[hustletwenis]

I have a 2004 dodge neon that hasnt been turned on in 2 years. What is all the checks i need to do and things i need to change out to get the car ready for a potential road trip?

 

[SeniorSitizen]

Read the maximum recommended air pressure on the tires and air those to that pressure. Add the amount of Berryman gasoline treatment recommended on the can then take it for a few short drives at pike speeds before the longer trip. Replace the air filter and check oil level. Renew oil and filter if you feel necessary. Hopefully mice haven't occupied any of the areas under the hood to chew wires, insulation etc. for nesting material.

 

[mark sr]

I'd want to drive it around locally for a month before setting out on a long trip. Some things don't become apparent until you put it thru the paces.

 

[ajaye]

probably best it never gets started
I had a neon once, always in the shop, for little things, lucky a mate of mine was SA at a dealer so I got cheap parts and work., liked that car, it just kept going, until I got side swiped, traded in for a BMW

basically, do a full maint. on it
oil change
plugs
leads
get the battery checked and if older than 5 years replace it
check your tires, over inflate by a couple of PSI and drive it around town for 10 clicks or so to put the round back in (IF you didn't store it with 40psi)
you could put a good fuel additive in, something like techron, but no need
do a couple of fuel tank changes
you should be good
if the brake fluid has not been changed, change it, it's hgroscopic and it should be changed out every 2 years

 

[ajaye]

my daughter loved this car !
she was most upset when it was hit

 

[huesmann]

First thing to do is charge the battery...

 

[raylo32]

Air in the tires, change the oil, fresh gas, and drive it. Unless it was a POS before you parked it in which case all bets are off.

 

[carmusic]

basically, do a full maint. on it
oil change
plugs
leads
get the battery checked and if older than 5 years replace it
check your tires, over inflate by a couple of PSI and drive it around town for 10 clicks or so to put the round back in (IF you didn't store it with 40psi)
you could put a good fuel additive in, something like techron, but no need
do a couple of fuel tank changes
you should be good
if the brake fluid has not been changed, change it, it's hgroscopic and it should be changed out every 2 years

that will cost more than the value of the car, i wouldnt do anything except checking tires, putting new gas and drive it like that, the car value is almost 0 even if in perfect shape

 

[Old Thomas]

I would check the oil and put in some fresh gas. If it runs then proceed to other maintenance mentioned. If it doesn’t run recycle it.

 

[ajaye]

no it won't,
your talking about a car being off the road for 2 years,
and the OP is taking it on a road trip.
all that is needed otherwise don't road trip it and get a rental

that will cost more than the value of the car, i wouldnt do anything except checking tires, putting new gas and drive it like that, the car value is almost 0 even if in perfect shape

 

[lenaitch]

I would be taking a really good look at the age and condition of the tires, especially if they have been sitting out in strong sunlight.



https://www.tirebuyer.com/education/how-to-determine-the-age-of-your-tires#

 

[ajaye]

yes I think change tires every 5 or 6 years even if tread is good

I would be taking a really good look at the age and condition of the tires, especially if they have been sitting out in strong sunlight.



https://www.tirebuyer.com/education/how-to-determine-the-age-of-your-tires#

 

[ajaye]

dude it's a neon........ LOL

j/k :wink2::wink2::wink2:

Air in the tires, change the oil, fresh gas, and drive it. Unless it was a POS before you parked it in which case all bets are off.

 

[roughneck]

Something that’s very important, to give accurate advice.
Why was it parked in the first place?
Did it have problems? Giving signs of impending problems? Not running good?
And how much money are you willing to spend on it?