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.
Fill the fuel tank.
Wash and dry the exterior completely.
Clean the interior. Make sure the carpeting, floor mats, etc., are completely dry.
Leave the parking brake off. Put the transmission in Park.
Block the rear wheels.
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).
Disconnect the battery.
Support the front and rear wiper blade arms with a folded towel or rag so they do not touch the windshield.
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.
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 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.
See also:
Opening and Closing the Windows
Opening/Closing the Power Windows
The power windows can be opened and closed when the ignition switch is in ON
, using the switches on the doors.
The driver side switches can be used to open
and ...
Handling the Unexpected
Flat Tire
● Park in a safe location and replace the
flat tire with the compact spare tire in the
cargo area.
Engine Won’t Start
● If the battery is dead, jump start using a
boos ...
Precautions for Opening/Closing the Tailgate
Always make sure individuals and objects are clear of the tailgate before
opening or
closing it.
■ Opening the tailgate
• Open the tailgate all the way.
- If it is not fully opened, the ...