Q: Need to get car running again after sitting

asked by on February 15, 2016

Before parking my car 10 plus years ago, it was in excellent condition and ran fine. What will to be done need to get it running again after having sat for so long?

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How does the battery saver system work?
Even if it’s never happened to you, chances are good that you know at least one person who’s forgotten to turn off their headlights and came back out to a dead battery in their car. The battery saver system in...
What should I know about the positive retention floor mats?
Your floor mats provide protection for the carpeting under your feet, and the mats used in your vehicle have a special design. They’re what are called positive retention floor mats. They use a hook system to keep them in place...
What does the Release Parking Brake message mean?
The Release Parking Brake message can appear on your driver information center (DIC). When the DIC displays this alert, then your parking brake is currently engaged. If you receive this alert, release the parking brake before driving your vehicle.
Transmission fluid leak
A leaking transmission is definitely a reason for concern. Lack of fluid can prevent the transmission from shifting properly and eventually leave you and your vehicle stranded if it is left unresolved. The information provided on your Buick is a...
Car has electrical problems and starting issues
My guess is that the problem is with the body control module (BCM). The BCM functions as the power mode master (PMM). In this role, it receives an input from the ignition switch when the key is turned to the...
Ticking in Engine
There are a number of issues at play here. The transmission definitely needs to be looked at if it is slipping in any gear (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/gears-slipping-when-accelerating-inspection) or when locking up as you describe. The knocking sound may also be a possibility...
Car overheats badly. What's the problem?
Hi, thanks for writing in. This is usually a result of one or several things. Since you have replaced the water pump, we can reasonably assume that is not the problem. Also, since you are replacing the thermostat today, that...
New power steering pump still hard to turn with white smoke and fluid leaking
Hello. Can you tell where the power steering fluid leak (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/power-steering-fluid-is-leaking-inspection) is coming from? The smoke is likely just the power steering fluid burning off on the hot engine. The steering is likely hard because you are low on power...
My van tramission fluid all leak out the car, and the car isn't shifting gears is acting on neutral ....
Hi there. It seems that your transmission has a large leak. The first thing to do is to move the vehicle to a safe area where an inspection can be performed. Locating what has ruptured, cracked, split, ect... may be...

Related articles

Oldsmobile Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Car Program
If If you are in the market for a used Oldsmobile vehicle, it may be that you have considered a Certified Pre-Owned, or CPO, vehicle. CPO programs allow owners of used cars to drive with confidence, knowing that their vehicle...
How to Locate Cars for Sale by Private Sellers
When shopping for a used car (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/what-steps-must-i-take-before-buying-a-used-car), dealership may not always be an option. Maybe your credit is not good enough (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-buy-a-car-with-bad-credit), or you cannot afford to pay the asking price. In such cases, buying a car from a private...
Understanding the Oldsmobile Oil Life System and Service Indicator Lights
Car symbols, or dashboard lights, are a car service reminder. The Oldsmobile Oil Life System indicates when and what service your car needs.