Now that the cold and icy roads of winter have warmed up, many people are ready to take that classic convertible, muscle or sports car out of storage.
You want to be careful and attentive when waking your car from a long winter slumber, though, to make sure it’s ready to run again. Failing to perform the right maintenance when taking a car out of storage can cause unnecessary wear and tear to what’s likely a prized possession.
When taking a car out of storage, take these steps before getting it back on the road again.
- For starters, you’ll need to undo some of the steps you took to prepare the car for storage. You should have a disconnected battery to re-install, for instance, and may have a plug to pull from the tailpipe or jack stands to carefully remove.
- Look under the car for any signs of leaks. Since the car hasn’t moved, you should be able to trace the source of any oil or coolant stains.
- Even if no leaks are visible, check the fluids. All of them, including the fuel, brake fluid, coolant, transmission oil and engine oil. If the car has been sitting for more than a year, and definitely if it has been more than two years, you’ll probably want to replace those fluids.
- Inspect the belts and hoses. Rubber can dry out or crack when not used for a long period of time.
- Similarly, check the tires and inflate them to the proper pressure.
- Check the wiring and look for any loose connections or chewed insulation. Rodents often cause such electrical problems, so look for any pieces of fabric or insulation that may have been collected for nest-building.
- Before starting the engine, consider lubricating the cylinders with a few drops of oil. You’ll have to temporarily remove the spark plugs to do so.
Taking your sports car out of storage requires some work, but it’s a labor of love. To find a new vehicle that you can fall in love with, feel free to contact the leasing experts at Swapalease.com.
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