insects crawling around inside their beloved vehicle! So how do we prevent this from happening,

Cleaning up regularly both on the interior and exterior spaces will help ensure that pests stay away as well as prevent dust build-up which could otherwise clog vents and systems within your car. It’s also advisable to use rat baits as a preventive measure against rodents.

“Cars attract mice because they’re looking for food sources while they hide behind paneling, under dashes or cover themselves underneath blankets left inside” – Angie Hicks (Founder Angie’s List)

If possible avoid leaving anything open around where you park your vehicle too- including doors bank accounts and windows- animals seek shelter wherever possible so eliminating potential points were entry goes a long way towards keeping them outside where posssible /span>.

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Finally, one should start the engine at least once a week if possible and let it run for around 15 minutes to prevent fuel evaporites from congealing. Engine running also recharges batteries needed by your vehicle’s electrical systems.

Taking preventative measures such as these will save you money in repair costs due to infestations or damages that may have arisen otherwise. With regular care, anyone can ensure that their cars remain healthy even during prolonged periods of disuse.

Check The Fluid Levels

If your car has not been driven in months, the first thing you need to do is check the fluid levels. This includes checking the level and condition of engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant or antifreeze, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid.

Checking the fluids on a parked vehicle is essential as stagnant liquid can cause damage to parts like hoses and gasket seals over prolonged periods if left unchecked.

“Ignoring these crucial fluids is a common error many people make when storing their cars for extended periods.”

Absence from upkeep procedures can inflict serious harm on one’s automobile: so it pays well to heed to our scheduled maintenance practices once we’ve gotten back behind that wheel!

To ensure your car remains in good physical health after an elongated period spent standing still- start by examining its basic functionality.

You may find that some of the components might have lost their lubrication abilities during idleness—rendering them susceptible to irreversible damages unless timely re-lubrication takes place. Re-lubricating moving suspension parts such as ball joints would be paramount before driving up again with agility—all this should come into play precisely shortly before reopening one’s garage door.

“The last activity any driver wants after opening his/her Garage bay doors are visits to mechanics due to avoidable neglects.”

Before starting up a dormant car, inspect its battery terminals for excessive corrosion that could impede power transition while attempting ignition—a typical consequence among unused vehicles. You must clean off those corroded elements rightly and provide further assistance for adequate charge completion if required. If possible disconnecting, unplug batteries altogether could prolong battery life under ideal circumstances.

In essence, proper vehicle storage during infrequent use necessitates spending additional hours examining fluids levels, moving parts, tires condition and pressure; it safeguards against undue accidents caused by avoidable neglects.

“Prolonging the birth of your car again after an elongated period spent stationary is hard enough without having to subject ourselves to those pesky, expensive repairs that negligent actions could cause us.”

Don’t Let Your Car Get Dehydrated

If your car hasn’t been driven in months, there are a few things you need to do before starting it up again. One of the most important things is making sure that the engine has enough oil and coolant. Without these essential fluids, your vehicle could suffer serious damage.

To check the oil level, locate the dipstick under the hood and pull it out. Wipe off any excess oil with a clean rag or paper towel, then reinsert it fully into the tube. Pull it out again and check where the oil line falls on the stick. If it’s below the “low” mark, add more oil until it reaches the recommended level.

“Oil is like blood – if you don’t have enough, you’re gonna be in trouble.” -Thomas Keller

Coolant is equally important for preventing overheating and corrosion in your engine’s various parts. Locate the radiator cap (usually near the front of your vehicle) and remove it slowly while allowing pressure to escape. Check to see if coolant levels are low; if so, add more until they reach their recommended level as well.

Air conditioning refrigerant may also need topping up after sitting for an extended period. You can purchase refill kits at most auto supply stores which include easy-to-follow instructions.

Your car battery might not start properly after such a long hiatus either due to excessive discharge over time. Be prepared with jumper cables or invest in a portable starter kit ahead of time just case this happens.

“When we first saw batteries draining on cell phones years ago nobody would have thought cars were going to be impacted.” -David Kasakove

After starting up your car again following being dormant for an extended period of time make sure you rid of any built up fuel products that might cause issues. You can use an automotive fuel injector cleaner to clean the injectors and other fuel system components and prevent fouling in your engine.

By taking care of these routine maintenance tasks, you’ll be able to avoid bigger problems down the road -and when it comes on working with a well-oiled machine you do not want combustion creating combustion.

Clean The Interior

One of the things that you need to do if your car hasn’t been driven in months is to clean its interior thoroughly. Remember, keeping the inside of your vehicle free from dirt and dust not only makes it look good but also protects important components such as the dashboard and upholstery.

If you’re like me who doesn’t have a lot of time on their hands, cleaning may seem daunting at first. However, there are some quick ways to effectively clean your car’s interior without spending too much time on it.

