T-SB-0009-25

Rev1

January 21, 2025

Long-Term Vehicle Storage Guidelines
Service
Category

General

Section

Pre-Delivery Service

Market USA

Applicability
YEAR(S)

MODEL(S)

2026

4Runner, 4Runner HV, 86,
bZ, Camry HV, Corolla,
Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross
HV, Corolla Hatchback,
Corolla HV, Crown, Crown
Signia, GR Corolla, Grand
Highlander, Grand
Highlander HV, Highlander,
Highlander HV, Land
Cruiser, Mirai, Prius, Prius
PHV, RAV4 HV, RAV4 PHV,
Sequoia HV, Sienna HV,
Supra, Tacoma, Tacoma
HV, Tundra, Tundra HV

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

REVISION NOTICE
June 02, 2025 Rev1:
 Applicability has been updated to include 2026 model year bZ vehicles.
 Applicability has been updated to remove 2026 model year bZ4X vehicles.
Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded.

© 2025 Toyota Motor Sales, USA

Page 1 of 10

T-SB-0009-25

Rev1

January 21, 2025

Page 2 of 10

Long-Term Vehicle Storage Guidelines
Introduction

Long-term or off-site storage requires special care to maintain vehicle condition. 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.
Refer to the table below for a definition of terms used in this bulletin.
Table 1.
TERM

ACRONYM

Conventional Vehicle

CV

A vehicle with only a gasoline engine for propulsion

DEFINITION

Electrified Vehicle

EV

A vehicle that utilizes a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, fuel cell, or
battery electric system for propulsion

Hybrid Electric Vehicle

HEV

Plug-in Hybrid
Electric Vehicle

PHEV

Battery Electric Vehicle

BEV

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle

FCEV

A vehicle with both a hydrogen fuel cell and a HV Battery

State of Charge

SOC

The remaining capacity available in a battery

12-Volt

12V

Standard 12V battery used to power electrical systems
separate from high voltage components

High Voltage

HV

HV Battery used to power the electrified vehicle

A vehicle with both a gasoline engine and a HV Battery
A vehicle with both a gasoline engine and a HV Battery that
can be charged externally
A vehicle with only a HV Battery that can be
charged externally

Electrified vehicles are equipped with two types of batteries, an HV battery and a 12V battery.
Conventional vehicles are equipped with only a 12V battery.

Warranty Information
OP CODE

DESCRIPTION

TIME

OFP

T1

T2

N/A

Not Applicable to Warranty

–

–

–

–

© 2025 Toyota Motor Sales, USA

T-SB-0009-25

Rev1

January 21, 2025

Page 3 of 10

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

PART NUMBER

QTY

DSS-5000 Battery Diagnostic Tool*

DSS-5000P T

1

DCA-8000 Battery Diagnostic Tool*

DCA-8000P T

1

CPX-900 Battery & System Analyzer

CPX-900P

1

*Essential SST.

NOTE
Additional SSTs may be ordered by calling 1-800-368-6787 or by visiting
Home – Service Resources – Toyota Special Service Tools (SSTs).

Summary Chart for Long-Term Storage

Below are items that should be checked periodically and their frequency.
ACTION

FREQUENCY

12V Battery Maintenance

After 60 days,
Then Every 30 days

HV Battery Charging (HEV / PHEV / FCEV Models)

Monthly

HV Battery Charging (BEV Models)

Monthly

Tire Inflation Pressure

Monthly

Parts Rust Inspection

Monthly

Engine / Hybrid System Starting and Vehicle Movement

Every 6 Weeks

Vehicle Movement (BEV / FCEV models)

Monthly

A/C Compressor Lubrication (Conventional Vehicles)

Monthly

A/C Compressor Lubrication (Electrified Vehicles)

Monthly

Disc Brake Rotor Surface Rust Removal

Every 8 Weeks

Attention to the procedures listed in this bulletin will work to ensure each vehicle is in the best
possible condition prior to customer delivery.

© 2025 Toyota Motor Sales, USA

T-SB-0009-25

Rev1

January 21, 2025

Page 4 of 10

Long-Term Vehicle Storage Guidelines
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 three 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 before delivery to customer.



Wash vehicles frequently.

© 2025 Toyota Motor Sales, USA

T-SB-0009-25

Rev1

January 21, 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, or the CPX-900 battery & system analyzer. If charging is
required, use the DCA-8000. Refer to the DSS-5000 Instruction Manual, the
DCA-8000 Instruction Manual, and/or the CPX-900 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 position is in the “P” position. The vehicle
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-0009-25

Rev1

January 21, 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 1.

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-0009-25

Rev1

January 21, 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-0009-25

Rev1

January 21, 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.

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.
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-0009-25

Rev1

January 21, 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 HEV / PHEV / BEV /
Fuel-cell system.
2. Start the HEV / PHEV / BEV / 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, BEV, 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-0009-25

Rev1

January 21, 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