What to Do When Your Car Hasn’t Been Driven in a Year

AvatarByCarl Frisch

If a car has not been driven in a year, it is likely to be in need of some maintenance and care before it is safe to drive. This could include things like checking the oil, brakes, tires, battery, and any other components that may have deteriorated due to lack of use. It is important to ensure that the car is roadworthy before attempting to drive it again. Additionally, if the car has been sitting for an extended period of time it may be necessary to take it into a mechanic for a full inspection and potential repairs or replacements.

Check Fluids

When a car hasn’t been driven in a year, it is important to check the fluids. The most important fluid to check is the engine oil. This should be done to ensure that the car has enough oil to keep it running properly. If the oil level is low, it could indicate that there is a leak or that the oil needs to be changed. It is also important to check the transmission fluid and radiator fluid levels as well.

Check Belts and Hoses

It is also necessary to inspect all belts and hoses for cracks or wear. This can be done by checking the condition of each belt and hose visually and making sure they are not frayed, cracked, or damaged in any way. If they are damaged, they should be replaced as soon as possible.

Test the Battery

The battery should also be tested if a car hasn’t been driven in a year. This can be done by using a multimeter or other voltage testing device to make sure that it can hold a charge and doesn’t need replacing. It is also important to make sure all of the connections are clean and secure before starting the vehicle again.

Test the Brakes

It is essential to test brakes when a car hasn’t been driven in a year since this will help determine if they are up-to-date with proper maintenance standards or if they need servicing immediately. Brake pads should be checked for wear and tear as well as any signs of damage or corrosion on any brake system components such as rotors and calipers.

Inspect the Tires

Finally, tires should also be inspected for signs of wear or damage such as bulges, cracks, or punctures in order to ensure safe driving conditions when taking your car out on the road again after not using it for an extended period of time. Tires should also have their air pressure checked since this can affect their performance significantly while driving.

Reactivate a Car After Long Term Storage

When a car hasn’t been driven in a year, it’s important to take the time to assess and reactivate the vehicle before returning it to the road. To get your car back up and running, you’ll need to examine suspension components and clean the fuel system, as well as change all filters, change oil and filter, and refill all fluids to proper levels.

Examine Suspension Components

It’s important to make sure that all suspension components are in good working order. This includes ball joints and bushings, tie rod ends, and control arms. If any of these parts need replacing or servicing, it’s best to do so before getting back on the road.

Clean the Fuel System

A fuel system that has been sitting for a long period of time can become clogged with dirt or debris. To ensure that your fuel system is in good working order, take the time to clean it out before you start driving again. This can be done by using an appropriate fuel system cleaner or by taking your vehicle into a professional for servicing.

Change All Filters

The filters in your car should also be changed if they have not been replaced recently. This includes air filters, cabin air filters, oil filters, transmission filters, and fuel filters. By replacing these filters regularly you will ensure that all parts of your car are running efficiently and smoothly.

Change Oil and Filter

Oil should also be changed if it has not been done recently. It is important to use the correct type of oil for your particular make and model of car so make sure you check this before changing the oil yourself or taking it into a professional mechanic for servicing. Once changed, make sure that you replace the oil filter as well – this will help keep debris from entering your engine while driving.

Refill Fluids to Proper Levels

Finally, check all fluid levels in your car and refill them if needed. This includes motor oil, coolant/antifreeze, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid (if applicable). Making sure these fluids are at their proper levels will help ensure that all parts of your car are properly lubricated while driving which will increase efficiency as well as safety on the road.

FAQ & Answers

Q: What should I do if my car hasn’t been driven in a year?
A: If your car hasn’t been driven in a year, it is important to take the necessary steps to reactivate it. You should check all of the fluids, belts and hoses, battery and brakes. You should also inspect the tires, suspension components and clean the fuel system as well as change all filters.

Q: What fluids should I check on my car?
A: When reactivating a car after long-term storage, you should check the oil, transmission fluid, radiator fluid and brake fluid.

Q: What components should I inspect on my car?
A: When reactivating a car after long-term storage, you should inspect the tires, suspension components such as ball joints and bushings and tie rod ends and control arms.

Q: Are there any maintenance procedures that need to be done when reactivating a car after long-term storage?
A: Yes. It is recommended to change the oil and filter as well as refill fluids to proper levels such as motor oil, coolant/antifreeze and brake fluid.

Q: How often do I need to do maintenance when reactivating a car after long-term storage?
A: Maintenance for reactivating a car after long-term storage typically only needs to be done once. However it is important to regularly check all systems of your vehicle for optimal performance of your car.

In conclusion, a car that hasn’t been driven in a year can present many issues for the owner. It is important to take the necessary steps to ensure that the vehicle is in proper condition before taking it on the road again. This includes inspecting all major components, replacing fluids and filters, and ensuring that all safety features are working properly. Taking these precautions can help to ensure a safe and reliable driving experience.

Author Profile

Carl Frisch
Carl Frisch
With more than 30 years in the bicycle industry, I have a strong background in bicycle retailing, sales, marketing and customer service. I have a passion for cycling and a dedication to excellence. As a manager, I worked diligently to increase my capabilities and responsibilities, managing up to eleven mechanics (at Palo Alto Bicycles) and later as a working partner in my own store.

As the shop owner of Spoke n’ Word Cycles in Socorro, NM, the success of the mission was my responsibility, which I pursued passionately since we opened in 2003 through the spring of 2011. I am adept at managing owned and loan inventory, preparing weekly & annual inventory statements, and managing staff. The role as managing partner also allowed me tremendous freedom. I used this personal freedom to become more deeply involved in my own advancement as a mechanic, to spearhead local trail building, and advocating for cycling both locally and regionally.

As a mechanic, I have several years doing neutral support, experience as a team mechanic, and experience supporting local rides, races, club events. I consistently strive to ensure that bicycles function flawlessly by foreseeing issues and working with the riders, soigners, coaches and other mechanics. Even with decades of experience as a shop mechanic and team mechanic, and continue to pursue greater involvement in this sport as a US Pro Mechanic, and UCI Pro Mechanic.

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