I start my car about every week or every other so it just doesn't sit there.. One time I drove it up and down the driveway and I heard my brakes make really loud screeching noises. I can't drive my car right now because my license is suspended so that's why I just drove it up the driveway. I just had all of my brakes replaced right before I lost my license. Why are they making so much noise now? Also.. I smell something funny now when I let my car run. Is my car all messed up now because it's been sitting there? I can't drive til February.. I have a 2004 Honda Civic and I don't want there to be any problems. Is there something more I should be doing to prevent problems?
2007-09-29 05:38:57 · 11 answers · asked by linz 4 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Don't lecture me about my suspended license please :) I learned my lesson.. believe me!!
2007-09-29 05:40:11 · update #1
my backyard is all woods!! Even when I was driving I had a nest of cigarette butts that was found in my air filter and a dead mouse was in there. I'm so afraid to open the hood and check myself! lol.. I'm scared teheheh.....
2007-09-29 06:29:21 · update #2
oh and I can't even have a friend drive my car because I pulled the insurance on it til I get my car back.
2007-09-29 06:30:26 · update #3
Well it's bad but it happens some times.
Back the car into the drive way for cleaning.
1; have some one (Good Friend) come over and open the hood, remove and clean the air filter and the engine compartment.
2; One foggier (Bug boom) to get ride of any unwanted guest. "2 hour fog time!"
3; open the car to let it air out, clean the carpets, seats and dash. "Air Freshener!"
4; The noise you hear with the brakes is from sitting, dust, minor rust (semi-metallic brake shoes and pads.) normal.
5; In February before you drive it check, oil and filter could need changing after sitting all this time, coolant, belts, plug wires, tires, battery for dirt or corrosion "clean and dry", All cables and wires for tightness and condition.
Good Luck!
2007-09-29 13:08:15 · answer #1 · answered by sidecar0 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure where you live but, if you are in a humid environment like next to a ocean or in snow country it is possible that there is rust built up on the brake rotors. The screeching should cease after a few hours of driving in stop and go traffic. Just in case though you may want to have them inspected. Again, if you live in an area where there is wildlife the odor that you smell could be from small animals such as mice, rats or small squirrels nesting under the hood.
Again, an inspection by a qualified auto technician (after you get your license back) would be wise. Anytime you let a machine set for a long period of time it should be checked out before extended use. A car is a complex machine. Rubber or neoprene components like hoses, tires and drive belts deteriorate when the vehicle sets and should be thoroughly inspected.
2007-09-29 05:59:28 · answer #2 · answered by Older1 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
First,when a car sits up like that the brake rotors rust.That's the noise you heard.It's not a problem.Just don't try to make any sudden stops when you do get it on the road again before you get the rust off of them.Drive with a little pressure on the brake pedal for a little while and that will knock the rust off.I would strongly recommend that you open the hood and examine the engine closely to determine whether any critters have made nests on top of your engine in the nooks and crannies that can exist under your hood.I suspect this is the smell you are detecting.This could be a fire hazzard.Also,I would check inside the air filter housing to insure that they havn't gotten inside there as well.You don't want to suck any trash into your intake.
2007-09-29 05:49:02 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Well, since every one has mentioned the brakes...there's only one other possibility. The court has installed an early warning device on your car to keep you from driving until you get your license back! The smell could be your car expressing its displeasure at forced early retirement!!
Seriously, these guys have told you what you need to know...except the bonehead that says you're doing more harm than good by starting it up in the driveway. Just make sure to let it run long enough to warm up to operating temp before cutting it off. If you were to let it sit and not run it, your fuel pump could seize up, rust form, injectors gum up....all kinds of goodness!!
2007-09-29 08:07:16 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If possible, have someone drive the car around for a while. This will knock some of the rust off the rotors/drums. Don't do it yourself, even putting it on the street with a suspended license will just create more trouble.
2007-09-29 05:51:07 · answer #5 · answered by Lab 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would check under the hood for anything that may have made a home in your engine compartment. Also check you hoses for dry rot and your belt since the vehicle has been setting for awhile. The brakes are fine as suggested by other replies. Have a friend drive your vehicle after you have checked your hoses and belt. If a friend can't drive it for you , you should put some fuel stabilizer in the gas tank and run your engine for the recommended time. Hope this helps.
2007-09-29 06:02:14 · answer #6 · answered by Alan J 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When your car just sits there, the brake rotors will have surface rust form on them. This is normal. About the smells, is more and likely residual fluids leaking a little bit, or spiders, and other insects getting into places that cook them. Will go away as soon as you're able to be allowed to drive again. Good luck.
2007-09-29 05:47:09 · answer #7 · answered by Silverstang 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get a friend to drive your car around once in a while! Make sure it gets up to operating temp. That is the best and probably easiest way to keep your car from any problems when you get your license back.
I had my license suspended waaayyy back when. It really sucks!
2007-09-29 05:53:13 · answer #8 · answered by Electro-Melon 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your brakes make noises because your rotors are rusting just sitting there. when you start driving and braking the rust will wear off and the noise should stop. the funny smell is more then likely dust burning off your engine as it heats up.
2007-09-29 05:44:47 · answer #9 · answered by george 2 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
all of that is normal for a car thats been sitting for awhile. when i used to have 2 cars, one would sit for most of the winter and do the same thing every time i drove it after it sat.
2007-09-29 05:48:07 · answer #10 · answered by the grand super C 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