Is it okay to leave a car undriven for months and months?

Question

I own a car but haven't had a need to drive it anywhere for over six months months. It has just been sitting in a garage with it's car cover, unattended. Is this okay for the car? The next time I drive it, will it be safe to drive?

Answer 1

No......the first thing that will go bad is the gasoline and you can also have engine and trans seals go bad as well.

If you are not going to drive it, then you need to prepare it for storage the correct way.

Answer 2

I would check all the fluids and take it to a mechanic; when we bought a car stored for a couple of years it was immaculate but the engine seals had dried out and we had to put a new engine in it.. and eventually a new transmission.

Answer 3

There are two types of storage - short and long term...Your case seems like a long term deal

To store the vehicle properly

Drain fuel from tank and all lines...Spray engine preservative oil in tank.

Remove spark plugs and spray preservative oil in cylinders...Turn engine over a couple of times to spread evenly...Install desiccant plugs...Put foil over leads.

Remove air filter and spray preservative oil down carb intake.

Remove battery, clean terminals then coat with petroleum jelly, store on block of wood,

Place vehicle on 4 jack stands, remove all mounted wheels, cover brakes with foil or plastic.

Drain all oils - engine, trans, axle, replace oil filter

Cover vehicle.

"Say goodnight, Gracie!"

P.S. Tape up intake and exhaust openings and put a tag on the steering wheel of all items that have to be addressed before the vehicle can be driven.

Answer 4

fire it up and take it for a spin otherwise all sorts of things can happen brakes will rust, seals,tire flat spots ,valve springs lose tension,battery takes a dump,gas could go bad oil loses its viscosity,anti freeze could seperate,mice will eat your wires and die in your heater vents,spiders,

Answer 5

I strongly suggest that you at least start the motor from time to time and move the vehicle back and forth a few times to keep everything well lubricated and in running order. If the vehicle isn't moved for a long time the battery can become weak and eventually go completely dead. also your tires will eventually lose air pressure and go flat. By moving the vehicle around a little bit will help to prevent all this from happening and prolong your cars life. Once a month should be plenty. Also if you live in real cold temperatures it is a good thing to start the vehicle to let the antifreeze circulate to keep the engine block from freezing.

Answer 6

WELL IT COULD BE A YES AND NO ANSWER BECAUSE YOU HAVE TOO WORRY ABOUT THE OIL AND HOSES DRY ROTTING LIKE THE BRAKE LINES AND RAIDAITOR HOSES THE PROBLEM WITH IT SETTING IS THAT IF YOU HAVENT STARTED IT MOST OF THE OIL WILL ALL DRAIN IN THE OIL PAN AND THE CYLINDERS WILL NOT BE PROPERLY LUBERCAITED AND THAT COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TOO LOCK UP THE BATTERY MAY GO DEAD THE GAS BECOMES STALE AND THE GAS CAN EVEN DRAW MOISTURE THE BEST THING TOO DO IS AT LEAST DRIVE IT AROUND THE BLOCK ONCE A WEEK