What maintanence needs to be done to an unused car, in order to get it back on the road & running well?

Question

I've had a 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix sitting in my garage for the past 5 years. It's been started periodically every 6 months or so, but hasn't been moved. I need to get the Pontiac on the road again, as a Daily Driver, but need to know what steps to take in order to have it running mechanically. Do i need to change the OIL, change the TRANSMISSION FLUID? What parts should i have looked at by a mechanic? Does anything need to be done to the breaks or other systems? Any help is GREATLY appreciated! thanks...

Answer 1

I would flush out all fluids after running it a few miles. Also check your tires, even if they have tread, they get "spots" on them from sitting. If it was sitting that long I would have had it on jacks. Most likely need a new batter if not now very soon. I woudln't worry aabout much more than that other that the fuel system. Change you fuel filter after you run it almost comletely empty, then put some lucas oil in you tank, run it for 10-15 miles with little gas, then fill it up with premium. After your premium tank is almost empty, you should be able to start using regular gas. If you do that you fuel system should run pretty smooth. Might want to get some new spark plugs too. Brakes should be ok, self contained system with little moving parts, might just want to bleed the system to make sure there is no air in the lines and top off with new fluid, but no reason to flush the system. If the car is fine though, why was it sitting for 5 years in the first place. Most people don't just put a perfectly good running car in their garage for five years. If you only take one thing from this, let it be your fuel system!

Answer 2

Assuming you aren't on too strict a budget, I'd start by letting it idle untill its hot, changing the oil and filter, and doing 'pan-gasket, fluid and filter' on the tranny. Anti-freeze is only good for two years, so you probably want to flush it. There is a little petcock on the bottom of the radiator for draining. (Put old fluids into containers and take them back to the parts store for re-cycling.) Check the belts and hoses and replace them if there is any question. Check all the bulbs. Special shampoo is available for car upholstery and cloth seats. Get a vacuum cleaner...you will have some cleaning to do. I'd get some windex and paper towels and do the glass 100%.Treat the car to four new tires. Have the front-end lubricated and the brakes inspected and you will be good to go. Monitor the engines temp for the first few hundred miles. You might want to think about what your tune-up schedule will be.

Answer 3

thats a long time. changing the oil is an absolute must. if you dont the car will die a quick and ugly death. i wouldnt even start it untul the oil has been changed. you should also give it a complete tuneup. change all fluids, check the brakes, change the spark plugs. i would also be sure to check the tires and wiper blades for dry rot. most likely they will need to be changed as well. you really should bring it in to s repair shop and have them do it. let them know how long it has been sitting. before you go though put some fresh gas in there as whats in the tank will almost certainly be bad and daamage the engine.

Answer 4

well the brakes should be fine as its been sitting there.... if it doesn't start u might need to jump start it or maybe get a new battery. transmission and oil should be OK unless there is a leak somewhere

Answer 5

oil, gas (drain the tank and get new gas, esp if it wasnt kept full ), anything rubber like belts, tires, change the water--may ned to check radiator for corrosion,...probalby all the seals and gaskets,....battery, etc