May 13, 2015

S-SB-0006-15

Long-Term Vehicle Storage Guidelines
Service
Category

General

Section

Pre-Delivery Service

Market

USA

Applicability
YEAR(S)

MODEL(S)

2016

FR-S, iA, iM, tC

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Introduction

Long-term or off-site storage requires special care to keep vehicles factory fresh and ready for
delivery. The following guidelines should be performed to minimize vehicle component/part
degradation due to extended vehicle storage conditions. Long-term storage can affect a vehicle’s
systems and components. Any problems that are found should be corrected immediately.
Required Tools & Equipment
SPECIAL SERVICE TOOLS (SST)

PART NUMBER

QTY

Digital Battery System Analyzer*

00002-V8150-KIT

1

GR8 Battery Diagnostic Station*

00002-MCGR8

1

NOTE
Additional SSTs may be ordered by calling 1-800-933-8335.
* Essential SST.

Warranty Information
OP CODE

DESCRIPTION

TIME

OFP

T1

T2

N/A

Not Applicable to Warranty

–

–

–

–

© 2015 Toyota Motor Sales, USA

Page 1 of 5

May 13, 2015

S-SB-0006-15

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Long-Term Vehicle Storage Guidelines

Procedure

Summary Chart for Long-Term Storage
Below are items that should be checked periodically and their frequency.
ACTION

FREQUENCY

Tire Inflation Pressure Check

Monthly

Parts Rust Inspection

Monthly

A/C Compressor Lubrication

Monthly

Test/Charge Disconnected Battery to 12.6 V

Monthly

Disc Brake Rotor Surface Rust Removal

Every 8 weeks

Engine Starting and Vehicle Movement

Every 6 weeks

Rapgard™ Removal

After 90 days

®

Tyvek Removal

After 12 months

A combination of proper vehicle receipt, Pre-Delivery Service (PDS), and vehicle storage is the only
way to maintain factory fresh vehicles. Toyota’s goal is to deliver 100% problem-free cars and
trucks. With your commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, we can reach that goal. Review
this bulletin often and be sure new employees are aware of the policies and procedures outlined
herein, as individual training in proper inspection, Pre-Delivery Service, and storage and handling
techniques are essential to ensure high delivery quality.
Reference and Training Materials
Listed below are additional resources, which will help you with vehicle receipt, inspection, and
storage procedures.
• CRIB Bulletin #165, “Acid Rain Paint Finish Damage – Prevention and Repair”
• UoT e-Learning Course E257 Vehicle Delivery Quality – Paint Finish Repair
• Dealer Delivery Quality Operations Guide, P/N 001 16-DDQOG-98
• Service Bulletin BO020-91, “Prevention and Repair of Acid Rain Damage”
• Service Bulletin BO005-92, “New Vehicle Washing Schedule for Paint Protection”
• Service Bulletin PG001-06, “Battery Maintenance for In-Stock Vehicles & Pre-Delivery”
• Service Bulletin PA005-04, “Iron Particle Rust Contamination Repair”
• Service Bulletin PG005-94, “Dealer Removal Procedures for Rapgard™ Protective Film”
• Service Bulletin PG007-02, “Wheel Film for Brake Rotor Rust Prevention”

© 2015 Toyota Motor Sales, USA

May 13, 2015

S-SB-0006-15

Page 3 of 5

Long-Term Vehicle Storage Guidelines

Procedure (Continued)

