Car has not been driven...

[mzbmw325i]

Here is my inquiry everybody,

in the next few weeks i may have to go get my girlfirend's car from up north, the car has been sitting there for over a year, although covered but outside, what are some of the basics i need to work on/replace to get the car running and drive it down to Arizona.

let me know what you guys/gals think i need to replace, change battery, tires, fuel, oil, what else?

i am trying to make a list of things to prepare my self for. btw it is a land rover 2003, don't have the details though of what line/model.


thank you

[MTurboPower3]

I don't think you'll need to change anything because it has just been sitting there and the car is only 4 years old.

[witeshark]

If the fuel tank was not full, some gas dry might help remove any water from condensation.

[3050rpm]

Putting aside the (snide) comment that it's a Land Rover and should probably be sold on site, check the section in your car manual on long term storage for some pointers, both before and after storage. Chances are that as the proper things weren't done beforehand, there may be some consequences, particularly with the battery not having a small, constant charge applied to it over time. The oil and filter should be changed a.s.a.p. Other fluids are probably okay, although a coolant flush wouldn't be a bad idea to remove any corrosion that may have occurred. Check for where little critters may have taken up residence under the hood and elsewhere. Tires may have flat spots on them, which may disappear after running in awhile.

[mzbmw325i]

Originally Posted by 3050rpm

Putting aside the (snide) comment that it's a Land Rover and should probably be sold on site, check the section in your car manual on long term storage for some pointers, both before and after storage. Chances are that as the proper things weren't done beforehand, there may be some consequences, particularly with the battery not having a small, constant charge applied to it over time. The oil and filter should be changed a.s.a.p. Other fluids are probably okay, although a coolant flush wouldn't be a bad idea to remove any corrosion that may have occurred. Check for where little critters may have taken up residence under the hood and elsewhere. Tires may have flat spots on them, which may disappear after running in awhile.

"snide" is that good or bad

the only reason i mentioned the brand of the car is because i have no clue anything what so ever about land rovers, i thought by giving the name someone may know any known issues or problems, i should look for.

everyone's opinion is greatly appreciated. thanks a bunch

[3050rpm]

Nah, I am giving you a bit of a hard time, in that Land Rovers, not particularly known for reliability, will probably only get worse not having been used for a l-o-n-g time, but enough of kickin' a guy when he's down... Basically a car needs regular use to work well, the various fluids do their job of lubricating and holding stuff in suspension while circulating. Long periods of no use mean no lubrication, and the settling of byproducts and contaminants, plus a chance for corrosion to set in. Rubber hoses and seals can dry out, too. The engine oil and filter have been mentioned before, as has the coolant. With the Land Rover, the differential(s) may need a lubricant change as well, I really don't know how these things hold up after long periods of being laid up. It'd probably be best to drain whatever gas is in the tank and replace it with fresh stuff, but that's not all that practical, so the next best thing would be to add a can of dry gas, run out the current tank, then fill with fresh gas plus a bottle of injector cleaner. If the battery has worn down, which it probably has, be careful in charging it up again, as an improper way may mess up the rest of the electronics. It'd be a good idea to get in touch with a dealer's service department to see what they have to say regarding any particulars. Again, the owner's manual should have a section on long term storage.

[Kasei]

^ The Land Rover should have the M62 engine found in V8 E39's. I wish they hadn't switched to Jaguar V8's......damn Ford.

[themadhatter]

the fuel is probably contaminated by now, most gasoline has a shelf life of 3-4 months if left untreated...you're certainly going to experience a rough time until you're through 1-2 gas tanks. throw a healthy amount of drygas or stp fuel treatment (red bottle) into the gas tank to absorb any moisture in there.

the oil should be changed as well since moisture (water) and oil are bad mixers. I would change the oil before attempting to start the car. the battery if original from '03 is probably toast now anyways, a new battery is not only a good idea, it's probably time for one anyways.

the belts should be checked for rot and cracks, if they are showing signs of either, replace them. the same goes for the tires but odds are that they are ok depending on where the car was parked. you mention that it was covered, this keeps UV and ozone away from the rubber so they are probably still good. check their pressure and adjust as needed...you'll obviously have a large flat spot on each tire but they should work themselves out during your drive home.

I used to store my cars for periods of up to 9 months at a time when I used to travel to Africa for business, I've been through it all.

-Ron

[mzbmw325i]

thanks for the input all, will do, i have to see the damn car first in what condition it is.

i did a bit of research, and it turns out that model has a bmw engine and the ZF auto tranny also made by bmw.

i wonder why someone mentioned above the rovers are unreliable still.

cheers

[3050rpm]

From reports I've read in newspapers on quality ratings of cars, such as JD Powers, a reliable name in the field, Land Rover invariably is at or near the bottom of the list, far below the industry average.