Your Car Has Been Sitting for Months. What Needs Checking Before You Drive It?

A car that has been sitting in the driveway for months isn't necessarily ready to drive just because it looks fine.

When a vehicle isn't used for an extended period, some components can lose condition even without adding kilometres to the odometer.

The battery can lose charge.

Tyres can lose pressure.

Fluids can deteriorate.

Rubber components can age.

Brakes can also develop surface corrosion after sitting unused.

If you're getting an unused car back on the road, a few checks before driving can save you from discovering a problem halfway down the road.

Here's what to check first.

Start With the Battery

The battery is often the first thing to check on a car that has been sitting.

Even when the engine is switched off, your vehicle continues to use a small amount of electrical power.

Security systems, clocks and other electronics still draw power.

After several months, the battery may be completely flat.

If the engine doesn't start, don't assume you automatically need a new battery.

The battery may simply need charging, or it may have lost enough capacity that replacement is required.

A battery test will tell you more.

Check the Tyres

Your tyres haven't stopped ageing just because the car hasn't moved.

Before driving, check all four tyres carefully.

Look for:

• Low pressure
• Cracks
• Bulges
• Cuts
• Uneven wear
• Objects stuck in the tread

Check the tyre pressures against the vehicle manufacturer's recommended settings.

If the car has been sitting in the same position for months, pay particular attention to the condition of the tyres before driving at higher speeds.

Look Under the Car for Leaks

Before starting the engine, take a look underneath the vehicle.

Check for fresh fluid on the ground.

Different fluids can point towards different problems.

You may see:

• Engine oil
• Coolant
• Brake fluid
• Other vehicle fluids

A small leak can become a much bigger problem once the vehicle is driven again.

If you see something unusual, have it checked before taking the car out.

Check the Engine Oil

Engine oil protects the moving parts inside your engine.

If the vehicle has been sitting for months, check the oil level according to the manufacturer's instructions before starting it.

Also look for signs of contamination or leaks.

If the oil change is overdue based on time, it may be worth servicing the vehicle before putting it back into regular use.

Check the Coolant

The cooling system needs to be in good condition before the vehicle goes back on the road.

Check the coolant level when the engine is cold.

Look for signs of leaks around the cooling system and underneath the vehicle.

If the coolant level is unusually low, don't simply assume it needs topping up.

There may be a leak that needs to be identified.

Don't Forget the Brakes

Brakes can change when a vehicle sits unused for a long time.

You may notice some surface rust on the brake discs.

A small amount can disappear after normal braking.

However, if the brakes feel unusual, make excessive noise or don't operate smoothly, they should be inspected.

Before driving normally, make sure the brake pedal feels firm and the vehicle stops as expected.

Check the Windscreen and Wipers

A vehicle that's been parked for months can still develop windscreen and wiper problems.

Check for:

• Windscreen cracks
• Chips
• Damaged wiper blades
• Wipers that have become hard or brittle

Try the windscreen washers and make sure the wipers clear the glass properly.

Good visibility matters from the first kilometre.

Test Your Lights

Check every exterior light before heading out.

That includes:

• Headlights
• Brake lights
• Indicators
• Tail lights
• Reverse lights
• Number plate lights

A failed globe is easy to overlook when you haven't driven the car for months.

Check the Air Conditioning

If the vehicle has been sitting for an extended period, switch the air conditioning on and make sure it's operating normally.

Pay attention to:

• Unusual smells
• Strange noises
• Weak airflow
• Lack of cooling

A musty smell can develop when moisture has remained inside the air conditioning system.

Look Around the Engine Bay

Before starting the vehicle, take a quick look under the bonnet.

You're looking for anything that wasn't there when the vehicle was last used.

Check for:

• Leaks
• Damaged hoses
• Loose connections
• Corrosion
• Signs of animals or nesting

Vehicles that sit unused for long periods can sometimes attract unwanted visitors.

If you see damaged wiring or hoses, don't start driving until the problem has been checked.

Take It Slowly on the First Drive

Don't take a vehicle that's been sitting for months straight onto a long highway trip.

Start with a short drive.

Pay attention to how the vehicle feels.

Check that:

• The brakes work normally.
• The steering feels normal.
• The engine runs smoothly.
• There are no warning lights.
• There are no unusual noises or smells.

If something doesn't feel right, stop and have it inspected.

When Should You Get a Service?

If the vehicle has been sitting for several months and its scheduled service is due, getting it serviced before returning to regular driving is a sensible option.

The mechanic can inspect the vehicle and identify issues that aren't obvious from the driver's seat.

This is particularly useful if you don't know how long the vehicle has been sitting or when it was last serviced.

Questions Drivers Ask Us

Q- Can a car be damaged by sitting unused?

A- Yes, some components can deteriorate while a vehicle is parked. The battery, tyres, fluids, brakes and rubber components can all be affected by time and storage conditions.

Q- Should I replace the battery after a car has been sitting for months?

A- Not automatically. Have the battery tested first to determine whether it can still hold a charge.

Q- Are tyres safe after sitting for a long time?

A- They may be, but they should be inspected for pressure loss, cracks, bulges and other signs of deterioration before driving.

Q- Should I drive the car immediately after jump-starting it?

A- It's better to check why the battery went flat first, particularly if the vehicle has been sitting for an extended period.

Q- Should I service a car that hasn't been driven?

A- Follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule based on both time and kilometres. If the service is due, have it completed before returning the vehicle to regular use.

Check It Before You Put It Back on the Road

A car that's been sitting for months needs more than a charged battery.

Check the tyres, brakes, fluids, lights and engine bay before driving normally. If anything looks or feels unusual, have it inspected first.

If your vehicle has been sitting unused and you're ready to put it back on the road, visit Goodyear Autocare Blacktown. We'll check the important parts of your vehicle, explain what we find in plain English and only recommend the work your car actually needs.