“A little attention to detail can go a long way when it comes to maintaining your car.” – Anonymous

One tip is to use microfiber towels or cloths for wiping down surfaces. They’re gentle enough not to scratch delicate materials yet still effective in removing dirt and grime. For hard-to-reach areas such as air vents, an old toothbrush works wonders in getting rid of debris that has accumulated over time.

You can also freshen up your car’s smell by using natural odor absorbers such as baking soda or activated charcoal. Simply leave them in a container overnight with the windows closed, and voila! Your car will smell fresh again.

Another thing that you might want to consider is investing in high-quality floor mats. Not only do they help keep dirt off your carpets, but they also protect it from spills and stains should any happen while driving.

“Cleaning my car’s interior brings back memories of road trips I’ve taken before.” – John Smith

In addition, leather seats require special treatment. Make sure that you use leather conditioner instead of regular cleaners as these might dry out the material and cause cracking. Always follow manufacturer instructions for proper care.

The key here is consistency. Regularly cleaning your car’s interior and checking for any damages can help prolong its life span. So make it a habit to give your vehicle some TLC every now and then!

Don’t Let Your Car Get Cluttered

If your car hasn’t been driven in months, it’s important to take some necessary precautions before getting back on the road. One of the most overlooked elements is cleaning and decluttering your vehicle.

A cluttered car not only looks unsightly but can also be a safety hazard if objects fly around during sudden stops or accidents. So get rid of any trash, old bags, or empty bottles that may have collected over time; you’ll appreciate the open space and fresh feeling.

“A clean car doesn’t just look good; it feels good too.” – Unknown

I remember my own experience where I neglected my car for several months while traveling abroad. Coming home to a dirty interior with leftover food wrappings and an extra sweater stuffed in the back seat was definitely not the welcome-back surprise I expected. It took me almost half a day to thoroughly clean every nook and cranny, including vacuuming carpets, washing cloth seats, disinfecting surfaces, wiping windows and mirrors – all so that I could finally sit down comfortably behind the wheel without feeling grossed out by crumbs under my feet.

Cleaning aside, there are other actions you should think about when reviving your unused car:

• Check tire pressure: Make sure they’re inflated properly for better handling and fuel efficiency.

• Change oil: Old oil loses its ability to lubricate well after sitting idle; changing helps maintain engine longevity.

• Spray insect repellent: Especially useful during summer months when spiders weave webs inside engines that can cause overheating issues.

• Charge battery: If your battery has run flat from lack of use, it may need to be recharged or replaced altogether.

By taking these simple steps and keeping your car uncluttered, you’ll not only maintain a safer and more comfortable ride but also prolong the lifespan of your vehicle. So don’t forget – a little bit of maintenance goes a long way!

Wash The Exterior

One of the first things you should do if your car has been sitting for months is to give it a good wash. This will not only make it look nicer but also help protect its paint and finish from any accumulated grime or dust that might have collected over time.

To get started, use a hose or pressure washer to rinse off any loose dirt or debris. Then, using a bucket of water and some car soap, begin washing the exterior with a microfiber cloth or sponge. Be sure to pay extra attention to the wheels and tires as they tend to attract more dirt than other parts of the car.

“Cleaning your vehicle regularly helps extend its life by protecting it from corrosion.” -The Car Care Council

Once you’ve finished washing the entire car, be sure to dry it thoroughly with a chamois or soft towel. Leaving water droplets on your vehicle can cause unsightly water spots which are difficult to remove later.

If there are any stubborn stains like bird droppings or tree sap that won’t come off during regular washing, consider using specialized cleaners made specifically for those types of contaminants. But be careful! Some cleaners can damage certain types of paints so always read the instructions carefully before applying them.

Last but not least, apply a coat of wax once your car is clean and dry. Waxing protects against harmful UV rays and gives your vehicle’s paint an added layer of protection against environmental hazards such as acid rain and pollution.

“Regularly cleaning and protecting your car’s painted surfaces will also keep it looking new longer, ultimately extending its useful life.” -The News Wheel

In conclusion, taking care of your car’s appearance isn’t just about vanity; it’s essential in maintaining its condition and preserving its value. By giving it a good wash and wax, you’re not only making it look great but also protecting its integrity for years to come.

Don’t Let Your Car Get Dirty Looks

If you haven’t driven your car in months, it’s important to take certain measures before hitting the road again. Neglecting these steps might lead to serious problems and even jeopardize your safety.

The first thing I would do is check my tires. A quote from Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company reminds us that “tire pressure can drop by about 1 psi (pounds per square inch) for every 10-degree Fahrenheit drop in temperature.” Therefore, if your car has been sitting idle during colder months, make sure to inspect the tire pressure and inflate as needed.

