L-SB-0014-21

July 1, 2021

Long-Term Vehicle Storage Guidelines
Service
Category

General

Section

Pre-Delivery Service

Market USA

Applicability
YEAR(S)

MODEL(S)

2022

ES250, ES300H, ES350,
GX460, IS300, IS350,
LC500, LC500C, LC500H,
LS500, LS500H, NX250,
NX350, NX350H, NX450H+,
RC F, RC300, RC350,
RX350, RX450H, UX200,
UX250H

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.

Warranty Information
OP CODE

DESCRIPTION

TIME

OFP

T1

T2

N/A

Not Applicable to Warranty

–

–

–

–

© 2021 Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA

Page 1 of 6

L-SB-0014-21

July 1, 2021

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 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. Lexus’ 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.

© 2021 Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA

L-SB-0014-21

July 1, 2021

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 BO015-91, Prevention and Repair of Acid Rain Damage.



Service Bulletin BO029-91, New Vehicle Washing Schedule for Paint Protection.



Service Bulletin L-SB-0013-21, Battery Maintenance During PDS.



Service Bulletin PA001-05, Iron Particle Rust Contamination Repair.



Service Bulletin PG004-94, Dealer Removal Procedures for Rapgard™ Protective Film.



Service Bulletin PG006-07, Removal of Tyvek® Protective Film.



Service Bulletin PD001-04, 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.

© 2021 Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA

L-SB-0014-21

July 1, 2021

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 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: 43 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.

© 2021 Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA

L-SB-0014-21

July 1, 2021

Page 5 of 6

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

If the vehicle is stored over an extended period of time, starting and running the engine/hybrid
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 the 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 prior to 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 the A/C ON with engine idling for AT LEAST 1 minute (in dual A/C vehicles, leave
ON for 2 minutes).
5. Turn OFF the A/C system and cycle the ignition to the OFF position.

© 2021 Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA

L-SB-0014-21

July 1, 2021

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 eight weeks, drive the vehicle and use the brakes
normally. 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)

Refresh Brake Rotor

1. Drive the vehicle on a level road in safe area and apply the brakes normally. Repeat the
brake application several times. Refer to the table below to determine how many brake
applications are required based on speed limits and traffic conditions in your area.
Table 1.
Speed

Completed Stops

60 – 0 mph

5

40 – 0 mph

10

30 – 0 mph

20

20 – 0 mph

30

NOTE
 Hybrid/PVH vehicles may require additional braking applications.
 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.

© 2021 Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA