My mum`s car (a Mercedes C class, 11 years old, low mileage) has not been driven for over 6 months and has just been parked in the road. Needless to say that the engine cannot be started, so I need to jump start it. As the car has been out of action for such a long time, what should I be aware of when I am driving around to charge up the battery? Am I safe to drive the car?
2007-04-21 11:53:35 · 7 answers · asked by ladypeonie 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The brake disks will be a bit rusty and will make a scraping noise at first but that will very quickly go. Get the battery charged with a charger since unless you are going on a very long drive (many hours) the battery will not gain full charge and a battery left in a low state of charge will deteriorate quickly. It may already be a little damaged by the 6 months lack of use. Check and inflate tyres to correct pressure as soon as possible. Check that the wiper blades have not stuck to the screen and if so free them gently and not by switching on the wipers which may tear the rubber. Again, do not charge the battery by driviing around, not very cost effective. Take it somewhere to be charged. Otherwise, 6 months is no big deal and you should not have any problems. Might I also suggest that at 11 years, if the brake fluid has not been changed during servicing, it should be changed since it will have deteriorated and will damage components.
2007-04-22 01:29:47 · answer #1 · answered by Peter T 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Before you move, tyre pressures, oils and other fluid levels. On first move check the brakes; make a few gentle applications at slow speed with a clear road ahead. You may find the handbrake has stuck on, this will have to be freed by rocking the car in forward and reverse, and expect quite a knock in the brakes untill the rust patch has worn off. Be prepared to have the pads and/or disks changed soon.
And don't forget to check MOT, insurance, tax. If the MOT is expired you can only drive it to a test by appointment.
2007-04-21 20:28:09 · answer #2 · answered by The original Peter G 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Six months is no big deal. Check the tire pressures and fluid levels, charge the battery, and it should start right up. Let it idle for a minute or two to circulate the oil and transmission fluid. That's all.
2007-04-21 12:01:01 · answer #3 · answered by carguy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well once it is jumped u shld be ok....i wld suggest an oil change soon..but also dont get on it..let the car warm up good. after sitting for so long all the fluids have drained and settled on the bottom.
2007-04-21 12:02:50 · answer #4 · answered by formula72 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1: Does it have any tyres?
2: Is their air in them and are they up to the pressure they should be?
3: Is it Road Taxed?
Ooh, there are a few more points i could make, but I think you have the basics.
Sash.
2007-04-21 12:05:19 · answer #5 · answered by sashtou 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mostly brakes - they may have siezed on or have a rust layer - take it slow and plan your first stop in case it goes wrong and takes longer than you think
2007-04-21 12:00:52 · answer #6 · answered by slipstream 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just do a general check over, the tires and brakes and engine oil.
2007-04-21 11:59:19 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