Occasional cars are put in storage for periods of time and sometimes it can be tricky to get them running again after a long period of dormancy, particularly if proper storage procedures were neglected. Depending upon the length of time and the conditions of  storage it may or may not be necessary to perform major mechanical operations. This article is geared only towards the medium term, (less than a half year) of storage in good conditions (covered, not exposed to animals/elements).

Basic Restart Guide

1. Check Fluids. Fuel, Breaks, Power steering, coolant, oil.

2. Check battery for Charge. Boost if necessary.

Cross fingers and try to start.

A: Success! Proceed to letting car idle for 5-15 minutes to fully lubricate entire system. This will also let the battery charge back up so that the vehicle can restart unassisted. Get to a petrol station and fill up with premium fuel (or get some additives such as injector cleaners) to help burn out crud in the system. Consider replacing your fuel filter as it may have dried out and become useless. Also check air pressure in the tires and check your fluids again after the vehicle has run for a while.

B: Failure!

3. Check air and fuel filter.

4. Diagnose problems, does engine turn over? Is fuel getting to the engine? Are the spark plugs operating?

If engine seems to turn over but not catch then focus on the fuel system.

If engine turns over but misfires check timing and fuel system.

If engine does not turn over check starter and electronics.

If engine does not turn over, starter is fine and battery is fine then you may have some serious problems. If you suspect a seized engine call a professional as most of the time some fairly serious mechanical first aide will have to be applied to the vehicle. If you are brave then consider lubricating the cylinders by hand and adding fuel stabilizer to your gas. Remove spark plugs and let the car sit while the oil penetrates. Try starting next day, if it still will not start go over all the simple things again. For example, check electrical connections to starter/battery, check fuses, check fuel, check battery, check spark plugs, filters, etc. Still no good? Call for backup!