1998 Chevrolet Cavalier: What Should I Do Before Starting It Up?

Q—I have a 1998 Cavalier Z24 with only 34 miles on it; that’s right, 34. It’s a long story. Since I got the car in September 1997, it has been sitting outside, covered up with a Tyvek car cover. Nothing else has been done to it. Before I attempt to start it up, what precautions should be taken?

A—If only your car could talk (and tell that long story), it would ask you to change its oil and filter. It also would ask you to remove the spark plugs and squirt a little oil in the cylinders, which are just about bone dry. With the plugs still out, crank the engine a few times to distribute the oil and purge any excess.

Since it has been sitting outside, your car may have been host to all kinds of wildlife. Check for evidence in all the nooks and crannies under the hood. Don’t forget to look inside the air filter. Remove any nests you might find. Examine the wires in case something had been gnawing at the insulation. Although you could put tape over the damage, we suggest heat-shrink insulation, which does a better job of keeping water out so the wires don’t corrode in the future.

Fill the tank with fresh gasoline. Hopefully, there was not too much gas in there when you parked it. It wouldn’t hurt to dump a bottle of fuel-system antifreeze in the tank to dispel any moisture that may have accumulated from condensation.

Of course, you will have to recharge or possibly replace the battery. Don't forget to air up the tires.

When you finally start the engine, drive your new car gently to allow everything to break in. You wouldn’t want to run the hundred-yard dash just after a long hibernation either.