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General Information 1-7
Section 1: General Information
If your vehicle is to be stored for 30 days or longer, the low-voltage (underhood) battery negative
terminal must be disconnected. Failure to do this could damage your vehicle’s battery systems.
Vehicle Storage — Body
• Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt, grease, oil, tar or mud from exterior surfaces and
underside of front fender.
• Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed locations.
• Touch up exposed raw or primed metal to provide rust protection.
• Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a thick coat of auto wax to prevent discoloration.
Rewax as necessary when the vehicle is washed.
• Lubricate all hood, door hinges and latches with a light grade oil.
• Cover the interior soft trim to prevent fading.
Vehicle Storage — Engine
• Start the engine every month. Run it at fast idle until it reaches normal operating temperature.
• With foot on brake pedal (and brake applied), shift the transmission into all gears while the
engine is running.
Vehicle Storage — Fuel System
• Regularly move vehicles short distances to mix fuel anti-oxidation agents.
Note: During extended periods of vehicle storage (60 days or more), gasoline may deteriorate
due to oxidation. This can damage rubber and other polymers in the fuel system and may
clog small orifices. A commercially available gasoline fuel stabilizer (Sta-Bil or equivalent)
should be added to gasoline-powered vehicles whenever actual or expected storage
periods exceed 60 days. The manufacturer’s instructions packaged with the product should
be followed. The vehicle should then be operated at an idle speed to circulate the additive
throughout the fuel system.
Vehicle Storage — Tires
Most high performance tires are made with nylon overlay.
As such, the following steps should be taken to avoid flat spotting when the vehicles are not used
for a period of time.
• Store the vehicles with 303 kPa (44 psi) in the tires. If the cars are to be driven, the air pressure
should be reduced to recommended operating pressure and then increased back up to 303 kPa
(44 psi) when returned to storage.
• If the vehicle is stored for periods longer than 30 days, it should be moved several feet at least
once during each 30-day period, so that a different portion of the tread contacts the ground.
2010 Escape Hybrid, Mariner Hybrid Modifiers Guide, 07/2009