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Vw golf bluemotion tsi 1.4 2013 - Car been off road idle for approx 1 year - Johngo
Hi all,

I’ve got a 2013 golf that’s been sitting off road and hasn’t been started in approx 1 year.

I’ve had a couple of people tell me that it will be fine just to jump start the car and see what happens and I’ve had a couple tell me that I should drain oil and fuel and install new battery before starting it for the first time.

I’m guessing the best option would be to get it towed to the nearest vw garage and get them to do a full service with new tyres etc but I’m quite restrained by budget.

Any advice would be appreciated.
Vw golf bluemotion tsi 1.4 2013 - Car been off road idle for approx 1 year - elekie&a/c doctor
Fit a new battery. Don’t mess around with jump leads. This can often cause more damage if the battery is totally dead. Check your engine oil and coolant levels . Turn the key and off you go.
Vw golf bluemotion tsi 1.4 2013 - Car been off road idle for approx 1 year - gordonbennet

Agree about the battery, the one on it will almost certainly be as dead as the proverbial.

One issue is likely to be brakes binding/stuck, and possibly, depending on if its been out in the open, the clutch could be seized onto the flywheel.

Vw golf bluemotion tsi 1.4 2013 - Car been off road idle for approx 1 year - John F
I’m guessing the best option would be to get it towed to the nearest vw garage and get them to do a full service with new tyres etc but I’m quite restrained by budget. Any advice would be appreciated.

Assuming it goes...and stops...I suggest you drive straight to your favourite MoT inspector who will do all the important service checks you need, ensuring it is safe and roadworthy.

Vw golf bluemotion tsi 1.4 2013 - Car been off road idle for approx 1 year - privateinvestor

Call the AA and gett its jump-started as it will be flat due to all the electronics. GIve it a full service: oil, air and fuel filter + cabin filter. Change all fluids: brake fluid, engine oil and coolant.

Once up and running go for a fast and high-speed test drive of 30miles or so, frequently changing gears and revving the engine to 5000 rpm (where practical and safe). Check the brakes as they will have surface corrosion, also check all the drive belts.

As its 5 years old you will also need a new cam belt and timing belt kit - I think VW stipulate a 5year and or 140k change regime.

Run it on two to three tanks of shell super unleaded.