Taking Your Car Out of Storage? Get a Vehicle Inspection Near Blaine, MN
If your vehicle has been in storage during Minnesota’s colder months—or has simply been sitting unused for a while—it’s important to give it a thorough check before getting back on the road. Both time and inactivity can take a toll on various vehicle components, even if the car was in good condition when you parked it.
Don’t let hidden problems ruin your first drive of the season! If you're looking for a vehicle inspection near Blaine, MN, our team of ASE-Certified technicians will use state-of-the-art diagnostics to determine if your vehicle has incurred any new leaks or damage. Schedule your inspection by calling AutoPro Auto Service at (763) 703-6172. In the meantime, here’s a quick guide to making sure your car is safe, reliable, and ready to roll:
1. Check Under the Car for Leaks
When a vehicle sits for weeks or months, rubber seals and gaskets can shrink or dry out. This can lead to fluid leaks, even if everything was sealed tight when you last drove it. Take a look underneath the vehicle for any signs of oil, coolant, brake fluid, or transmission fluid. If you notice puddles or spots, it’s a good idea to have it checked out before you drive any further.
2. Inspect Tire Pressure and Condition
Tires naturally lose air over time, and when they sit in one position for too long, they can develop flat spots. In some cases, the rubber may even start to crack or dry out—especially if the car was stored in cold or damp conditions. Before heading out, check that each tire is properly inflated and inspect the tread and sidewalls for damage or signs of dry rot.
3. Test Your Lights and Signals
It's easy to overlook, but bulbs and electrical connections can be affected by long periods of disuse or moisture buildup during storage. Double-check that all exterior lights are working properly—headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights. If anything’s dim, flickering, or not working at all, it could be a burned-out bulb or a deeper wiring issue.
4. Pop the Hood for a Quick Visual Check
Take a moment to look under the hood for anything unusual. Rodents sometimes seek shelter in engine bays, and they can cause big problems by chewing on wires or insulation.
5. Test the Battery
Car batteries are especially vulnerable during storage. If your vehicle wasn’t hooked up to a trickle charger, there's a good chance the battery has lost its charge—or worse, has failed completely. If the engine cranks slowly or not at all, that’s your sign to test or replace the battery. Even if it starts fine now, a weak battery might leave you stranded later.
6. Have it Inspected by Professionals
Even with a careful walkaround, some problems can go unnoticed until they become bigger issues. Having your car inspected by our ASE Certified technicians will ensure everything is in proper working order. A trained eye along with our advanced diagnostic equipment can catch early warning signs that you might miss—saving you time, money, and frustration down the road.
Schedule a Vehicle Inspection Near Blaine, MN
Getting your vehicle out of storage should feel exciting—not stressful. Taking a few preventative steps now can help you enjoy a smooth, safe driving season ahead. And if you'd rather not guess whether everything’s in working order, AutoPro Auto Service is here to help. We’re located in Brooklyn Park - just minutes away from Blaine, MN - and we’re known in Hennepin County for our high-quality auto repair, personal customer service and unbeatable warranty on both parts and labor.
Call AutoPro Auto Service at (763) 703-6172