long story short i have a car (2003 infiniti qx4) thats been garaged for over a year now...its hasnt been started since it was garaged... what precautions do i need to take when i start it up?

 

Flat battery?

Oh, and clean the cobwebs.

 

... and drain the gasoline and put in some that's "fresh"

 

Most of your precautionary actions should have taken place before the long term storage.

 

First, look on the ground under the vehicle to see if you have any obvious fluid leaks.

Change the battery, you can be sure that this one is either dead or badly damaged. Change oil and filter. Pull plugs, add one or two squirts of "Marvel Mystery Oil" or similar to each cylinder. With plugs out, turn over engine until you see oil pressure come off the peg. Reinstall plugs and crank engine normally. What you are trying to do is to ensure bearing surfaces are adequately lubricated before starting. Although it's too late for preventive measures, you may want to add a bottle of fuel stabilizer {or alcohol - do not use "rubbing alcohol", it's diluted with water) to the tank to pick up condensed water. Fuel should not be a serious problem after one year, but if the car is difficult to start or runs raggedly, you should siphon the tank and replace with "fresh" gasoline.

Check transmission fluid for signs of water from condensation. Power flush and replace as needed. Check brake fluid and bleed brakes if necessary. Just as you drained and replaced the fuel, you are trying to remove water that has condensed in the system - especially if the vehicle has been stored in an unheated garage.

Check coolant to be sure you have an adequate supply. Top off as indicated in your owner's manual.

Check tires for proper air pressure. If the vehicle has been stored on the ground, you may have flat spots that will eventually work their way out.

Clean and treat any interior leather to prevent cracking in use. Those hides are probably pretty dry by now and could use a good cleaning and feeding. While you are doing this, check for any signs of rodent droppings or nest materials - you may have unwittingly rented a room during this period of inactivity.

One year is not a terribly long time to store a modern car, but some precautions should be taken before putting it back into service. Drive slowly and carefully for the first fifty to 100 miles to be sure that lubricants are well distributed and mechanical bits are working normally.

If you know that the car is not going to be used for a year or more, you can find a number of excellent tips for preparing the vehicle for storage online or from your local classic car clubs.

Fuel Stabilizer - http://www.goldeagle.com/sta-bil/

Marvel Mystery Oil - http://www.turtlewax.com/products/pa...rm-mystery.htm