Vehicle Storage. Body Styling Kits

Vehicle Storage

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

We design and test all vehicles and their components for reliable, regular operation under various conditions. Long-term storage may cause damage to the engine or malfunction of engine components if you do not observe special precautions to preserve the engine.

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 them from rust and damage.

Body

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

Engine

• Replace the engine oil and filter before storage, because used engine oil contains contaminants that may cause engine damage.
• Start the engine every 15 days and let it run for at least 15 minutes. Run it at fast idle with the climate control set to defrost until the engine reaches normal operating temperature.
• With your foot on the brake, shift through all gear positions while the engine is running.
• We recommend that you change the engine oil before using the vehicle again.

Fuel System

• Fill the fuel tank with quality fuel until the fuel pump nozzle automatically shuts off.

Cooling System

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

Disconnecting the 12-Volt Battery

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

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 your vehicle are coated with lubricant to prevent rust.
• Move the vehicle 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 come out of storage, perform the following actions:

• Wash the vehicle to remove dirt or greasy film from the glass surfaces.
• Check the wiper blades for deterioration.
• Check under the hood for foreign material that may have collected during storage, such as mice or squirrel nests.
• Check the exhaust for foreign material that may have collected during storage.
• Check the tire pressure and inflate the tires to the pressure specified on 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 buildup.
• Check fluid levels (including coolant, engine oil and brake fluid) to make sure there are no leaks and that the fluids are at the recommended levels.
• If you removed the battery, clean the battery cable terminals and check for damage.

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

Body Styling Kits

The ground clearance under your vehicle is less than that of other models. Be careful when driving in extreme conditions to avoid damaging the vehicle.