Starting a car that's not been used for 18 months

BriThom

I have a car that's not been used for 18 months. It's a low mileage, four year old, manual Toyota Yaris. It's in good condition and has been garaged whilst it's been off the road.

I now want to start using the car again and would like to know what special precautions I need to take before attempting to start the car (once I recharge the battery of course).

Is there any risk that some things could have seized up? Someone has suggested that I will need to get it transported to a garage to get it inspected and serviced before the engine is turned over - but I'm worried about the cost of this. Any advice would be very much appreciated.

DUTR

Just start it up, (you should have left the battery disconnected and possibly the handbrake) give the car a clean up and standard service, you should be good to go.

enfield_freddy

no it should start ok , dependant on how its been stood , the h/brake might be stuck ,


charge the battery , start the engine and allow to warm up slowly before revving it , make sure the oil light extinguishes before driving .

enfield_freddy

https://youtu.be/Ctin21yrfcA

Hintza

Then run it for a week or so before giving it a service (especially an oil change).

You might find the brakes are quite rusty and if the handbrake is on it might be stuck and possibly the clutch plate if it has been left in gear.

custardy

I generally dump a bit of oil in before starting.
At least there's a bit of oil kicking round the top end at start up.

robatwork

Someone did mention giving it an oil change, but if you don't want to do that at least check the oil level on the dipstick. Also check the coolant level. Give the fan belt a quick push and pull to make sure it hasn't disintegrated.

As it's a Toyota it will probably start first time and drive without any problems.

enfield_freddy

Hintza wrote: »

Then run it for a week or so before giving it a service (especially an oil change).

You might find the brakes are quite rusty and if the handbrake is on it might be stuck and possibly the clutch plate if it has been left in gear.

in gear or not will not make any difference to the clutch sticking , the clutch is only used to remove the direct drive between the engine and the box whilst the engine is rotating , the default action of the clutch is "make" , unless you apply pressure and it lifts the clutch plate from the flywheel and clutch diagram. leaving in gear or out will not affect this. and a good move would have been to park the car in gear , with the h/brake off.

BriThom

Thanks all - that's a great help. Won't get 'round to doing it until next weekend but your replies have put my mind at rest.

Paradigm

Some fresh fuel might be a good idea, after 18 months the stuff in the tank will have deteriorated.

s_b

Fresh fuel is a must
once running it will need an mot so i would suggest a full engine service and a complete clean/inspection and adjust of the braking system as a minimum, its also possible your tyres might need changing too if car not been moved in this time as they might have gone square (seriously)
be aware also the brakes may be stuck on or a pad delaminating so drive gingerly to your preferred garage