Back On The Road Again: 5 Steps To Getting A Car Back On The Road After Years Of Sitting And Neglect

One of the worst things that you can do to a car is let it sit. If you buy a car that has been sitting to repair or restore, there are some things that need to be done to get it running and back on the road after years of sitting. The only repairs that older cars often need may be small and simple. Here are some steps that you will want to take to get a car back on the road after it has been sitting for years:

1. Checking For Missing Parts And Obvious Repairs That Need To Be Done

When you get ready to start repairing a car that has been sitting, start by inspecting the drive train. Look for signs of repairs that need to be done and could be the cause of the car sitting for years, such as a missing distributor or alternator. Sometimes, a missing part or obvious damage can give you clues to what is wrong with a car and the repairs that need to be done to get it back on the road again.

2. Greasing Bolts And Freeing Parts That May Be Frozen In Place

When you get ready to start removing parts for repairs on cars that have been sitting, often bolts are often frozen in place due to corrosion and oxidation. To remove bolts, lubricate them and let them sit before trying to break them loose. Doing this will help prevent problems with heads of bolts breaking off and other headaches when doing repairs to engines that have been sitting for years or decades.

3. Replacing The Plugs, Wires, And Batteries To See If Engines Turn Over

Replace the plugs, wires, and batteries to ensure your car gets an even spark to every cylinder. When doing this, you may also want to replace the distributor if it is frozen in place or has obvious signs of wear. To ensure you do not have problems with an old distributor once you get the engine started, it is often a good idea to go ahead and replace the distributor when you replace the plugs and wires.

4. Repairing Or Replacing The Fuel System To Get Ready To Start The Engine

The carburetor of older cars may be fine if you can clean it and get the valve openers to move. If you cannot unfreeze an old carburetor, you can get a cheap replacement carburetor to repair it and get your engine started. If the car you are repairing is a fuel injected car, you will want to replace the injectors and pump before you start the engine to complete repairs.

5. Changing Fluids, Checking the Brakes and Getting Ready for New Tires and An Alignment

Before you turn the key over and start the engine, make sure that you change all the fluids and repair any leaks. You will also want to do the brakes, replace brake lines and make sure there is fluid and they work. Start the car to see if there are any problems with the engine that need to be repaired and have your car towed to a repair shop for new tires, an alignment and any other repairs that are needed before driving.

These are some steps to take to get a car back on the road after it has been sitting for years. If you need help with repairs to get your project running again, contact an auto towing company to get your car to an auto repair service in your area.