So my Mini has been away for the past 5 months or so and I'm planning on bringing it out next week (very excited ). I've kept the psi up in the tires, kept the battery charged, added fuel stabilizer etc

Just wondering if there is anything I should make sure to do before I start it up. I've read couple things but all of them in relation to classic cars. For instance, some people say to disconnect the spark plug wires and crank the engine a few times just to get the oil circulating or taking the valve cover off (which would be a huge pain with our cars) and pouring a bit of oil on the cam/valves etc so its not dry up there when the engine starts. Last year I just started it without doing anything, but like to take care of my car and make sure I'm taking any precautions I need to.

Thanks

 

5 months?

Start it up, let it idle and fully warm up half way (so 1/4 of the way) before taking it out...

That's all I would do.

 

Just check all your fluids and make sure everything is topped off.. that's it really.There is no reason to do anything else. As far as those classic cars I wouldn't do any of that stuff. I have several classics and don't do anything that you have mentioned. The key to start up is just to let it idle. let the oil pressure build and get the other fluids to flow once again.

 

Cool. Thanks for the info guys. The only thing I think I might do is run the a/c for a bit once I get it started because I've only used it once or twice in the past year and I want the seals to stay lubricated. Other than that, I guess I'll leave it alone.

I'm so excited to drive this thing again. 5 months of taking the bus and occasionally driving my moms minivan makes me remember why I love these cars so much.

 

Im in the same boat as you.. I parked my MINI for the winter. I cant wait to get it out on the road either They are a blast to drive! Good idea about the ac. I rarely use mine but I do run it every so often just to keep the seals good and the pump free. Enjoy!

 

I agree with above, just check the oil, coolant and brake fluid levels and go. You can also make sure there are no critters in your air box or tail pipe. I stuff some steel wool in them to keep everything out.

 

No critters in this car! It gets the privilege of sitting in a garage

 

Mine is stored 5 months during winter, I do absolutely nothing except taking the battery out and put it on a trickler charger. It starts right up every time. Once I take it out, I always let it warm up and do my oil change, no matter the miles I've done the previous season.

 

What is the logic behind changing your oil when you bring it out in the spring? I changed the oil and filter less than 1k before I put it away, which is the third time I've done so in the 6k I've put on the car since I bought it. I should be good with the oil I have now? Unless the reasoning has something to do with oil breaking down from sitting for so long.

 

Humidity in the oil and general maintenance. I change mine every 10000km (around 6200 miles). In my case it's more a peace of mind thing.