Short tool list?

NW1

Member
I plan to head back home (~650 miles away) to go retrieve my late father’s 2008 SI Roadster. It’s been sitting up well over a year. I started it a couple of weeks ago and it idles fine (didn’t drive it). Once I get it back home, I plan on changing all the fluids, etc. but before I hit the highway, it will need fresh gas, an oil change and probably tires.

Since the Mrs. And I will be driving down, I need to bring a minimal set of tools (oil, washer fluid, brake fluid [amber BRAKE light on], drain pan, air compressor, tire pressure gauge, floor jack, jack stands…)

Wrench for oil pan plug (size?)
Socket for torquing lug nuts (size?)

Anything else?

Thanks!
 
You 'may' find the amber brake light is telling you the pads are low (or at least the sensor is worn or damaged)
I think you'd be best taking a decent metric socket set, a selection of screwdrivers, torx bits.

If it's only been sat a year then I personally don't think an extra 650 miles on that oil will make much difference.
 
enuff_zed said:
If it's only been sat a year then I personally don't think an extra 650 miles on that oil will make much difference.

Agreed. Also, it would avoid the hassle of bringing a lot of stuff down and having to haul it back.
 
Yeah I agree with enuff_zed, no need to change the oil for the 650 mile drive, just take it steady, don't rag it and it should be fine.

By the way, the lug nuts are 17mm.
 
I wouldn’t bother with half of that!

Foot pump to top up air if you need. Most fuel garages have air compressors, so assume you’ll be going there to fill up. So top up properly there.

Fuel, assuming it’s not full to the brim, then you can fill up and by the time you reach home you should have used up most of the old fuel. Will be diluted when you fill it up. I’ve used year old fuel in a couple of cars, no issues with it after you fill up. Then it gets cycled out with use.

Washer fluid. Yes. Maybe wipers too if you’re expecting rain? Broken wipers can be a pain.

Brake fluid - top up if needed.

Engine oil - top up if needed.

Coolant - top up if needed.

Maybe jump leads? Or a new battery?

No point removing wheels? Unless you know something there needs attention?

Get it home then run through all service/fluids as necessary.

Good luck and sorry for your loss :(
 
kis said:
I wouldn’t bother with half of that!

Foot pump to top up air if you need. Most fuel garages have air compressors, so assume you’ll be going there to fill up. So top up properly there.

Fuel, assuming it’s not full to the brim, then you can fill up and by the time you reach home you should have used up most of the old fuel. Will be diluted when you fill it up. I’ve used year old fuel in a couple of cars, no issues with it after you fill up. Then it gets cycled out with use.

Washer fluid. Yes. Maybe wipers too if you’re expecting rain? Broken wipers can be a pain.

Brake fluid - top up if needed.

Engine oil - top up if needed.

Coolant - top up if needed.

Maybe jump leads? Or a new battery?

No point removing wheels? Unless you know something there needs attention?

Get it home then run through all service/fluids as necessary.

Good luck and sorry for your loss :(

Agree with Kis on all points, a year or so standing won't have harmed anything.
 
I was going to be smart and say battery or jump starter as the only thing you need but you started it the other week so, pffft, the key and nothing else!
 
Cheers [ref]john-e89[/ref].

I’ll also follow that up and say depending on where you are geographically, you may want to check the air box and engine bay for any rodents, etc. which may have found temporary lodging there. This happened to my neighbour over Covid… although that was a Merc! :lol:
 
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