You’ve kept your car in storage for a considerable time, and now you want to take it back on the road. Before you do, there are critical checks you need to carry out. Long-term storage can have a significant impact on your car’s condition, and neglecting these checks can lead to serious mechanical problems. This article offers you a comprehensive guide on what you need to assess before driving your car out of long-term storage.
Inspecting the Exterior
Before even getting into the car, inspect the exterior thoroughly. Time and storage conditions can affect your car’s bodywork, tyres and overall exterior condition.
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Look out for signs of rust or corrosion on the bodywork. If you’ve been storing your car in a damp or poorly ventilated space, chances are the moisture has attacked your vehicle’s metal parts. Any appearance of rust should be treated immediately to prevent further deterioration.
Examine the tyres for any signs of damage, such as cracks or bulges. Check the tyre pressure too. Tyres will naturally lose pressure over time, and if your car has been sitting for a while, they are likely underinflated. Driving with underinflated tyres can be dangerous and lead to poor handling on the road.
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Don’t forget to check your car’s lights. Ensure all your lights – headlights, tail lights, and indicators – are functioning correctly.
Checking Under the Bonnet
After a close inspection of your car’s exterior, it’s time to look under the hood. Here, you will need to focus on the engine, oil, and other fluids.
First, inspect the engine for any visible signs of wear, corrosion or critter damage. Rodents are notorious for nesting in engine bays during the colder months, and their presence can cause severe damage to wiring and other components.
Next up, check the oil. The engine oil’s level and quality are critical to the proper functioning of your car. If your vehicle has been in storage for a long time, it’s advisable to change the oil and oil filter before driving it. Old oil can contain contaminants that can damage your engine over time.
Don’t forget to check the other fluids in your vehicle, including the brake fluid, coolant, and power steering fluid. These should all be at the appropriate levels, and if not, topped up before you drive.
Assessing the Fuel System
An essential part of bringing your car out of storage includes a thorough check of the fuel system. Fuel left in the car for a long time can become stale and potentially cause harm to your vehicle’s engine.
If possible, try to run the car with the old fuel first. If the car struggles to start or doesn’t run smoothly, then the fuel could be stale, and you will need to drain the fuel tank and refill it with fresh fuel.
While you’re at it, check the condition of the fuel lines and filters. These can become clogged over time, especially if the vehicle has been standing for a long time. A clogged fuel line or filter can restrict the flow of fuel to the engine, leading to poor performance and potential engine damage.
Checking the MOT and Insurance Cover
Finally, before hitting the road, ensure the legality of your vehicle. If your car has been off the road and in storage, chances are its MOT has expired, and you may have taken it off your insurance cover.
Remember, it’s illegal to drive a car in the UK without a valid MOT, unless you’re driving it to a pre-booked MOT test. So, organise for an MOT test and make sure your vehicle passes it.
Moreover, check your insurance cover. Your vehicle needs to be insured to drive it on the road. If you’ve declared it off the road with a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN), you’ll need to insure it again.
Also, if your car is a classic, remember that classic car insurance rules are slightly different. These cover the agreed value rather than the market value, which can significantly impact the payout in the event of a claim.
In summary, taking a car out of long-term storage involves more than just turning the key and driving off. It requires a thorough check to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the vehicle. So take the time to go through these checks, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing your car is ready to hit the road.
Checking the Braking System
An all-important component that is often overlooked when bringing a car out of storage is the braking system. The storage conditions and time can affect the brake pads, brake line and brake fluid in your car, and these should be checked thoroughly before driving.
Look at the brake pads. They should be thick enough to allow for effective braking. If they are worn out, replace them. Check the brake lines as well. They should be free of any signs of wear or leakage. If any are found, have the brake lines repaired or replaced.
Examine the brake fluid. It is essential to note that brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which can lead to brake failure. Thus, if your car has been in storage for an extended period, it’s highly advisable to drain the old brake fluid and refill with fresh fluid.
You should also inspect the emergency or hand brake. Ensure that it engages and disengages smoothly. If not, it may need adjusting or repairing. Remember, a fully functioning braking system is crucial for your safety on the road.
Final Preparations and the Drive Out
Lastly, after ensuring that your car is mechanically sound and legally ready to hit the road, there are some final preparations to make for the drive out.
The battery, which likely would have been disconnected during storage needs to be reconnected. Also, ensure that it’s fully charged. If not, you will need to replace it or give it a full charge before starting your car.
Next, check the condition of the wiper blades. If they’ve become hard or cracked during storage, they won’t clear the windscreen effectively. Replace them if necessary.
On the inside, run a quick check to confirm that the seat belts are functioning correctly and that all the dashboard controls are in order. It’s also a good idea to clean the interior, especially if the car was not thoroughly cleaned before storage.
Remember to carry a breakdown cover with you, as the chances of a sudden breakdown are higher with a car that’s just coming out of long-term storage. You never know when you might need it.
Finally, the first drive out should be a short one. Listen for any strange noises, feel for any unusual vibrations and watch for any warning lights on the dashboard. If everything seems fine, then congratulations. Your car is successfully out of storage and back on the road!
Conclusion
Reviving a car from long-term storage involves a meticulous inspection and preparation process. From the exterior to the engine, fuel system, braking system and even the legal paperwork like the MOT certificate and car insurance, everything needs to be assessed and prepared before the car can hit the road again. Following this guide will help ensure that your car comes out of storage in the best possible condition and is ready to drive safely. So, whether it’s a classic car or a regular one, the process remains the same. Be patient, be thorough, and your car will thank you for it. Stay up-to-date with traffic news, and enjoy the ride!
