Car not used in a while

[mamito]

We have a Volvo wagon that is a couple of years old. We have not used it in months. I've ran the engine here and there so the battery won't die. The car is in our garage.

What can happen to a car if it's not used in a while? Any concerns?

Thanks in advance.

[MagicRat]

Welcome to AF
Cars can be put in storage for many years at a time, if prepared properly. Then they can be put back in running condition in just a few minutes. The key is preparation.

1. At the very least, consider these issues:

The most important thing is the car be stored in a well - ventilated dry building, preferably with a concrete floor. Outside storage causes moisture problems that can accelerate rust and condensation damage. Make sure the garage is animal- proof so raccoons, squirrels etc can't get in.

The gas tank should be filled right up to 'full' with a fuel stabilizer added. This prevents condensation from forming and rust developing in the tank. Also, gas tends to go stale over many months without a stabilizer and can form harmful deposits.

The engine should have an oil and filter change prior to storage. Old engine oil has acids and deposits which can etch and pit some wear surfaces in the engine over a long period of time.

The battery should be at least disconnected, and trickle-charged for a few hours about once a month.

Keep the rodents out. Do not use mothballs, they dont work well and just stink up the car. Lay some good old-fashioned mouse traps (spring loaded ones, glue traps etc) on the garage floor around the car and check them often. Rodents can do hundreds/thousands of dollars in damage to a car over time by chewing wires, insulation, upholstery and generally pooping everywhere. It's amazing where mice can get, they can easily get into a closed car.

2. The following issues are nice to do. Many people store cars without doing them and get away with it, but imho they are worth considering:

Engines can be 'fogged' by using a engine storage spray to coat the cylinder walls and valve surfaces with a thin layer of oil to prevent rust, especially if your climate is humid.

Putting the car up on jackstands is nice, to unload the springs and prevent flat-spotted tires.

A cooling system flush and fill before storage is nice, if the coolant is more than a year or two old. At the very least, check the specific gravity of the coolant to make sure there is sufficient strength of anti-freeze for corrosion resistance and freeze protection (if ti gets very cold where you are.)

If you cover the car to prevent dust build-up, use a breathable soft cotton or gore-tex cover. The plastic covers allow for harmful condensation build up.

Flush the brake lines to replace the brake fluid, if it is more than about 3- 5 years old, because DOT 3 or 4 fluid attracts moisture over time which can corrode brake components internally. If the car is to be in storage often, consider changing to DOT 5 brake fluid, which does not have this problem.

[mamito]

Thanks for the information. Looks like I have a little weekend work.