what can I expect for problems with a car that has been idle and not started for over 12 months. thanks?

Answer 1

Do not start the car. Do not even hand crank the engine. Tow the poor baby to a mechanic experienced with rebuilding engines. They can apply some lubrication and what ever other pre-start inspections needed before slow cranking the engine (first, without ignition) just to get the rings lubed.

Answer 2

Well, the brakes will probably be locked (rusted shut), might be just the rear brakes, both or just one. One good idea would be to pull the sparkplugs and spray some WD40 into the holes, that will help a lot. The tires are probably low on air pressure. The battery is probably dead or barely alive. Other than that, not much. But go easy on it for awhile, like maybe 30-50 miles. Don't just take it out onto the freeway immediately and run it at 100 mph. Baby it until it gets used to running again. Drive it around the block, don't shut it off until you get back into your parking spot (it might not start again, and then you'd be stuck. Better to be stuck in your parking space, than to call a tow truck). You really shouldn't have any major problem, other than the brakes locking up. You'll know. Go slow with if they do, and maybe they will unlock themselves. If they don't, you gotta fix it by taking the wheel off and try prying the drum off, or maybe tap it with a hammer. That might be enough to do it. Good luck.

Answer 3

depends on the car itself. Clean out the gas tank and fuel lines clean the carbueretor or fuel injectors and change the oil and filter. service the transmission if it is automatic. change the belts and hoses. flush the cooling system. Flush the brake lines. Then be prepared for some of the seals to leak. If it was stored inside out of the weather you may get lucjky. Sitting is often times worse for a car than driving it.

Answer 4

Check tires and presure, the battery, add fuel booster, check all lights, and do an oil change. Top off all fluids. And last make sure tag and registration is up to date.

Answer 5

I would also check for rodent infestation. Yes really. I had a friend whose car sat for a bit and mice had made nests.

Answer 6

there will be a good possibility of seals being dry from sitting...Ex:front and rear mains....also tranny seal.....good luck in that situation anythings possible...