The short answer
Ford's 2026 F-150 manual covers storage of 30 days or more: store dry and ventilated, fill the tank, change the oil first, keep the battery charged or disconnected, inflate tires to the label pressure, and start it every 15 days for about 15 minutes.
Chevrolet's manual says to remove the negative battery cable or use a trickle charger for extended storage. Ram 1500s with Storage Mode can enter it from the Battery Voltage screen.
Before you park it
| Step | What the manual says |
|---|---|
| Place | Dry, ventilated (Ford) |
| Fuel | Fill the tank to the first automatic shutoff (Ford) |
| Oil | Change the oil and filter before storage (Ford) |
| Battery | Ford: keep it near a 50% charge, or disconnect it or use a trickle charger. Chevrolet: remove the negative cable or use a trickle charger. Ram: Storage Mode, if equipped |
| Tires | Inflate to the pressure on the door-jamb label (Ford) |
| Body | Wash, wax chrome, lube hinges, cover interior trim from sun (Ford) |
| Brakes | Parking brake released fully (Ford) |
While it sits
- Ford: start every 15 days and run about 15 minutes at fast idle with the defroster on; move the vehicle about 25 feet every 15 days to reseat the tires.
- Ram Storage Mode: the handbook says it helps preserve the battery and may disable some features. The Rear Seat Reminder Alert isn't available while it's on. Start the vehicle to exit.
- Chevrolet with OnStar: disconnecting the battery affects connected features; see the manual.
Taking it out of storage
Spring restart checklist (Ford's list)
6 itemsYour ticks are saved only in this browser. Print or screenshot the list to bring it along.
A detail before or after
Salt left on paint and underbody all winter is the thing to avoid. Our detail department prices details by phone: 715-537-9500.
Questions
Should I disconnect the battery for winter storage?
Chevrolet says remove the negative cable or use a trickle charger for extended storage; Ford says disconnect it or keep it charged. Ram 1500s may have a Storage Mode.
Do I need to start a stored car?
Ford's manual says to start it every 15 days and run it about 15 minutes. Follow your own vehicle's manual.
Next steps at Swant Graber
Swant Graber Motors (Chevrolet, Ram, Dodge): 1690 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812, 715-537-5657. Swant Graber Ford: 1697 E Division Ave, 715-537-9500. Search new or used inventory, or see shop near you for model-by-model answers.
