If you put your car away during the winter, then spring is finally where you’ll get to drive it again. You must be especially happy if you put your car in storage throughout winter.
But even if you want to take your car out for a spin, you can only do once you check a few things. You car has been in storage for some time. Therefore, you need to ensure that it is in a state that you could most likely drive it in. So here is a small list of things you might want to check before starting your vehicle.
1. Perform a general Inspection after Storage
Start out by going around your car with a flashlight and seeing if there is anything out of the ordinary. Check your pipes, hoses, and wiring to see if they are all intact after the storage period. Seeing how rats or pests can get into your car if you leave it in for too long, they might mess with the internal wiring. Rats are especially infamous when it comes to chewing on electrical cords.
2. Check your Brake Fluid
The next thing you want to be doing is checking your brake fluid. It is responsible for one of the most important parts of your car; the brakes. If you see a leak underneath your car, you shouldn’t take the risk of driving to a mechanic. Instead, try calling one over.
While you’re at it, you should also check on other fluids in your car. Check to see if the coolant and power steering levels are optimal.
3. Stabilize your Fuel
Your fuel is another precious resource that your car depends on. If you didn’t add stabilizer to your fuel before storing it, then don’t start your car yet. First add some high octane gas along with octane booster to stabilize your fuel. If you don’t add before starting your car, your car will be very sluggish. It will run rougher and can adversely affect the health of your engine.
4. Check the Battery
Ask any mechanic you trust, and they will advise taking out your car battery before storing the car away. More importantly, you have to attach your battery to a trickle charger, which will ensure your battery is ready when you need it. However, if you didn’t do this, you’ll have to charge the battery properly. Unfortunately, charging the battery when it is completely empty is not the best thing you should do.
5. Replace the Engine Oil
Replacing your engine oil is the cheapest insurance for your car’s overall health. Especially when your car has been in storage for some time, the oil inside is not the best. Just make sure that there is enough for you to get to a mechanic to get an oil change. Even if you got one before putting your car into storage, many still advise that you should replace it.
Get your car ready, because it’s finally Spring. While these steps might be a little tedious, they can go a long way in improving your car’s health.
