Main Menu
Table of Contents
Vehicle Storage
If you need to park your vehicle for
an extended period (more than 1
month), there are several things you
should do to prepare it for storage.
Proper preparation helps prevent
deterioration and makes it easier to
get your vehicle back on the road. If
possible, store your vehicle indoors.
Block the rear wheels.
Cover the vehicle with a
‘‘breathable’’ cover, one made
from a porous material such as
cotton. Non-porous materials, such
as plastic sheeting, trap moisture,
which can damage the paint.
If the vehicle is to be stored for a
longer period, it should be
supported on jackstands so the
tires are off the ground.
Leave one window open slightly (if
the vehicle is being stored
indoors).
If possible, periodically run the
engine until it reaches full
operating temperature (the
cooling fans cycle on and off
twice). Preferably, do this once a
month.
Fill the fuel tank.
Change the engine oil and filter.
Disconnect the battery.
Wash and dry the exterior
completely.
Support the front and rear wiper
blade arms with a folded towel or
rag so they do not touch the
windshield.
If you store your vehicle for 1 year or
longer, have your dealer perform the
inspections called for in the 2 years/
30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Clean the interior. Make sure the
carpeting, floor mats, etc., are
completely dry.
To minimize sticking, apply a
silicone spray lubricant to all door
and tailgate seals. Also, apply a
vehicle body wax to the painted
surfaces that mate with the door
and tailgate seals.
maintenance schedule (Normal
Conditions) as soon as you take it
out of storage (see page 187 ). The
replacements called for in the
Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in reverse
(manual) or Park (automatic).
maintenance schedule are not
needed unless the vehicle has
actually reached that time or mileage.
218
