My car has been sitting in my parents garage since November, and I am going to bring it out in another month or so. My dad has started it a few times, maybe driven it around the block once or twice since it has been there. I plan on flying to Columbus, OH and drive the car back to where I live now, just outside of New York City over a 3-day weekend.

What are the chances that the tires have dry-rotted? Is there any way to visibly tell? Also, what else might need replaced after the car has sat for 6 months? I was thinking maybe the belts, but if it will at least get back here to New York I can change them myself. I'm also planning on doing headers, plugs & wires, and front brakes once I get it back here. I just don't want to have to pay someone to do all of that for me.

Anything else I should be thinking of before I get stuck somewhere in the middle of no-where in PA?


Thanks!!!!

 

Dry rotting looks like surface cracking. Alligator cracks, I suppose I could say. Lots of small cracks.

My car sat for a long time when I was stationed in Germany. My father drove it maybe once every 6 months. Hit the tires up w/ a good quality tire dressing like Stoner's "More Shine Less Time" (w/ the yellow top).

As far as the belt, bend it backwards once you have it off. If it has more than 5 cracks per inch, it should be replaced (technically).

Google isn't helping w/ pics today...

Put some fresh fuel in it. Did you use some fuel additive before you stored it? Fuel filter also, but mine sat for 8 months w/ no start while I was deployed to Afghanistan and it ran FINE after.

I think you'll be fine, but it'd be good to check.