Ford Explorer Quiz
Vehicle Care

Vehicle Storage

In this manual: Vehicle Care
Introduction — 10At a Glance — 3Child Safety — 11Seat Belts — 10Personal Safety System™ — 1Supplemental Restraint System — 10Pedestrian Protection — 1911 Assist — 3Keys and Remote Controls — 10MyKey™ — 8Doors & Locks — 9Liftgate — 7Safety — 3Steering Wheel — 11Wipers and Washers — 5Lighting — 13Automatic High Beam Control — 3Windows and Mirrors — 6Instrument Cluster — 4Information Displays — 4Climate Control — 6Cabin Air Quality — 2Seats — 9Garage Door Opener — 2Auxiliary Power Points — 3Storage Compartments — 2Starting and Stopping the Engine — 5Unique Driving Characteristics — 4Fuel and Refueling — 8Engine Emission Control — 3High-Voltage Battery — 1Infection Transmission — 8All-Wheel Drive Vehicle — 1Brakes — 5Reverse Brake Assist — 4Traction Control — 1Stability Control — 3Hill Descent Control — 3Park Aid — 8Cruise Control — 4Adaptive Cruise Control — 19Driver Assistance — 12Drive Mode Control — 4Loading — 6Tow/Haul — 6Driving Tips — 5Roadside Emergencies — 8Customer Assistance — 9Fuses — 3Maintenance — 21Vehicle Care — 12Wheels and Tires — 8Capacities and Specifications — 16Connectivity — 3Wi-Fi Hotspot — 3Audio System — 6SYNC™ 3 — 14Accessories — 1Ford Protect — 1Scheduled Maintenance — 5Appendices — 4
~4min read

If you plan to store your vehicle for 30 days or more, read the following maintenance recommendations so that your vehicle remains in good operating condition.

We design and test all vehicles and their components for reliable and regular operation. Under various conditions, long-term storage can lead to engine wear, malfunction, or failure, unless you take special precautions to preserve engine components.

General

  • Store all vehicles in a dry, well-ventilated place.
  • Protect from direct sunlight whenever possible.
  • If vehicles are stored outdoors, they require regular maintenance to protect against rust and damage.

Body

  • Thoroughly wash the vehicle to remove dirt, grease, oil, resin, or debris from the exterior surfaces, wheel arches, and the underside of the front fenders.
  • Wash the vehicle periodically if it is stored outdoors.
  • Paint exposed or primed metal to prevent rust.
  • Coat chrome and stainless steel parts with a thick layer of automotive wax to prevent discoloration. Reapply wax as necessary when washing the vehicle.
  • Lubricate all hood, door, and liftgate hinges and latches with light-grade engine oil.
  • Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
  • Do not allow oil and solvents to contact any rubber parts.

Engine

  • Replace the engine oil and filter before storage, since used engine oil contains contaminants that can cause engine damage.
  • Start the engine every 15 days and run it for at least 15 minutes. Run at fast idle with the climate control set to defrost until the engine reaches normal operating temperature.
  • While holding the brake pedal depressed, shift through all gears while the engine is running.
  • We recommend that you replace the engine oil before using your vehicle again.

Fuel System

  • Fill the fuel tank with quality fuel to the first automatic shut-off of the fuel pump nozzle.

Cooling System

  • Protect from low temperatures.
  • When removing the vehicle from storage, check the coolant level. Confirm there are no leaks in the cooling system and that the coolant level is at the recommended level.

Disconnecting the 12-Volt Battery

  • Check and recharge if necessary. Keep the connections clean.
  • If the vehicle is stored for more than 30 days without recharging the battery, we recommend disconnecting the battery cables to maintain battery charge for quick starting.

Connecting Your HYBRID

We recommend the following options for your plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV):

  • Leave the vehicle plugged in. The 12-volt battery is maintained if left plugged in. However, electricity from the household outlet is periodically used.
  • Connect the charger to the 12-volt battery and leave it connected continuously for slow charging.
  • Disconnect the 12-volt battery. If your 12-volt battery is located in the luggage compartment, do not fully close the luggage compartment after disconnecting the 12-volt battery. Leave the luggage compartment open only if the vehicle is stored in an enclosed location.

Brakes

  • Make sure the brakes and parking brake are fully released.

Tires

  • Maintain the recommended tire pressure.

Miscellaneous

  • Make sure all connections, cables, levers, and pins under the vehicle are coated with grease to prevent rust.
  • Move the vehicles at least 25 ft (7.5 m) every 15 days to lubricate moving parts and prevent corrosion.

Removing the Vehicle from Storage

When your vehicle is ready to be removed from storage, perform the following steps:

  • Wash the vehicle to remove dirt or grease film from the window surfaces.
  • Inspect the windshield wiper blades for wear.
  • Check under the hood for any foreign material that may have accumulated during storage, such as mouse or squirrel nests.
  • Check the exhaust for foreign objects that may have accumulated during storage.
  • Check the tire pressure and set the tire pressure according to the tire placard.
  • Check the operation of the brake pedal. Drive the vehicle 15 ft (4.5 m) forward and backward to remove any rust that has formed.
  • Check fluid levels (including coolant, oil, and fuel) to confirm there are no leaks and fluids are at the recommended levels.
  • If you remove the battery, clean the battery cable terminals and inspect them for damage.

Contact an authorized dealer if you have any questions or concerns.

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