Vehicle Storage - Honda 2011 Element Owner's Manual

If you need to park your vehicle for
an extended period (more than 1
month), there are several things you
should do to prepare it for storage.
Proper preparation helps prevent
deterioration and makes it easier to
get your vehicle back on the road. If
possible, store your vehicle indoors.
Fill the fuel tank.
●
Wash and dry the exterior
●
completely.
Clean the interior. Make sure the
●
carpeting, floor mats, etc., are
completely dry.
Leave the parking brake off. Put
●
the transmission in Park.
Block the rear wheels.
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If the vehicle is to be stored for a
●
longer period, it should be
supported on jackstands so the
tires are off the ground.
Leave one window open slightly (if
●
the vehicle is being stored
indoors).
Disconnect the battery.
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Support the front and rear wiper
●
blade arms with a folded towel or
rag so they do not touch the
windshield.
To minimize sticking, apply a
●
silicone spray lubricant to all door
and tailgate seals. Also, apply a
vehicle body wax to the painted
surfaces that mate with the door
and tailgate seals.

Vehicle Storage

Cover the vehicle with a
●
''breathable'' cover, one made from
a porous material such as cotton.
Non-porous materials, such as
plastic sheeting, trap moisture,
which can damage the paint.
If possible, periodically run the
●
engine until it reaches full
operating temperature (the cooling
fans cycle on and off twice).
Preferably, do this once a month.
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