Storing Your Car - Honda 2003 Civic Hybrid Owner's Manual

If you need to park your car for an
extended period (more than one
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 car back on the road. If
possible, store your car indoors.
Fill the fuel tank.
Change the engine oil and filter
(see page 197 ).
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 Reverse (5-
speed manual) or Park (CVT).
Block the rear wheels.
If the car 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 car is being stored indoors).
Disconnect the 12 volt battery.
Support the front 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 trunk seals. Also, apply a
vehicle body wax to the painted
surfaces that mate with the door
and trunk seals.

Storing Your Car

Cover the car with a ''breathable''
cover, one made from a porous
material such as cotton.
Nonporous materials, such as
plastic sheeting, trap moisture,
which can damage the paint.
Reconnect the 12 volt battery and
drive your car every month for
about 30 minutes. This will keep
the IMA battery charged and in
good condition.
If you store your car for 12 months
or longer, have your Honda dealer
perform the inspections called for in
the 24 months maintenance schedule
(Normal Conditions) as soon as you
take it out of storage (see page
The replacements called for in the
maintenance schedule are not
needed unless the car has actually
reached that time or mileage.
Maintenance
).
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