Q: My Jeep was in my garage for 8 months without being started. Of course, the battery died. I am due for a state inspection sticker soon. A mechanic said there is nothing to test because the dead battery erased all info. I was told I need to drive it for 100 miles to get new data for testing. What should I do before I bring it into the station?

J.P., Stoneham, Massachusetts

A: Yes, disconnecting the battery erases any trouble codes created when the check engine light comes on. But, if you had no codes prior to your Jeep going to sleep, you won’t have any when it wakes from its slumber. Emissions testing looks for stored trouble codes, of which you have none.

Q: We leave two cars in the Grand Rapids garage when we go to our Texas home. I also attach cheap battery tenders and plug them in. Comments about solar don’t really work for a car stored in a garage, unless you use solar to supply electricity to the garage or home.

F.A., Grand Rapids, Michigan

A: Right you are. But solar chargers are an option for those not fortunate enough to have a garage with an electrical outlet.

Q: Recently my 2014 Prius needed a fill-up, so I stopped at a station that had a slow, low-pressure pump. After it filled the tank, it did not automatically shut off. I recognized the problem and shut it off before gas spilled out; however, I believe it pumped in almost an extra gallon. I'm enjoying the extra miles, but when this happens, does it cause any harm to the fuel system?

S.D., Glenview, Illinois

A: If liquid gasoline enters the evaporative emissions canister, it may have to be replaced. If the check engine light isn’t glowing, you probably dodged the bullet. I strongly encourage everyone to stop filling when the nozzle clicks off.

Q: Since I overfilled my tank, I seem to have a refilling problem. Being a parts replacer (limited diagnostic skill), I replaced the EVAP components (EVAP solenoid, charcoal canister and purge valve). None solved the problem. I recently removed the tank hose vent that connects to the charcoal filter, and with the gas cap off, could not blow in either direction. I should be able to, correct? If so, what could cause this obstruction? My next step is to drop the tank but would like your advice first.

S.V., Monticello, Minnesota

A: That is a possibility. This is why I caution readers to follow my advice above. Quit when it clicks.

Q: I am thinking about buying a plug-in hybrid, which, given my current driving, will likely use the gas engine less than 10% of the time. I know that even so, I will need to have the oil changed at least annually, but what about the gas in the gas tank? A tank of gas could last me a long time, possibly a year or more. What do I do about that?

B.S., Minneapolis

A: Gasoline in your tank can last about six months or so — longer if you add some fresh gas to the old stuff in the tank. If you mix in a fuel stabilizer such as STA-BIL, it may last from one to three years.

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