Starting a car that has not been started for over 6 months

[Sasha13]

Anything I should do before I attempt the above? I know I need to recharge the battery, anything else I should be aware of so that I don't damage the engine? Thanks

[dilligaf]

Personally I would take the plugs out or disconnect them and turn the engine over a few times to let the oil circulate before starting the engine. The battery may not require recharging unless it s flat. Then you will have to charge it before attempting this.

PS gary baldy will usually give good advice as long as your car isn't a Rover !!

[Toureman]

Good advice above but in addition you should also check all fluid levels and tyre pressures before driving. the first thing you must do on first driving the car is test the brakes!

[DirtyHabit]

Adding to what dilligaf said, I would take out the plugs and squirt a small amount of oil through the plug hole to lube the bores and leave it overnight before starting. Depending on where the car has been stored, any condensation in the fuel tank could mean that the tank has rust on the inside and as soon as you start moving the car around it could wash it into the fuel. You could also find the clutch has siezed to the flywheel.

[qapmoc]

Adding to what DirtyHabit just wrote, yes good idea to put oil in the plugs holes overnight, but then before you put the spark plugs back in and try to start the engine put rags over the plug holes and turn the engine over a couple of times on the starter to remove the excess oil, then replace the spark plugs and then try to start it.

[stanleyman]

If it is petrol you will probably need some fresh fuel as it goes off over time and may not want to fire. You can still use the old fuel up if it is added to new. This is a common problem with marine engines when they've been laid up over the winter.

[spaced]

start the car with the clutch down. Lessens wear if the car has not be used.

[Sasha13]

Should probably have mentioned that the car is a diesel - I'll substitute glow plugs for spark plugs - I take it that everything else is the same? Thanks for your replies.