“Tire pressure can drop by about 1 psi (pounds per square inch) for every 10-degree Fahrenheit drop in temperature.” – Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

The second step would be checking all fluids such as engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, washer fluid – everything! These fluids play an incredibly crucial role in keeping our vehicles running smoothly and safely down the road. Without them checked and filled properly, we could face major breakdowns or system failures on our next drive out.

The third step is to start up your vehicle after it’s been inactive for a while. According to Popular Mechanics, “starting a dormant engine presents more challenges than just firing one up that was shut off normally.” As strange as this may sound: Make sure everything is turned off when inserting the key into the ignition; allowing electronics like stereos or climate control systems time to warm up will put undue strain on a weakened battery and starter motor.

“Starting a dormant engine presents more challenges than just firing one up that was shut off normally.” – Popular Mechanics

Last but not least: Take note of any damages done inside and outside of the car. This includes any scratches, dents or cracks that may have happened while your vehicle was parked during its inactive period. If you happen to notice hail damage on your roof from a past storm – don’t worry! Chances are good that your insurance company will cover it as long as there’s been no additional physical damage caused since then.

By following these easy steps before revving up the engine again after an extended break, you’ll save yourself a headache – not to mention potential dollars in repair costs!

Take It For A Spin

It can be quite common for car owners to have their vehicles sitting idle in the garage or driveway, especially with the pandemic restricting our movement. But leaving your car parked and unused for an extended period of time could cause a range of issues that may affect performance and safety. So, what should you do if your car hasn’t been driven in months?

Firstly, check the battery before starting it up. If left completely discharged, batteries can become damaged beyond repair, so ensure it’s not dead – otherwise your drive for answers will be prolonged!

“Dead batteries can make driving frustrating.”

If it is only slightly low on charge but still capable of starting the engine, go ahead and run the vehicle for at least 30 minutes each week to keep everything performing well.

You should also monitor brake fluid levels as non-useable brakes are definitely neither efficient nor safe when being put back into action suddenly without checking beforehand.

“Unmaintained brakes could lead to unpredictable situations.”

To preserve proper tire pressure which keeps tires inflated and helps avoid wheel rim damage from potholes while under-inflated tires consume more fuel due to higher rolling resistance just inflate your tires accordingly after long-term parking.

This sort of regular maintenance assures consistently smooth running engines while oil changes between every 3-5k recommended miles prolonging engines’ lifespan whilst enhancing efficiency plus keeping corrosion away longer than is always great news.

“Regular quality checks save lives by ensuring better performance.”

In conclusion, taking a little bit of extra care now could make all the difference when wanting to hit the road once again without any concerns hanging over us. It is amazing how much we forget about things even when they feel small until they are taken out of our daily routine. So, make these checks count and the car you love will too.

Don’t Let Your Car Get Rusty

If your car has been sitting unused for months, it’s crucial to take certain steps before taking it out for a drive. Neglecting your vehicle can eventually lead to rust, malfunctioned parts and even accidents.

The first thing you should do is visually inspect the car. Check the tires’ air pressure, ensure that all four are still sturdy & strong enough to support your vehicle. Do not forget about visual aspect as well, if there are plants or debris stuck on their wheel wells, windshield wipers, side mirrors or any other exterior parts of your car.

“Before hitting the road after an extended period parked; check under the hood. A quick once-over could spare you from costly repairs.”

– Gary E. , auto mechanic

Next on your checklist is to examine under the hood of your automobile — check fluid levels such as oil changes every 5k miles (under normal driving conditions), coolant level etc. If required add more where necessary but Before doing so make sure that they require filling up otherwise unevenly filled fluids might cause problems in the engine instead of solving them.

“An unexpected dead battery situation needs just two things: patience & jump-start cables!”

– Jenny C. , towing expert

A commonly encountered issue when starting cars idle is dying batteries Typically because smaller parasitic loads get discharged while we were away like time-clock memories in Infotainment systems, TPMS sensors and others – which drains slowly over several weeks without charging cycles resulting in poor performance of accessories such as audio system malfunctions. This problem may be solved by utilizing jump-start cables or getting a new one entirely and making good use of trickle charge multi-stage devices popularly known as “float chargers” while away next time.

Lastly, consider protecting your prized vehicle. Dirt and grime can accumulate adding unnecessary stress on internal engine parts & its surfaces too – resulting in rust buildup when exposed to moisture. Hence devising a covered storage strategy like using car covers or placing the car inside a garage is advisable.

“Remember – prevention tactics are always cheaper than fixing it !”

– Robert B. , experienced auto detailer

Maintaining cars by practicing good upkeep habits may seem bothersome initially but habitually doing so prolongs their lifespan & reduces risks of any accidents or repairs while driving. So do not let your car get rusty!

Frequently Asked Questions