Q: I am writing on behalf of my 94-year-old dad, who has a 2000 Dodge Intrepid with 110,249 miles that hasn’t been driven for about two years. His neighbor would like to buy the car. However, he has heard that if a car has not been used for a long time, the cylinders are dry and should be oiled before driving. Is that true? If so, how do we go about doing it, or would it need to be towed to a garage? What would the cost for something like that be?
J., Minneapolis
A: Unless the car has been sitting in a corn field for several years, the cylinders may not be dry. A garaged car may still have an oil film. Chances are, it is OK. To be on the safe side, you could squirt a bit of oil into each cylinder by removing the spark plugs. But I suggest giving the car a compete once-over by a pro. It may take about an hour or close to $100. On the lift, the tech can check for leaks and change the oil if necessary. The oil must be clean. The air filter should not be a mansion for mice. The gas will be stale so adding fresh stuff along with some fuel conditioner is a good idea. The tires are likely OK. Once the vehicle is base-lined, the new owner can drive it with confidence.