Parking and Paint Protection Procedure
• Storage areas should be paved, well lit, and secure. If your off-site storage lot is not paved,
spread gravel down to minimize mud and dust. Be sure vehicles are driven carefully when
moving them to or from a long-term lot. This will help minimize damage to the paint finish
from road grit or gravel.
• Park vehicles from right to left at least 3 feet apart. Leave enough space front and rear to
easily walk between rows.
• HVAC vent controls should be set to “Recirc” to minimize dust and odor intrusion.
• Make sure the plastic door edge protectors are in place and fold in the side view mirror
(if applicable).
• Anti-rust covers or anti-rust film should remain on vehicle during storage.
1. Anti-rust covers (behind wheel) should be removed at Pre-Delivery Service (PDS).
2. Anti-rust film (applied to wheel) should be removed just prior to customer delivery.
• Wash vehicles frequently.
Battery
• Turn off all electrical accessories, make sure windows and sunroof are closed, and check
that the transmission is in "Park" (First or Reverse for manual transmission vehicles). Do not
apply the parking brake.
• Test batteries monthly (more often in high heat or cold areas), using the Digital Battery System
Analyzer (P/N 00002-V8150-KIT). Refer to Service Bulletin No. PG001-06, “Battery Maintenance
for In-Stock Vehicles & Pre-Delivery,” for complete battery maintenance procedures.
• To reduce battery drain during long-term storage, remove the battery ground (–) cable of each
vehicle and reinstall just before delivery to the customer. Locate the current PDS Service
Bulletin on the Technical Information System (TIS) for complete details.
Tire Inflation Pressure
If the vehicle is parked for long periods without being moved, a flat spot may develop on each
tire surface in contact with the ground, even if the tires are inflated to specification. Tire inflation
pressure should be checked once a month.
Tire inflation pressure for storage only: 45 psi.

© 2015 Toyota Motor Sales, USA

May 13, 2015

S-SB-0006-15

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Long-Term Vehicle Storage Guidelines

Procedure (Continued)

Parts Rust
If the vehicles in your storage area are exposed to a sea breeze and/or a significant precipitation,
corrosion with rust in some parts may occur.
If rust is found, remove it, and treat it by applying rust inhibitor to prevent recurrence.
Engine Starting and Vehicle Movement
If the vehicle is stored over an extended period of time, starting and running the engine periodically
will ensure smooth running operation.
1. Start and operate the engine at an engine speed under 1,500 rpm for 15 minutes or longer.
This also eliminates moisture in the exhaust system.
NOTE
Be sure to allow sufficient clearance at the rear of the vehicle to prevent other vehicles stored
behind from getting damaged by exhaust gas.

2. Move the vehicle at least 30 feet to lubricate the transmission and differential and prevent
tire flat-spot damage.
3. Raise engine speed above 3,000 rpm 10 times to eliminate moisture from the exhaust.
A/C Compressor Lubrication
To minimize the possibility of damage to the A/C compressor while storing a vehicle, perform the
following recommended maintenance procedures at least once a month to lubricate the compressor.
1. Turn off A/C and blower switches prior to starting engine.
2. Start and warm up the engine until engine idle drops below 1,000 rpm.
3. Turn on the A/C system (including the rear A/C) using the following settings:
A. A/C Switch: On
B. Blower Speed: High
C. Engine Speed: Below 1,000 rpm
4. Keep A/C on with engine idling for at least one minute (in dual A/C vehicles, leave on for
2 minutes).
5. Turn off A/C system and stop engine.

© 2015 Toyota Motor Sales, USA

May 13, 2015

S-SB-0006-15

Page 5 of 5

Long-Term Vehicle Storage Guidelines

Procedure (Continued)

Disk Brake Rotor Surface Rust Removal
The brake rotors are made of cast iron, so they may show gradual build-up of surface rust during
long-term storage. At least once every 2 months, drive the vehicle and use the brakes normally,
stopping from about 30 mph at least 20 times. This regular usage will help prevent severe rust
build-up and the possibility of unwanted brake vibration concerns due to rust.
Figure 1. Slight Rust on Rotor (Easy to Remove
by Braking)

Figure 2. Severe Rust on Rotor (Hard to Remove
by Braking)

NOTE
• If brake vibration still occurs after the braking cycle, determine the root cause of the brake
vibration and repair.
• Brake rotor resurfacing may be required if the rust was severe and resulted in excessive
rotor thickness variation.

© 2015 Toyota Motor Sales, USA