11-22-2020, 05:45 AM | #1 |
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Returning after storage
Hello there!
So I have been away from my place for around 6 months now, my car's (340i) been sitting at the garage and I realized the trickle charger stopped working after quite awhile. so my cars battery dead but got it sorted by jump starting, and my question is What are the recommended maintenance that I should do to my car after sitting for 6 months? I figured its going to be oil change, but do I have to change my transmission fluid, spark plugs etc? I also noticed an error of SOS system malfunction if anyone can chime in on how to fix that Car's running and functioning normally, I just want to make sure I do all the maintenance after the long time sitting in storage Thanks guys!
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11-22-2020, 06:06 AM | #2 |
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What sort or climate was it sitting in? Lots of hot to cold and you may want to check those other fluids for condensation, but I wouldn't think it's necessary to change anything other than oil and maybe brake fluid. I'm on the east coast in NS, and am always putting a motorcycle up for the winter months. Trickle charger and oil change before putting her away, that's it. Other fluids every other year
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11-22-2020, 08:34 AM | #3 |
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The SOS malfunction may be a result of the battery being dead. I would clear the codes after getting a new battery and then see if it comes back.
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11-22-2020, 08:44 AM | #4 |
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There's no need to get a new battery unless it will no longer take a charge. Fully discharging a battery doesn't kill it. I wouldn't even be concerned about the oil after sitting through the summer. It's sitting through the winter that could result in condensation in the crankcase.
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11-23-2020, 11:37 AM | #5 |
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When was the brake fluid changed? If 2 years ago, then this is a good time to change it and replace OEM brake lines with stainless steel ones at the same time.
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11-23-2020, 12:21 PM | #6 |
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Brake fluid doesn't necessarily go bad with age any more than does oil or ATF. I test mine regularly with one of these so I know if it needs changing or not:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 |
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11-23-2020, 12:32 PM | #7 |
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11-23-2020, 02:40 PM | #8 |
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Brake fluid can eventually have too high a water content, but age is only one factor. Climate has more influence than age. Brake fluid condition would be far more of a potential concern in Vancouver than in Regina.
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11-23-2020, 03:03 PM | #9 | |
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Quote:
Yes, it depends on the climate, but it will only define the speed of the change
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11-23-2020, 04:54 PM | #10 |
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well I live in Vancouver canada and the car was stored during summer (May until now) so I guess brake fluid is still fine?
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11-23-2020, 09:16 PM | #11 |
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The only way to be sure is to test it. Changing the fluid isn't expensive if you do it yourself, but it's a PITA, and a tester isn't a major investment.
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11-26-2020, 06:28 AM | #12 |
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Just drive the car. It will be fine. Cars sit around longer waiting to be sold on dealership lots. Brake fluid degradation is inconsequential to whether the car is driven or not. It would absorb moisture regardless and is changed based on age, not use. If you plan on tracking the car just change it. If not but you are at two years, change it. As for trans fluid it didn’t degrade just sitting there for only six months and it didn’t absorb any more moisture than if you were driving the car through a rain storm. If your spark plugs somehow went bad, you will know. Get that oil change to make you feel better but stop worrying so much about it. Perhaps the only possible damage is the battery drain that results in damage, or maybe rodents that make their home in various parts of the car.
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