VEHICLE STORAGE
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an extended period of time
(30 days or more), refer to the following maintenance recommendations
to ensure 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.
See theCleaningchapter for more information.
•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. See theCleaningchapter for more information.
•Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges, and latches with a light
grade oil. See theCleaningchapter for more information.
•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 contain 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.
Maintenance and Specifications
310
2011 MKZ Hybrid(hkz)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
EXCEPTIONS
In addition, there are several exceptions to the Normal Schedule. They
are listed below:
Normal vehicle axle maintenance
❑Rear axles and power take-off (PTO) units containing synthetic fluid and light duty trucks equipped with Ford-design axles
are lubricated for life. These fluids are not to be checked or changed unless a leak is suspected, service is required or the
axle assembly has been submerged in water. The axle and PTO fluids should be changed anytime the axle and PTO have
been submerged in water. During extended trailer tow operation above 70°F (21°C) ambient and wide open throttle for
extended periods above 45 mph (72 km/h), non-synthetic rear axle fluids should be changed every 3,000 miles
(4,800 km) or three months, whichever occurs first. The 3,000 mile (4,800 km) fluid change interval may be waived if
the axle was filled with 75W140 synthetic gear fluid meeting Ford specification WSL-M2C192-A, part number F1TZ-19580-B
or equivalent. Add friction modifier XL-3 (EST-M2C118-A) or equivalent for complete refill of Traction-Lok rear axles (refer to
Maintenance product specifications and capacitiesin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter for details). The axle fluid
should be changed anytime an axle has been submerged in water.
Police/Taxi/Livery vehicle axle maintenance
❑Change rear axle fluid every 100,000 miles (160,000 km). Rear axle fluid change may be waived if the axle was filled
with 75W140 synthetic gear fluid meeting Ford specification WSL-M2C192-A, part number FITZ-19580-B or equivalent. Add
four ounces (118 mL) of friction modifier XL-3 (EST-M2C118-A) or equivalent for complete refill of Traction-Lok rear axles.
The axle fluid should be changed anytime the axle has been submerged in water.
California fuel filter replacement
❑If the vehicle is registered in California, the California Air Resources Board has determined that the failure to perform this
maintenance item will not nullify the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the completion of the vehicle’s useful
life. Ford Motor Company, however, urges you to have all recommended maintenance services performed at the specified
intervals and to record all vehicle service.
Hot climate oil change intervals
❑If operating conditions are normal and you drive your vehicle under typical, everyday conditionsandyou are using an API
performance category oil of SL or later (for example SM, etc.) then you can follow the 7,500 mile (12,000 km) normal
service oil change intervals schedule. Vehicles operating in the Middle East, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa or locations with
similar climates must follow the oil change interval of 3,000 mile (4,800 km) if the owner is using oils defined by the
American Petroleum Institute (API) performance category of API SK or earlier (for example SJ, etc.).
Engine air filter & cabin air filter replacement
❑Engine air filter and cabin air filter life is dependent on exposure to dusty and dirty conditions. Vehicles operated in these
conditions will require frequent inspection and replacement of the engine air filter and cabin air filter.
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
340
2011 MKZ Hybrid(hkz)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
