Q: Restarting a car from storage tips

asked by on February 07, 2017

Hello,

I am picking up a 09 Lexus rx350 given by a family friend. The car is in good condition and only has 60k miles on it. But the car has been sitting for 1.5 years in a garage. I am wondering what examination/action i need to take to get the car on the road. Should I jump start the battery or just get a new one? Should i bring it to a mechanic first thing and change all the fluids? Or is the car good enough to just take off if it starts.

Thanks, Ce

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 can I get a replacement key?
You can get a key for the vehicle at a dealer or a locksmith, just be sure that it's a PASS-key III+ which is denoted by a plus symbol in a circle. These keys are coded and must be learned...
Growling noise from car. Could be the AC compressor, alternator, or power steering.
All of the possible causes mentioned could be the issue. All of these parts have pulleys that are ran off of the serpentine belt. Most of the pulleys have bearings inside them that allow them to spin freely. If a...
Rear wheel won't move
With the wheel locked up this car is unsafe to drive until the problem is fixed. With that said, the most common issue would be a wheel bearing that has seized (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/wheel-bearings-replacement), or a parking brake that is stuck engaged....
Muffler dragging
Hi. If your muffler has fallen and is dragging on the ground then it more than likely has a broken bracket. It can also be a broken pipe. If you need further assistance, I recommend you have a mechanic, like...
SRS light on
If the lights on the left side of your car are not working, then there may be one of several electrical problems. Perhaps a bulb has burned out, or a relay has malfunctioned. As this problem is probably electrical in...
Car still overheating
There are still a few more things to check beside the thermostat. The cooling fan, water pump, and radiator all need to be checked. If the engine is overheating while traveling at a constant speed above 20mph, you can scratch...
Engine not firing
Hello, thanks for writing in about your Ford F-150. You will need to scan the computer to see if there is codes for the crankshaft (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/crankshaft-position-sensor-replacement) or camshaft sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/camshaft-position-sensor-replacement). If you'd like to have this fixed, consider YourMechanic, as...
Overfilled the engine with oil.
If you overfilled the engine with oil by two quarts it would be damaging to the engine to run it for any amount of time. The crankshaft will dip into the engine oil and make is get aerated. This can...
New starter and battery, damn thing still won't turn over.
Hi there. It sounds like there is either a short to power or feedback occurring in an electrical circuit. Locating the faulty circuit can be time consuming, but it can be accomplished. Look for chaffed/melted wiring and corroded connectors and...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Lexus HS 250h
Hybrids Hybrids have come a long way in the last few years, and the 2012 Lexus HS 250h is a prime example of just how much they’ve evolved. This sedan is quiet, composed and chock-full of high tech equipment. Key...
A Buyer's Guide to the 2012 Lexus GS450h
The The 2012 Lexus GS450h is for those who want to drive a hybrid, but would prefer to still enjoy a luxurious and safe ride. Fortunately, as this sedan proves, going the hybrid route doesn’t have to mean you lose...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Lexus CT200h
Although Although you wouldn’t know it from appearances, the 2012 Lexus CT200h actually shares a lot in common with the Toyota Prius. Mainly, it comes down to their engines (1.8 liters) and hybrid architectures. However, with the CT200h, you also...