What do you do with a vehicle that hasn't been driven in a long time?

Answer

White smoke usually means the motor is burning coolant. If you can't look the vehicle over well enough, take it to an independent garage and have it looked over, even if you need to pay them. Have the brakes and all steel lines checked. Any Rubber parts such as vacuum hoses should get looked at, E-brakes may be frozen, Definitly change the oil. Battery is probably not charged. Check tire pressure. A vehicle that sets for a long time, especially in the NorthEast, can have problems that will not show until it is driven again. B Clear.

Answer

There was probably alot of condensation built up. Adding a couple bottles of Heet to the gas may help. Also, drain the oil and refill with 4qts oil and 1qt tranny fluid and get the engine to operating temp and drain and refill with just oil. Also, change the oil filter after the oil/tranny step. You may want to drain and refill the radiator too. Try this before any major work. Good Luck.

Answer

All the answers above are good. But...what I would do after changing the oil and other stuff and BEFORE trying to start the engine, is check the gas tank and change the gas . Condensation will build up in the tank over time and rust it out, plus, gas goes bad over a few years.

before storing a car,make sure it is well warmed up.this will insure excess moisture will evaporate from exhaust system ect. fill tank with gas to prevent condensation in gas tank.

First answer by ID0000000000. Last edit by Gary 51. Contributor trust: 130 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 198 [recommend question]