What do I need to do to get it back on the road?

Guerillatoker

I bought a 06 Ford Focus 1.6 Petrol 2 years ago and then never drove it as I ended up with another vehicle. The battery ran out at some point and I just never got round to doing anything with it. For some reason I convinced myself that I would sort it out but never did, so its just been sat on my drive with no cover and no preparation a long period of inactivity (I did take the handbrake off). It was my friends family car before I bought it so was fine when I bought it.

Now I want to get it back up to scratch so I can drive it or sell it, but not being terribly knowledgeable of cars I'm not sure if I have everything figured out.

This is what I have thought of so far:

• Replace battery - I have heard that letting my battery die will cause issues with my in-car radio unit if I "don't have the codes"?
• Check for rodents / damage - Any key areas I need to check?
• Tyres - Check flatspots using method suggested.
• Petrol - Thanks for the advice here
• Give it a good clean!
• Check calipers added from thread.
• Grease locks etc added from thread.
• Clutch If seized use methods suggested.

Anything I've missed?

foxy-stoat

New battery
Tyres may well need replacing
Calipers may need work, maybe spin the discs or buy new ones
Get a local garage to give it a full service and MOT - not kwikfault or halfruads.

System

If there wasn't much fuel in I would try putting in a petrol can full and crossing my fingers, it may or may not fire. Petrol does go bad over time.

You need to check the brakes, chances are they'll need replacing as the discs will be as rusty as hell and the pads stuck to them if it has been parked up outside. You may also find that you can't get it into gear because the clutch friction plate has stuck to the flywheel. To sort that out start it in gear, once its moving at a decent speed, whilst still maintaining the same throttle press the clutch pedal down and slam on the brakes as hard as you can and as soon as it starts revving when its freed off then you can let off the throttle. There will be a bit of a bang as it frees itself off and you may need to repeat the exercise a few times if the car stalls.

You want to get a spray can of white grease and spray into the locks and do the door hinges and check straps, bonnet and tailgate hinges and latch mechanisms.

Once running and moving it then wants a good service and MOT.

alan_d

Agree with the above, the battery will be FUBAR so start by replacing that, check the oil and water and give it a go. Although the petrol is old it's probably OK to get it running again. Maybe add a few cans of new stuff in the tank to help pep it up a bit!
Legally you can only drive it to a pre-arranged MOT - so i'd suggest booking it in for an MOT & full service as a minimum. https://www.askthe.police.uk/content/Q600.htm
You should carefully check that the brakes, indicators, brake lights etc work before going too far, just in case.
Worst case scenario you'll need to arrange for it to be transported to the garage for re-commissioning work & MOT.

Guerillatoker

Good advice guys, thanks a lot.

Do you think my best bet is to get a new battery and get it to an MOT initially, so they can tell me whether it needs new tyres, brakes etc?

Or is that just begging to be slapped with an excessive bill at the garage?

Apologies if I come across as a bit daft. Believe it or not, I've drove a work vehicle for 2 years so I've never had to deal with any vehicle maintenance.

Norman_Castle

I left a car parked outside for 1 1/2 years. Charged the battery, difficult because it was very flat, it started first time. It was an older diesel although never had a problem with old petrol in motorbikes that have stood. It drove fine, brakes worked. Failed the mot needing welding but from memory corroded discs was the only fail due to it standing.
If it was healthy when parked its possible it won't need much work now.


If you're worried the clutch is stuck put it into gear and try rolling it with pedal pressed.

jk0

I would try charging the battery before replacing it. You never know if it might come up.

Gloomendoom

Norman_Castle wrote: »

I left a car parked outside for 1 1/2 years. Charged the battery, difficult because it was very flat, it started first time. It was an older diesel although never had a problem with old petrol in motorbikes that have stood. It drove fine, brakes worked. Failed the mot needing welding but from memory corroded discs was the only fail due to it standing.
If it was healthy when parked its possible it won't need much work now.

I did the same. It was a petrol auto and it started and ran on the old fuel. The original battery was knackered but under guarantee. I tried my luck and got given a replacement.

Took it down to the local MoT place to see what work was needed only to told that they would be happy to give it a ticket there and then.

OP Can you borrow a battery from another car?

Guerillatoker

Gloomendoom wrote: »

OP Can you borrow a battery from another car?

Maybe. Do you mean so I can have someone jump it? Or do you just mean borrow one to get it out for an MOT?

walwyn1978

Flat spotted tyres:

Once MOT'd and insured etc drive it for about half an hour to let the rubber warm up. When it first goes you may think you have suspension issues/imbalances but that should drop off as the tyres warm and reshape. If after 30-60 mins it's not resolved then the flat spot has become permanent and you're looking at new tyres.

Also check tyres for cracks, bulges etc.

Guerillatoker

walwyn1978 wrote: »

Flat spotted tyres:

Once MOT'd and insured etc drive it for about half an hour to let the rubber warm up. When it first goes you may think you have suspension issues/imbalances but that should drop off as the tyres warm and reshape. If after 30-60 mins it's not resolved then the flat spot has become permanent and you're looking at new tyres.

Also check tyres for cracks, bulges etc.

Thanks for the heads up :money: