Assuming my car is where I left it, in a few days I will be starting it for the first time in 3 weeks. Are there any "pre-flight checks" that ought to be done before I crank it?

Obviously some fluid level checks, but I didn't prep it to sit so long. Being in the military you don't always get advanced notice you're going to be gone.

 

3 weeks isnt that long. If the car was in good running condition before u left, then just check for any leaks and you should be good to go.

While u are checking tho, may aswell check tire pressure and batt condition.

 

When the car does move, it's going straight to the the shop for tires.

Since I've been floating around the Atlantic for 3 weeks I've saved enough money to get rid of those crap tires.

 

when you turn on the ignition key, don't crank it right away. wait about 45 seconds or until you hear the fuel pump stop running. this is so the pump can fill the fuel lines and re-pressurize them. then after you start the engine, let it idle for a minute so that the oil can circulate through all the passages before driving the car.