one year off the road

[Liamondo]

My sons escort has been off the road for a year now. It's been kept in a garage and hardly been started. It's quite an old escort, S reg, but in really good nick. Engine races a bit at start up though. Does anyone have any tips on preparing the car to get it back on the road. I don't want to just get in, start up and off to go.
E.G. Tyres, oil, etc. should we just get in the car and start the engine????
Thanks hope you can help us.

 

[breezer]

i am not a mechanic, but i am told you should check the rear brakes as the calipers may have seized on or be very slow, itmay also need new tyres if standing in same spot

please note: may not be calipers it may be something else but they do seize what ever they are called

 

[BazzaS]

here's what I would do.....
1) Take off handbrake and push the car out of the garage (this will test that the brakes are not stuck).
2) Check tyres - they could have 'flats' where they've been standing and may have become deformed (see 9 below).
3) Check oil, coolant, brake fluid and screen-wash levels.
4) Turn on ignition and lights - are there any? i.e. is the battery flat.
5) Recharge battery or if OK turn ignition to turn the engine over a couple of times - not to start it - but to get oil circulated & petrol pumped up.
6) Turn ignition to start the car and let it idle for a while - check for leaks.
7) If the car is dusty, hand-wash the windscreen - don't use the wipers 'cos you'll scrape them.
8) Once the car is warmed up drive slowly and check the brakes in a safe place (also keep the brakes gently on to clear any rust/deposits from the disks/drums).
9) Continue slowly to the nearest garage and get tyres to the correct pressures. Drive normally back. Stop en route and check whether the tyres remain deformed - if so get replacements - safety first.
10) Give the car a thorough hoover, wash and polish.

 

[Belle427]

and change the oil and filter

 

[JohnD]

Yes, I'd change the oil before you start it. You will probably need a new battery too, but try it with jump leads as the batt may run down while trying to start it.

Brakes may well be stuck or rusted into position.

The tyres will probably want pumping up or at least checking before you drive it

The old petrol may have absorbed moisture and no longer run the engine. If so syphon it out and put in a gallon of fresh.

The engine will probably be reluctant to start. If so, have a can of "Bradex Easy Start" handy. I use it although some people don't approve.

It will be due an MoT which may also help by spotting some of the defects you missed.

 

[big-all]

would also check that the brakes work before you move it if its on a slope as the handbrake cable may have broken and your hydralic fluid leaked out and all thats holding it is a years worth of crud under the partialy inflated tires

 

[jonnyfishing]

I would first of all turn the engine over by hand two revolutions on the crank shaft pulley to ensure you don't have a sticking valve or piston i.e. no tight spots on any moving parts,if you have and you turn it over on the starter....reach for your wallet !!!!

 

[BazzaS]

OOps yes I forgot about that - well said Jonnyfishing

 

[Liamondo]

cheers guys, that's some thorough check list and comprhensive feedback. I think that's going to keep us busy for a couple of days.
Many thanks

 

[johnb80]

here's what I would do.....
9) Continue slowly to the nearest garage and get tyres to the correct pressures. Drive normally back. Stop en route and check whether the tyres remain deformed - if so get replacements - safety first.

DON'T do this, it's illegal - NO MOT & NO Tax !

A car stood for a year is no big deal, take a look at some of the car storage compounds. My Sons Fiesta stood outside, unwashed for 10 months. Last week, we checked it over, charged the battery, started it up and it went straight through it's MOT test without problem. The car is 16 years old.

Regards - J