[s-cars] NAC: What to do to a car standing to 10 months

[Kent McLean]

Tony Curran wrote:
> Just wanted to seek the advice of the list for  problem I have. To cut a
> long story short, I will be taliking ownership of a car, a 2003 Jaguar XJ8,
> that has been standing in a warehouse for about 10 months, by the time I get
> it.
> 
> It needs a new battery as current one fails to hold charge. Will probably
> need new tires as current ones may be flat spotted as it hasn't moved in all
> that time.
> 
> Is there anything else? Will the brake calipers be OK or is that a wait and
> see till I test it kind of issue. I plan to take it to the local Jag dealer.
> Also plan to change oil.

That's a Ford, right? :)

My experience with "flat-spotted" tires [1] is that the flat spot will
disappear after a few miles of driving, as the tire warms and the plies/
rubber relax.  I'd try driving it home first, but be ready to stop at a
tire dealer 100 or so miles from the warehouse if the flat-spot doesn't
take care of itself.

There might be surface rust on the brake rotors, which will disappear
with use.  Rust inside the calipers is another matter, but it should be
evident the first time you try the brakes -- they should drag, not
release, or possibly leak brake fluid on the first few applications.
A leak will be obvious.  A dragging brake will heat up (hot to the
touch) the caliper and wheel after a few miles of travel.

You might want to check the anti-freeze/water level of the coolant. It
may get cold crossing the Rockies, and I would guess the coolant hasn't
been changed since new, and may need to be refreshed.

As for the border crossing, I know the Canadian gov't has a web site
that addresses the issue. I found something ...
http://www.riv.ca/english/

[1] I had a Miata with Dunlops that would take a set if they sat for a
week.

-- 
Kent McLean
'94 100 S Avant, "Moody"
'89 200 TQ, "Bad Puppy" up in smoke