Q: Undriven car's battery started, but ran rough
My car wasn't started or driven for 2 months while it sat in the garage and naturally the battery died. I jump-started it and it started just fine. But then once it was started it was running rough, like it was missing. Do you think the gas has gone bad or would it be something different?
Recommended Services
| Car idle is rough Inspection | $94.99 - $114.99 | Get a Quote |
Hello there,
When vehicles sit for long periods of time like this a few things can happen. The battery can drain, the fuel can lose its octane rating, and oil can pool in the cylinders.
If the vehicle is misfiring you may be on the right track with bad gas. A qualified technician, such as one from YourMechanic, will be able to diagnose your rough running symptoms and perform any repairs required to get your car running smoothly again.
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our
terms of service
for more details
Get an instant quote for your car
Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing
What others are asking
What does the Door Ajar Light mean?
The Door Ajar Light is a helpful indicator that will let you know when the doors of your vehicle are open. For safety reasons, you should never drive with a door open. To understand the Door Ajar Light. The Door...
Wheel bearing going bad
A wheel bearing noise can be identified by a loud growling noise which can get louder with increased speed. A failed bearing can also be identified by jacking the vehicle up and checking for play or movement in the suspected...
Detached hose
If a hose is detached, I would try and figure out where it may have come loose from. If you are not comfortable, or unable to find where the hose is disconnected from, I would recommend having a professional technician,...
Squealing of the engine while going uphill and at around 2000 RPM
A squealing noise may be the serpentine belt slipping (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-serpentine-drive-belt) or one of the accessories binding. Your tensioner or pulley may be bad (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-drive-belt-tensioner) and need to be replaced. Finally, your compressor pulley bearing may be going bad and it...
Revs drop when steering is turned
You are correct on both actually. It is likely a failing power steering pump (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/power-steering-pump-replacement). When the pump binds up and creates an extra load on the drive belts. This puts the extra stress on all of the other components...
Car shaking and you smell fumes when start up
This may be a sign of a dirty or failing mass air flow sensor. The mass air flow sensor is a unit in the intake system that monitors air intake as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected...
fuel injection service was done by a mechanic and I smell a chemical in my garage.
Hi there. Sounds like the mechanic used a chemical that includes washer cleaner that helps clean out the fuel injectors. This can burn, but it is very toxic. I recommend venting the garage while the fuel is being burned until...
power steering fluid is leaking
With a power steering fluid leak (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/power-steering-fluid-is-leaking-inspection) that big, you certainly should have the vehicle inspected as soon as possible to find the exact cause. Any of the components you listed can be the source of the leak. The power...
My car acts like it’s about to die.
If you have a battery that is on the verge of going bad and is only at 79% then what can happen is you could have the other electrical loads cause erratic operation at lower engine rpms. If you have...
Related articles
5 Essential Things to Know About Gasoline
You You already know how much we depend on gasoline in the US. Even though there has been an increase in electric and diesel cars, gasoline is still the most used fuel in the US. However, there are a few...
How Long Does a Battery Cable Last?
Transferring Transferring the current from the battery to the starter and alternator is the job of the battery cables. Every time you try to start your car, the battery cables will have to deliver the power needed to fire off...
How to Know What Type of Gas to Use
Your Your vehicle is propelled by a combustion engine. That means that fuel is injected into the engine’s cylinders in some fashion, where it combusts, or burns, to create downward force against a piston in the cylinder, turning a crankshaft...
Browse other content
Cities
Services