Then shut the car off and let it cool down. Once you’ve warmed the car up, now would be a good time to check the transmission level if you have an automatic transmission and add fluid if needed.This will help burn off any moisture or condensation that has built up inside the engine. You want to get the car up to normal operating temperature, high enough for the thermostat to open and get hot antifreeze flowing through the radiator and heater core. Step 4: Start ‘Er Up (but don’t go anywhere….) Make sure you have a fresh tank of gas or gas that was treated with stabilizer before it was put away for the winter. This is a good time to clean the carburetor or throttle body if you feel it’s needed. Next, check the throttle linkage to make sure it’s moving freely and not binding up.Any signs of fuel-hose dry rot should be replaced immediately countless engine fires happen every year due to a failed piece of $5 hose. Look for leaks, corrosion, and dry rotting. Check all fuel lines and hoses leading from the tank to the carburetor or throttle body.Make sure the battery is fully charged and ready. Check the battery terminals and clean them if they need it. Check the battery water level and fill to the required level with distilled water if necessary.Because it’s a fire waiting to happen, secure any loose wiring, making sure it stays clear of the exhaust and any sharp edges on the frame or body zip ties and electrical tape work well for this.Old wiring can become brittle and break or corrode. Check all the wiring in the engine compartment.Also, make sure the thermostat housing and heater hose fitting into the intake manifold and water pump is not leaking. Make sure all clamps are tight on the radiator and heater hoses. Hoses should be checked for dry rot and leaking. If you are nearing the end of the total adjustment to get the belt tight, it’s time for a new one. If you are changing the antifreeze, it’ economical to buy full-strength antifreeze and dilute it yourself with distilled water. It’s convenient to use a pre-mixed 50/50 bottle of antifreeze and water when topping things off. Make sure the radiator is full and if you have an overflow can that it’s filled properly. Is it at the proper level? How does the quality of the oil look (it should be a golden honey color)? If it’s milky looking you have moisture if it’s black, it’s due to be changed. It’s critical that you give yourself plenty of time to get your vehicle dialed in before your wheels hit the pavement.īefore you get rolling, follow our maintenance checklist to ensure your ride is running right. After not starting it, there’s a list you should check before turning over the engine and another one before heading down the road. And that’s a lot of time for bad things to happen. In the Midwest, our cars usually sit for about five months. Now don’t go running for the garage to fire up those engines just yet. Spring has sprung! That means it’s time to start thinking about getting your classic cars and trucks ready for the season.
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