Ford Taurus Owners Manual: Vehicle storage

If you plan on storing your vehicle for an extended period of time (30 days or more), read the following maintenance recommendations to make sure your vehicle stays in good operating condition.

All motor vehicles and their components were engineered and tested for reliable, regular driving. Long-term storage under various conditions may lead to component degradation or failure unless specific precautions are taken to preserve the components.

General

• Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place.

• Protect from sunlight, if possible.

• If vehicles are stored outside, they require regular maintenance to protect against rust and damage.

Body

• Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt, grease, oil, tar or mud from exterior surfaces, rear-wheel housing and underside of front fenders.

• Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed locations.

• Touch up raw or primed metal to prevent rust.

• Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a thick coat of auto wax to prevent discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when the vehicle is washed.

• Lubricate hood latch, all door latches and trunk lid hinges with a light grade oil.

• Cover interior trim to prevent fading.

• Keep all rubber parts free from oil and solvents.

Engine

• The engine oil and filter should be changed prior to storage, as used engine oil contains contaminates that may cause engine damage.

• Start the engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle until it reaches normal operating temperature.

• With your foot on the brake, shift through all the gears while the engine is running.

Fuel system

• Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel until the first automatic shutoff of the fuel pump nozzle.

Cooling system

• Protect against freezing temperatures.

• When removing vehicle from storage, check coolant fluid level.

Confirm there are no cooling system leaks, and fluid is at the recommended level.

Battery

• Check and recharge as necessary. Keep connections clean.

• If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days without recharging the battery, it may be advisable to disconnect the battery cables to ensure battery charge is maintained for quick starting.

Note: If battery cables are disconnected, it will be necessary to reset memory features.

Brakes

• Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully released.

Tires

• Maintain recommended air pressure.

Miscellaneous

• Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and pins under vehicle are covered with grease to prevent rust.

• Move vehicles at least 25 feet (8 meters) every 15 days to lubricate working parts and prevent corrosion.

Removing Vehicle from Storage

When your vehicle is ready to come out of storage, do the following: • Wash your vehicle to remove any dirt or grease film build-up on window surfaces.

• Check windshield wipers for any deterioration.

• Check under the hood for any foreign material that may have collected during storage (mice/squirrel nests).

• Check the exhaust for any foreign material that may have collected during storage.

• Check tire pressures and set tire inflation per the Tire Label.

• Check brake pedal operation. Drive the vehicle 15 feet (4.5 meters) back and forth to remove rust build-up.

• Check fluid levels (including coolant, oil and gas) to make sure there are no leaks and fluids are at recommended levels.

• If the battery was removed, clean the battery cable ends and inspect.

Contact your authorized dealer if you have any concerns or issues.

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    Note: Do not use chrome cleaner, metal cleaner or polish on wheels and wheel covers. A clearcoat paint finish coats aluminum wheels and wheel covers. In order to maintain their condition: • ...

    Other materials:

    Special operating conditions
    If you operate your vehicle primarily in any of the following conditions, you need to perform additional maintenance as indicated. If you occasionally operate your vehicle under any of these conditions, it is not necessary to perform the additional maintenance. For specific recommendations, see ...

    Sun visors
    Slide-On-Rod Rotate the visor toward the side window and extend it rearward for extra sunlight coverage. Retract the visor before moving it back toward the windshield and storing it. Illuminated Visor Vanity Mirror Lift the cover to switch on the lamp. ...

    Front passenger sensing system
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