A mate from work gave me a call and asked if I could give a hand getting his grandfather’s 2007 TDV6 started. What he failed to mention was that his grandfather had unfortunately passed away about 5 years ago and the car has been sat on a driveway ever since.
There was a pine tree on one side of the car and a beech tree on the other. The car was covered in about 6 inches of detritus; tyres were all flat; brake discs rusty and the steering wheel must have been cold because it had grown its own green fur coat 🤢
We’ve cleared the detritus off it and given it a clean. Fortunately, my mate managed to get in it, it looks like it’s not been attacked by mice but the spiders have had a great time; the battery gives a voltage of 0.87 so might need charging…

My question is how do we unstick the brakes, they are so rusty and should we change the oil before trying to start it?

Changing the oil makes sense.

The battery is well passed being charged if it's showing less than 1V. It's dead and needs replacing.

As for the brakes, the worry will be the EPB as that is likely to be seized solid if applied. The disc brakes will probably free off by moving the car if the EPB isn't engaged.

I'd have thought you'd need to drain the fuel and put some fresh stuff through the system. 2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed

I’ll let him know about the diesel. Does it “go off” like petrol or is water content more of a problem? I don’t know the answer to that one.
We pumped the tyres up and they seemed to hold air ok but will probably require a change.
A battery and oil/filters are on order. I’ll let you know how the car got on.

This could be an interesting one . Keep us informed on the progress. Pictures would be good. Best of luck  Range Rover Sport: Mercedes S63 AMG Coupe: 992 Porsche Carrera 4S

Not forgetting to turn the engine over with a socket on the crankshaft to ensure it not seized Always listen to old people or when they die you will live on in ignorance.
The avatar is a picture of the man with a big cock.
Learned to 4x4 on 100 mile beach and Frazer Island QLD
Dont spend money on old cars you will never get it back

Salisburylander wrote:

I’ll let him know about the diesel. Does it “go off” like petrol or is water content more of a problem? I don’t know the answer to that one.
We pumped the tyres up and they seemed to hold air ok but will probably require a change.
A battery and oil/filters are on order. I’ll let you know how the car got on.

Pistnbroke wrote:

Not forgetting to turn the engine over with a socket on the crankshaft to ensure it not seized

 2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed

Salisburylander wrote:

I’ll let him know about the diesel. Does it “go off” like petrol or is water content more of a problem? I don’t know the answer to that one.
We pumped the tyres up and they seemed to hold air ok but will probably require a change.
A battery and oil/filters are on order. I’ll let you know how the car got on.