Ford Ka Quiz
Vehicle Maintenance

Extended vehicle storage 

In this manual: Vehicle Maintenance
Introduction — 6Quick guide — 3Child safety — 6Seat belts — 5Supplemental restraint system — 7Keys and remote controls — 3MyKey — 4Doors and locks — 3Safety — 3Steering wheel — 4Washer/wipers — 4Lighting — 6Windows and mirrors — 3Instrument cluster — 4Information display — 4Climate control system — 6Seats — 8Auxiliary Power Outlets — 1Storage Compartments — 1Starting the engine — 7Fuel and refuelling — 7Transmission — 1Brakes — 4Traction control — 1Stability control — 1Ultrasonic parking system — 3Cruise Control — 1Driver assistance — 4Carrying a load — 3Towing — 8Driving tips — 5Emergency equipment — 6Fuses — 4Maintenance — 22Vehicle Maintenance — 6Wheels and Tyres — 14Technical specifications — 7Audio system — 18SYNC — 12Appendices — 3
~4min read

If you intend not to use the vehicle for an extended period of time (at least 30 days), read the following maintenance recommendations to ensure it remains in good operating condition.

We design and test all motor vehicles and their components to ensure smooth, reliable driving. Under various conditions, long-term storage may compromise engine performance and cause malfunctions unless certain precautions are taken to keep engine components in good condition.

General

  • Park all vehicles in a dry, well-ventilated place.
  • Protect them from direct sunlight, where possible.
  • If vehicles are left outdoors, they require regular maintenance to protect them from rust and damage.
Body
  • Wash the vehicle thoroughly to remove all traces of dirt, grease, oil, tar or mud from the exterior surfaces, the rear wheel arches and the underside of the front wings.
  • Wash the vehicle periodically if it is left in exposed locations.
  • Touch up exposed or painted metal to prevent rust.
  • Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a thick layer of car wax to prevent discolouration. Polish the vehicle, if necessary, after washing it.
  • Lubricate all hinges and latches of the bonnet, doors and boot with light oil.
  • Cover the interior trim to prevent it from fading.
  • Keep all rubber parts free of oil and solvents.
Engine
  • Change the engine oil and filter before storage, as used oil contains contaminants that could cause engine damage.
  • Start the engine every 15 days for at least 15 minutes. Run the engine quickly at idle with the temperature control set to defrost until the engine reaches normal operating temperature.
  • With your foot on the brake, engage all gears while the engine is running.
  • It is advisable to change the engine oil before using the vehicle again.
Fuel system
  • Fill the tank with high-quality fuel up to the maximum level, at the third automatic cut-off of the fuel nozzle.
Cooling system
  • Protect from sub-zero temperatures.
  • At the end of storage, check the vehicle coolant level. Make sure there are no leaks from the cooling system and that the coolant reaches the recommended level.
Battery
  • Check and top up if necessary. Keep the connections clean.
  • If the vehicle is left unused for more than 30 days without recharging the battery, it is advisable to disconnect the cables to retain charge for quick starting.
Note: memory functions must be reset if the battery cables are disconnected.

Brakes

  • Make sure that the brakes and the parking brake can be fully released:
Tyres
  • Maintain the recommended tyre pressure.
Miscellaneous
  • Check that all linkages, cables, levers and pivots under the vehicle are greased to prevent rust.
  • Move the vehicle at least 7.5 m every 15 days to lubricate moving components and prevent corrosion.
Returning the vehicle to service

When the vehicle is ready to come out of storage, proceed as follows:

  • Wash the vehicle to remove dirt or grease film build-up from the glass surfaces.
  • Check whether the wiper blades have deteriorated.
  • Check under the bonnet for debris that may have collected during storage (mouse/squirrel nests).
  • Check whether the exhaust contains debris that may have built up during storage.
  • Check the tyre pressures and inflate them to the values shown on the label.
  • Check the operation of the brake pedal. Drive the vehicle 4.5 m forward and backward to remove rust build-up.
  • Check the fluid levels (including coolant, oil and refrigerant) to verify there are no leaks and that they are correct.
  • If the battery is removed, clean the ends of its cables and check for any damage.
Contact an authorised dealer if in doubt or in case of problems.

Test yourself

A quick Ford Ka quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.