What to Check Before Driving If Your Car Has Been Sitting a While

Do you know what to check before driving if your car has been sitting a while? Modern cars can sit idle for a few months without any major problems, but it still doesn't hurt to check these basic maintenance things before going for a drive, especially if your car has been sitting for several weeks or months. Andy shows you what to check, and also explains some other noises or behaviors that are normal after sitting a while.

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While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[AAuto]

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[brochahotato]

My civic has been sitting for a year, when I heard the word “week” I nearly spat out my water

[freddyflintstoned]

Get a battery charger and keep your battery charged. Simple as that!

[brancd]

Good video, man. Straight to the point, everyone want's that lol. I have a car that's been sitting for about a year, without running at all. It's probably no good by now.

[CarringtonHollister]

I’m currently acquiring a 2002 Volkswagen Passat (affectionately named Danyell) that has been sitting since 2018 and she has basically all her mechanical components but no battery and 4 year old fluids

[TheVIC-voyi]

Started the Honda other day, sat for 3 years...Thats big news not a week..lol
Runs great

[computerblue]

Depending on how long it's been sitting, I'd remove the sparkplugs and spray a little fogging oil. All of the oil could've drained into the pan and this will help with the initial start.

[sheldonm]

Some ppl say not to let the car idle but I disagree. I let it idle until the rpm come down by itself. Than I just keep it under 3K rpm until it’s fully warmed up.

[howtobebasic]

i have a vehicle that's been sitting in my garage for 3 to 4 years and now i'm thinking about selling or scrapping it.

[antiquarian]

my parents gave me their 2010 honda civic, it has been sitting away for about 6 months, the battery I suspect is completely dead. Power windows don't work, key doesn't work for the car and when I put the keys into the ignition nothing light up or makes any sound. Should I replace the whole battery or try to jump start it with another car? Thanks !

[mihixtaj]

Very helpful cause im about to buy my buddies abandoned honda with rear quarter panel damage thats been sitting for about two years now. Don't wanna ruin it more than it is already. Good first project and only im only 15 😂. Thank you

[georgeh.]

I'm going to check out a used car that's been sitting for several months and intend on checking all these things plus more. It's a 97 Buick Lesabre. I've heard good things about the engine and it has 90k so hopefully will be worth the low price.

[inesekimene]

My car sitting for 2.years.
What is first thing I should do to start the car ?

[bethwithers]

Thanks for this. Any suggestions if it’s been sitting for over a year?

[salgorogaztec]

quick and educational video to share with my friends, loved this!

[CheesusSVT]

Great video, really solid points and in a quick video. 😘

[angelavitulli]

My car sat for three months. Should I have it towed take to my mechanic? What should I expect from my car being idle for this amount of time?

[readEvafantasybooks]

How about resetting codes on crosstrek

[goldilocksfh]

Really good video! My coolant is brown from sitting for years. Can I add the proper coolant or MUST it be flushed?

[mindbodyandsoul]

man ive left my ml 63 amg sitting in my garage for 11 months while im overseas i havent had anyone start it or drive it and I know i didnt top up the gas before i parked it, is my vehicle gonna be screwed im worried