T-SB-0037-20

Rev2

April 14, 2020

Long-Term Vehicle Storage Guidelines
Service
Category

General

Section

Pre-Delivery Service

Market USA

Applicability
YEAR(S)

MODEL(S)

2021

4Runner, Avalon, Avalon
HV, C-HR, Camry, Camry
HV, Corolla, Corolla
Hatchback, Corolla HV,
Highlander, Highlander HV,
Land Cruiser, Mirai, Prius,
Prius Prime, RAV4, RAV4
HV, RAV4 Prime, Sequoia,
Sienna HV, Tacoma,
Tundra, Venza HV

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

REVISION NOTICE
October 20, 2020 Rev2:
 Applicability has been updated to include 2021 model year Sienna Hybrid vehicles.
July 27, 2020 Rev1:
 Applicability has been updated to include 2021 model year Venza Hybrid vehicles.
Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded.

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.

Warranty Information
OP CODE

DESCRIPTION

TIME

OFP

T1

T2

N/A

Not Applicable to Warranty

–

–

–

–

© 2020 Toyota Motor Sales, USA

Page 1 of 6

T-SB-0037-20

Rev2

April 14, 2020

Page 2 of 6

Long-Term Vehicle Storage Guidelines
Required Tools & Equipment
SPECIAL SERVICE TOOLS (SST)

PART NUMBER

QTY

Battery Diagnostic Tool*

DCA-8000P T

1

*Essential SST.

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

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

Charge Disconnected Battery to 12.6V

After 60 days,
Then Every 30 days

Disc Brake Rotor Surface Rust Removal

Every 8 Weeks

Engine/Hybrid System/Fuel Cell System 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
vehicles. 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, PDS, and storage and handling
techniques are essential to ensure high-quality delivery.

© 2020 Toyota Motor Sales, USA

T-SB-0037-20

Rev2

April 14, 2020

Page 3 of 6

Long-Term Vehicle Storage Guidelines
Long-Term Vehicle Storage Guidelines
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 T-SB-0035-20, Battery Maintenance During PDS



Service Bulletin PA005-04, Iron Particle Rust Contamination Repair



Service Bulletin PG005-94, Dealer Removal Procedures for Rapgard™ Protective Film



Service Bulletin PD-017-04, Wheel Film for Brake Rotor Rust Prevention



Maintenance for HV and Auxiliary Batteries: Refer to the applicable HV model Service Bulletin

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 to minimize mud and dust. Make 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.



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. Ensure vehicles with electronic parking brakes DO NOT
engage and the Auto function has been DISABLED (Refer to Owner’s Manual for details).
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 PDS.




2. Anti-rust film (applied to wheel) should be removed just prior to customer delivery.


Wash vehicles frequently.

© 2020 Toyota Motor Sales, USA

T-SB-0037-20

Rev2

April 14, 2020

Page 4 of 6

Long-Term Vehicle Storage Guidelines
Long-Term Vehicle Storage Guidelines (continued)
Battery



After 60 days, and every 30 days thereafter, either start the vehicle and let it idle for
30 minutes or charge the battery with the DCA-8000 Battery Diagnostic Tool. Refer to the
DCA-8000 Instruction Manual for complete battery maintenance procedures.



To reduce battery drain during long-term storage, remove the battery ground (–) cable of each
vehicle (except Mirai) and reinstall it just before delivery to the customer. When the battery
ground (–) cable is reconnected, check and reset electrical components, such as the clock,
radio, etc., and reinitialize ALL applicable systems/functions. Refer to the applicable Repair
Manual for complete details.



If a hybrid vehicle is put into storage, the State-Of-Charge (SOC) of its battery and auxiliary
battery will gradually decrease. To prevent the auxiliary battery from becoming discharged
during storage, proper maintenance is necessary. Refer to the applicable Maintenance for
HV and Auxiliary Batteries Service Bulletin for procedure and additional information.

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.
NOTE
Tire pressures may vary due to changes in ambient temperatures and may require adjustment.

Parts Rust

If the vehicles in your storage area are exposed to a sea breeze and/or 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.

© 2020 Toyota Motor Sales, USA

T-SB-0037-20

Rev2

April 14, 2020

Page 5 of 6

Long-Term Vehicle Storage Guidelines
Long-Term Vehicle Storage Guidelines (continued)
Engine/Hybrid System/Fuel Cell System Starting and Vehicle Movement

If the vehicle is stored over an extended period of time, starting and running the engine/hybrid
system/fuel cell system periodically will ensure smooth running operation.
1. If the vehicle is equipped with a gasoline engine, start and operate the engine at an engine
speed of less than 1,500 rpm for 15 minutes or longer.
Raise engine speed above 3,000 rpm 10 times to eliminate moisture from the exhaust.
NOTE
Make 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/transaxle and differential(s),
and to prevent tire flat-spot damage.

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 the A/C and blower switches before starting the vehicle.
2. Start/Ready-On the vehicle.
If the vehicle is equipped with a gasoline engine, allow the engine to warm up 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 1 minute (in dual A/C vehicles, leave ON for
2 minutes).
Turn OFF A/C system and cycle ignition to OFF position.

© 2020 Toyota Motor Sales, USA

T-SB-0037-20

Rev2

April 14, 2020

Page 6 of 6

Long-Term Vehicle Storage Guidelines
Long-Term Vehicle Storage Guidelines (continued)
Disc Brake Rotor Surface Rust Removal

The brake rotors are made of cast iron and may show gradual build-up of surface rust during
long-term storage. AT LEAST once every two 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 is severe and resulted in excessive rotor
thickness variation.

© 2020 Toyota Motor Sales, USA