1010 W Commonwealth Ave, Fullerton, CA 92833 Tue–Fri 9:00 AM–6:00 PM · Mon & Sat by appointment · Sun closed ASE Certified Master Technician · Family Owned
Cedillo's Your One Stop Auto Shop logo — Fullerton, CA Cedillo'sClassic & Auto Repair

Classic & Auto · Fullerton, CA

Getting a Car That's Been Sitting Back on the Road

Parked for months or years? We inspect fuel, ignition, brakes and fluids before we bring it back to life.

Technician working in the service bay next to a classic Trans Am
Quick answer: When a car or classic has been sitting, Cedillo’s inspects the fuel system, ignition, brakes and fluids before trying to bring it back to life, so you don’t damage the engine or end up with no brakes.

Cars don’t like to sit. Fuel goes stale, batteries die, brake fluid absorbs moisture, rubber dries out and critters move in. Cranking an engine that’s been sitting for a long time without checking it first can turn a small job into a big one.

We often can get a sitting classic running again, after a proper inspection.

What’s included

  • Fuel condition, tank, lines and filter inspection
  • Battery and charging system test
  • Ignition inspection
  • Brake system inspection, including fluid and hoses
  • Oil, coolant and other fluid checks
  • Belt, hose and tire inspection

Signs it’s time to come in

  • Car has been parked for months or years
  • Won’t start or barely cranks
  • Stale fuel smell
  • Low or soft brake pedal
  • Leaks under the car

Daily drivers and classics

This applies to daily drivers too, like a car that sat while you were away. For classics, see also Classic Car Repair.

We work on foreign and domestic vehicles, most makes and models, including Chevy, Ford, Dodge, Chrysler, Toyota, Nissan and Subaru, plus American classics like Mustangs, Trans Ams and vintage trucks.

No guesswork. No surprises.

  1. Tell us what’s happening

    Call, text or send a request. Tell us what you hear, feel or see, and when it happens.

  2. We diagnose & explain

    Rafael inspects the car, shows you what he found and explains it in plain words. We quote before we work.

  3. You approve, we repair

    Nothing is done without your OK. Quality parts, and a road test before you get your keys.

Reviving a Car That’s Been Sitting FAQ

Can you get a sitting classic running again?

Often, yes, after we inspect the fuel, ignition, brakes and fluids. We’ll tell you what we find before doing any work.

Should I try to start it myself first?

If it’s been sitting a long time, it’s safer to have it inspected first. Old fuel and dry parts can cause damage.

Can you tow it in?

Call us at (714) 681-0101 and we’ll talk through how to get the car to the shop.

Related services in Fullerton

Proudly serving Fullerton and nearby

Cedillo’s Classic & Auto Repair is a family-owned shop at 1010 W Commonwealth Ave in Fullerton, serving Fullerton, Anaheim, Placentia, Brea, Buena Park, La Habra, Yorba Linda and Orange. Owner Rafael Cedillo is an ASE Certified Master Technician with more than 25 years of experience.

We make it easy to do business with us, with peace of mind and trust. Give us a try, and if it’s not something we can help with, we’ll point you in the right direction. Call or text (714) 681-0101, or send a service request online. We’re open Tuesday through Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM, and Monday and Saturday by appointment.