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 before delivery to customer.



Wash vehicles frequently. For further guidance and detail, refer to T-SB-0039-24, New
Vehicle Washing Schedule for Paint Protection.

© 2025 Toyota Motor Sales, USA

T-SB-0013-25

January 24, 2025

Page 5 of 10

Long-Term Vehicle Storage Guidelines
12V Battery Maintenance



If a vehicle is put into storage, the State-Of-Charge (SOC) of its 12V battery will gradually
decrease. To prevent the 12V battery from becoming discharged during storage, proper
maintenance is necessary.



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: Repair Manual – General – Introduction – Repair Instruction – Precaution.



After 60 days, and every 30 days thereafter, inspect the 12V battery with the DSS-5000 or
DCA-8000 battery diagnostic tool. If charging is required, use the DCA-8000. Refer to the
DSS-5000 Instruction Manual and/or DCA-8000 Instruction Manual for complete battery
maintenance procedures.



When removing the vehicle from storage, connect the negative (–) terminal. Please refer to
the applicable Repair Manual for torque specifications: Repair Manual – General –
Maintenance – Battery – Installation.
NOTE
 BEFORE disconnecting the 12V, confirm the shift lever is in the “P” position. The shift lever
CANNOT be shifted from the “P” position with the 12V battery disconnected.
 If the negative (–) terminal of the 12V battery is reconnected on electrified models, even if the
vehicle is powered ON (Ready ON), the hybrid system may NOT start. In this case, depress the
brake pedal, open and close any of the doors, and press the Power button to start the hybrid
system (the Ready light is ON). If the hybrid system still does NOT start (the Ready light is OFF),
refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manual.

© 2025 Toyota Motor Sales, USA

T-SB-0013-25

January 24, 2025

Page 6 of 10

Long-Term Vehicle Storage Guidelines
HV Battery Charging (HEV/PHEV/FCEV Models)

HEV/PHEV/FCEVs store electricity in the HV battery. When the vehicle is not used for a period of
30 days or more, the HV battery may discharge, thus reducing vehicle travel range. To prevent the
HV battery from fully discharging it is necessary to maintain the charge level of the HV battery.
Charging the HV Battery

1. Park the vehicle in open air or connect the
exhaust extraction hose to the exhaust pipe.

Figure 2.

2. Apply the parking brake.
3. With the brake pedal depressed, select the
power switch to the “START” mode, and
check that the “READY” light in the
combination meter illuminates when the
hybrid system starts (the “READY” light
is ON).
4. Turn off all lights and accessories.
5. Check that the shift lever is in the
“P” position.
6. Keep the “READY” light on and charge the
HV battery for 30 minutes.
NOTE
 If the amount of charging energy is small, the display may NOT indicate the energy flow.
 Ensure there is a sufficient amount of fuel for the vehicle to run for at least 30 minutes.

HINT
The HV battery can also be charged by driving the vehicle for 30 minutes.

© 2025 Toyota Motor Sales, USA

T-SB-0013-25

January 24, 2025

Page 7 of 10

Long-Term Vehicle Storage Guidelines
HV Battery Charging (BEV Models)

BEVs store electricity received via an external power source in the HV battery. When the BEV is
not used for a period of 30 days or more, the HV battery may discharge, thus reducing vehicle
travel range. To prevent the HV battery from fully discharging it is necessary to maintain the
charge level of the HV battery.
1. If the warning light is displayed ON within the instrument cluster, charge the HV battery via the
AC charging method.
Table 2.
CONNECTED
POWER SOURCE

Charging Voltage
Charging Current
Charging Time

CHARGER
DC CHARGING

Avoid using
DC charger
for supplementary
charging during
long-term storage,
prefer AC charging

AC CHARGING CABLE

AC CHARGING

AC 220 – 230 V
32 A

16 A

8 – 10 A

Approximately
30 Minutes

Approximately
60 Minutes

Approximately
90 Minutes

2. After charging has been completed, verify the HV battery warning light is OFF before
storing the vehicle long-term. If the HV battery warning light is still ON after charging,
repeat the charging process.
NOTE
Model specific information for charging the HV battery, charging equipment, and charging method
can be referenced from the Owner’s Manual. See section 1–3: Charging With the EV system. Avoid
using the DC charger for supplementary charging during long-term storage.

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.

© 2025 Toyota Motor Sales, USA

T-SB-0013-25

January 24, 2025

Page 8 of 10

Long-Term Vehicle Storage Guidelines
Parts Rust Inspection

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.

Rapgard™ Protective Film Removal

Rapgard™ is a protective film designed to protect horizontally painted surfaces from acid rain,
environmental fallout, and rail contamination. For additional detail and removal instruction, refer to
T-SB-0061-23, Rapgard™ Protective Film Removal.

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. Start and operate the engine at an engine speed of less than 1,500 rpm for 15 minutes
or longer.
2. 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.

3. Drive the vehicle AT LEAST 30 feet to lubricate the transmission/transaxle and differential(s),
and to prevent tire flat-spot damage.

Vehicle Movement (BEV/FCEV models)

If the vehicle is stored over an extended period of time drive the vehicle AT LEAST 30 feet to
lubricate the transmission/transaxle and differential(s), and to prevent tire flat-spot damage.

© 2025 Toyota Motor Sales, USA

T-SB-0013-25

January 24, 2025

Page 9 of 10

Long-Term Vehicle Storage Guidelines
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.
Conventional Vehicles

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 the A/C ON with engine idling for AT LEAST one minute (in dual A/C vehicles, leave ON
for two minutes).
5. Turn OFF the A/C system and cycle the ignition to the OFF position.
Electrified Vehicles

1. Turn OFF the A/C and blower switches before starting the Hybrid/EV/Fuel-cell system.
2. Start the Hybrid/EV/Fuel-cell system.
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
4. Keep A/C ON with above conditions for at least one minute (in PHEV, EV, Dual A/C vehicles,
leave ON for two minutes).
5. Turn OFF A/C system and cycle power switch to OFF position.

© 2025 Toyota Motor Sales, USA

T-SB-0013-25

January 24, 2025

Page 10 of 10

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

The brake rotors are made of cast iron and may show gradual buildup 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 buildup and the possibility of unwanted
brake vibration concerns due to rust.
Figure 2. Slight Rust on Rotor
(Easy to Remove by Braking)

Figure 3. Severe Rust on Rotor
(Hard to Remove by Braking)

Drive the vehicle on a level road in a 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 3.
SPEED

COMPLETED STOPS

60 – 0 mph (95 – 0 km/h)

5

40 – 0 mph (65 – 0 km/h)

10

30 – 0 mph (50 – 0 km/h)

20

20 – 0 mph (30 – 0 km/h)

30

NOTE
 Electrified 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.

© 2025 Toyota Motor Sales, USA