Do I Need To Change Oil Etc..

[Justin 9]

Hi,

 

My 205 MI16 has been parked up since October 2008. The oil (Silkolene Pro R IIRC), plugs, brake fluid (Castrol SRF) and coolant were changed about 3000 miles before the car was parked up. The car is started every so often and given a good run once in a while.

 

As I am planning to get the car taxed, insured and MOT'd would it be worthwhile changing the fluids or would it be a waste of time/money?

 

I am a bit worried about the petrol that has been in the tank for a couple of years too, but I think the well-publicised ethanol issues don't apply to V-Power. In any case the car is pretty empty.

 

Thanks,

Justin.

[Anthony 1,003]

I'd argue that it's still 3 year old fluids and should be changed regardless, even if it's not done many miles.

[harryskid 193]

Loads of contaminates in the fluids after standing that long !

[2-Pugs 57]

I would say definitly change the fluids. It's never a waste of money - look upon it as preventative maintenence. I do my fluids every year as a matter of course, even though my milage is low (less than 1k p/a). Of course, the oil is what prevents internal damage to the engine - so it makes sense for it to be in the best condition. The coolant too - it degrades over time and only lasts a couple of years anyway and the engine internals won't be protected against corrosion. In addition I'd also advise changing the brake fluid for the same reason - it degrades over time and the important bit is the protection from corrosion internally.

[matty_gti 20]

After being produced how long does oil/coolant sit on shelves or storage units before it gets used?, I wouldn't but matter of opinion unless it's dirty/contaminated. I would do a few more k before changing them.

[darrellspeed 1]

chances are its had condensation from cold steel dripping into it over the 3 years. definetly change it, look at any standard service schedule it gives 1 year or so many thousand miles, which ever comes first. they wouldnt do that if oil lasted forever.

[sensualt101 31 1 Cars]

i would advise you do a full filter ( air , fuel and oil! ) and fluids ( oil , fuel and coolant ) change just to be on the safe side as all the other guys have said! stale fuel , seperated oils and dry filters can all add up to poor running and reliability so by changing them all you at least negate any running issues they could cause. i would also check the brake linings and brake fluid level and bleed the brakes for safety sake. like all machines cars dont like being left unused so doing all of this minimises lots of potential problems running a machine unused for 4years! i am sure any decent mechanic would advise the same