Get Maintenance -> Vehicle Storage Guide for Aston Martin Vantage 2 Door Third Generation (2005-2017)

11.39

Maintenance

Convertible Roof Fabric

Do not leave the roof in the lowered (folded) position for

extended periods of vehicle storage. Permanent damage to the

convertible roof fabric may occur including soiling and fading

along folds.

Do not use automatic vehicle washes. Brushes, detergents and

pressurized water jets may damage the roof fabric. Do not use

power washers. Jets of water may damage the weather seals and

the roof fabric. Do not use spot cleaners, chemical diluents or any

organic cleaners. If in doubt, contact your Aston Martin Dealer.

To maintain the appearance and condition of the roof fabric the

cleaning and reproof recommendations given below should be

followed. This is of particular importance in the case of light coloured

roof fabrics.

Cleaning

Always remove bird droppings as soon as possible. The organic acids

in bird lime can adversely affect the roof fabric.

Carefully vacuum clean the roof fabric to remove any loose particles.

Gently, and evenly, wash the roof fabric using a mild soap solution

and a soft brush.

A hard brush will damage the fabric fibres.

Rinse the roof fabric thoroughly with clean water to remove any

traces of soap. Allow the roof fabric to completely dry before

operating the roof.

Reproofs

Due to its construction the roof fabric will stay watertight without re-

proofing. However to retain the appearance of the roof, to reduce

soiling and to improve the drying time Aston Martin recommended

that the roof is re-proofed annually, by your Aston Martin Dealer.

Under Hood Cleaning

Under hood cleaning using high pressure hoses or steam cleaners

should not be carried out. The electronic control module

connections and fuse boxes can be damaged by indiscriminate use of

high pressure cleaning equipment.

Vehicle Storage

Recommendations

These recommendations apply to new and pre-owned vehicles

either in dealer or customer ownership.

If your vehicle is not to be used for periods in excess of three months

it should be stored in a dry, well ventilated building.

1. Drive the vehicle for a sufficient distance to warm the oil in the

engine and the transaxle; make sure that the internal

components of the engine are lubricated.

2. Check the engine coolant level. Top up if necessary with the

correct antifreeze and water solution.

3. In order to take the weight off the tires, raize the vehicle with a

jack and place supports under the front and rear suspension. If

the vehicle is not raized from the ground, increase the tire

pressures to 3.4 bar/49 psi. Cover the tires to exclude any light.

Turn the wheels ¼ turn every month to avoid tire flat spots.

4. Close the convertible roof, if installed.

It is recommended that the convertible roof remains in the closed

position. Do not leave the roof in the lowered (folded) position as

permanent damage may occur to the roof fabric.

11.40

Maintenance

5. If mains power is available, use a battery conditioner to

maintain the battery in a fully charged state.

6. Once a month:

6.1 Disconnect the battery conditioner (if installed).

6.2 Start and operate the engine until it is fully warmed up.

6.3 Check there are no fluid leaks.

6.4 Set the ignition to OFF.

6.5 Connect a battery conditioner.

6.6 Check and correct tire pressures if necessary. When

returning the vehicle to normal service, set the tire pressures

to normal specification before driving on the road.

Excessive sunlight and humidity can increase the vehicle

temperature, which can cause damage to the vehicle interior and

trim. If storing the vehicle in these conditions, Aston Martin

recommend using a solar reflecting car cover to prevent any potential

damage due to high temperatures.

Extended Storage

For storage periods exceeding six months the following measures are

recommended:

Do not drain the fuel system.

1. Operate the engine until there is as small a quantity of fuel in

the tank as is practical for storage purposes.

2. Add engine oil to the remaining fuel in the tank to make a

concentration of 2% (i.e. 0.8 quart per one gallon of fuel), then

operate engine for not less than ten minutes to circulate the

mixture thoroughly through all of the fuel system.

3. Inspect rubber connections of coolant system and have them

renewed if necessary.

4. Wash the vehicle bodywork thoroughly and repair any paint

blisters or patches of corrosion in order to prevent any further

deterioration. Apply a suitable polish.

5. Clean the carpets and upholstery thoroughly. Treat all leather

upholstery with an application of a leather conditioner or

preservative.

6. Close the convertible roof, if installed.

It is recommended that the convertible roof remains in the closed

position. Do not leave the roof in the lowered (folded) position as

permanent damage may occur to the roof fabric.

7. If the storage building is dry leave vehicle windows slightly open.

If there is any tendency towards dampness close vehicle doors

and windows and place an anti-moisture compound such as

silica desiccant bags in an open metal container inside vehicle.

8. Cover vehicle with a cotton or fabric cover.

11.41

Maintenance

Recommissioning after Storage

Provided that the vehicle has been stored in accordance with the

recommended procedure, only the following points should need

attention before using your vehicle on the road.

Starting the engine without sufficient lubrication can cause

serious engine damage. Make sure that the engine oil pressure is

established before the engine starts.

1. Check the tire pressures, inflate if necessary, lower the vehicle

to ground.

2. Drain the engine oil and install a new engine oil filter element.

Fill the engine to its maximum level (as shown on the dip stick)

with approved oil.

3. Drain the final drive unit. Fill the final drive unit to its maximum

level (oil will dribble out of the fill hole), with approved oil.

4. Check the coolant level and, if necessary, top up with the

correct antifreeze to water solution.

5. Check all fluid levels and top up as necessary.

6. Fill the fuel tank.

Starting the engine without sufficient lubrication can cause

serious engine damage. Make sure that the engine oil pressure is

established before allowing the engine to start.

7. Obtain engine oil pressure:

7.1 Press and hold the accelerator pedal hard to the floor (this

temporarily stops fuel injection during cranking).

7.2 Fully press the brake pedal down. Insert the vehicle key into

the ignition control and move through to engine start. Let

the engine crank until the oil pressure symbol (in the

instrument cluster) goes OFF (showing oil pressure in the

engine).

7.3 Set the ignition to OFF. Release the vehicle key and

accelerator pedal.

8. Start the engine normally and check that the oil pressure and

ignition warning symbols go OFF as the engine starts (correct oil

pressure and battery charging).

9. Raize the hood and check for leaks of fuel, oil and coolant.

10. Check the operation of the convertible roof (if installed) and

check for oil leaks. If the roof does not operate correctly during

first use, operate the roof a few times (with the engine running

to keep the battery at full voltage). If the roof still does not

operate correctly contact your Aston Martin Dealer.

11. Carefully test drive your vehicle and check the operation of all

functions.

If in any doubt about the condition of your vehicle, have it checked

by your Aston Martin Dealer.

11.42

Maintenance

Maintenance -> Vehicle Storage for Your Aston Martin Vantage 2 Door Third Generation (2005-2017)

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