Car not in use

[StealthSnake36]

My car hasnt been turned on since... April or May. Its now september obviously, so its basically been dead for 3 or 4 months cuz the battery is dead. Im probably getting it checked this weekend to see if its worth repairing or not. When it gets going again, will it be still usable? will not running for a few months ruin the car at all? Please explain. Thanks

[matt09524]

I would change your oil, gas and check your brake, radiator and tranny fluid. Once you get your battery problem situated It should be fine. Check your tires for dry rot. A good washing never hurts too

[skibum1111]

Also check your belts, coolant, and engine block for mice, look for chewed wiring as well.

[grfnkl]

You shouldn't have any problems, if you just parked it and walked away. I did that with mine, let it sit for about 6/7 months until just recently where i had put a battery in it and fired her up. Definetly check fluids and hoses like everyone else said, check for any leaks under the car as well. You may want to put a small amount of oil in before starting it up, cuz in my case I ended up having a bad case of lifter tap due to the oil settling to the bottom, which does go away in a couple of minutes of the engine running, after letting the car run, if you decide to move it, be very careful with the brakes. If you have a later model G/A with rear drum brakes, they may seize up on intial driving due to the car sitting... so lightly press the brakes while driving so there is less of a chance locking them up. GOOD LUCK

[xeroinfinity]

Hey StealthSnake36, i recently bought an 01 GA and it sat for at least 6months. I just changed all the fluids like the oil & coolant. I also changed the trany fluid just to be safe and it starts and drive fine. I've started cars that havn't been ran for years .

it usually doesnt affect the car to bad just siting, just your fluids go bad batteries go ded. Gasoline will turn to a thick varnish after a Long period of time. Mice lov living on or in the engine compartment. Some wires plastic coatings were made with a type of Soybean oil and mice lov to eat it.

[StealthSnake36]

The car isnt inside a garage or anything. Its sitting outside covered

[grfnkl]

Mine sat outside as well, at a family members house in the mountains under a pine tree. It was perfectly fine upon starting, actually the car ran better after sitting for 6 months then when i had parked it other then the inch of pine needles the car was fine, Since yours is outside under a cover, definetly check for any mice or small animals, they like hiding under the tarps and car covers. check for any nests under the hood as well.

[xeroinfinity]

Ya the worst nests to find are those Wasp's is the spring time or summer. Thats a big Bummmmer, specially while driving down the road.