What to do for first start of the year, pulling the car from hibernation... Options

[6gsillyca]

I know there was at least 1 other thread regarding this matter, but I can't seem to find it...

So anyways I'm looking for a checklist of things to do after the car has been sitting for a while.

- ign components; plugs, cap, rotor etc (if they need replacing)
- fluid change; oil, coolant, tranny (again, if they need it)
- check wheels/lugs
- add a bit of fuel stabilizer, and jerry can of gas
- "prime" the engine, pull efi fuse and crank for 1-2 sec. Do this a few times to get the oil moving a bit.


Anything else, I just want to make sure i dont forget something small...

or if someone could like the other thread that would be awesome

[hitcachi]

celica tech has a great thread regarding this. Its one of the stickies. You should check it out.

[6gsillyca]

haha yea thanks. I wasn't even thinking about celicatech/mr2oc... Will check both of em out.

[6gsillyca]

Alright well I checked celicatechs stickies and wasn't able to find anything regarding this in there, and my searches dind't turn anything up either, but from what i've heard my list seems fairly complete.

Only thing I was wondering that hasn't been answered:

As for the oil, I know it is good practice to change the oil, but why? Does the oil go stale? How would it be different than sitting in a jug over the winter? I changed it just before it got cold (got cold sooner than I expected) and put less than 100 miles on it before the car got parked. I could see reasoning to get "fresh" oil in the engine, but with >100 miles would it make a difference? The oil I would be replacing it with has sat in the jug for the last little bit anyways (bought a few cases of syntec on sale)

And if I do change it, would it be better to run the engine for a few miles before I change it? To get any sludge buildup/deposits/settlement that build up from sitting out of there, as opposed to putting fresh oil right off the bat, then having all the sludge/settlement floating around in my "fresh" oil?


And if anyone can find the other thread relating to this issue that would be greatly appreciated.