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POLARIS GOVERNMENT & DEFENSE
HELP CENTER
04/17/2024

Storing Your RANGER

Prepping your Polaris RANGER for storage starts with making any necessary repairs and washing the exterior of the vehicle. Keeping your RANGER clean not only will improve its appearance, but it also can extend the life of various components.

Polaris recommends washing the vehicle by hand or with a garden hose, using a pail of mild soap and water. Certain products, including insect repellents and chemicals, will damage plastic surfaces. Do not allow these types of products to contact the vehicle.

  • Use a professional-type washing cloth, cleaning the upper body first and the lower parts last.
  • Rinse with clean water frequently.
  • Dry surfaces with a chamois to prevent water spots.

Other washing tips:

  • Avoid the use of harsh cleaners, which can scratch the finish.
  • Do not use medium to heavy duty compounds on the finish.
  • Always use clean cloths and pads for cleaning and polishing. Old or reused cloths and pads may contain dirt particles that will scratch the finish.
  • Grease all zerk fittings immediately after washing. Allow the engine to run for a while to evaporate any water that may have entered the engine or exhaust system.

If you use a pressure washer to clean your vehicle, do not aim the nozzle at sensitive components. The maximum pressure should not exceed 3000 PSI, 2.5 GPM with a 40° pressure washer nozzle. Make sure to keep the pressure washer nozzle 2 feet away from the vehicle. Exercise extreme caution. The water may damage components and could remove paint and labels. Avoid directing the water stream at the following items:

  • Wheel bearings
  • Radiator
  • Transmission seals
  • Brakes
  • Cab and body panels
  • Labels and decals
  • Electrical components and wiring
  • Air intake components

If an informational or graphic label becomes illegible or comes off, contact your Polaris Dealer to obtain a replacement. Replacement safety labels are provided by Polaris at no charge.

When polishing your RANGER, Polaris recommends the use of common household aerosol furniture polish for use on the finish. Follow the instructions on the container. Avoid the use of automotive products, some of which can scratch the finish of your vehicle. Always use clean cloths and pads for cleaning and polishing. Old or reused cloths and pads may contain dirt particles that will scratch the finish.

If your RANGER is equipped with chrome wheels, proper maintenance will protect them from corrosion, preserve their life and ensure a "like new" appearance for many years. Chrome wheels exposed to road salt (or salt in the air in coastal areas) are more susceptible to corrosion if not properly cleaned. Clean chrome wheels more often if they're exposed to salt or other corrosive elements.

  • Wash chrome wheels frequently. Use a mild detergent. Never use abrasive cleaners on plated or painted surfaces.
  • Rinse well with clear water. Soap, detergents, salt, dirt, mud and other elements can cause corrosion.
  • Polish the clean chrome wheels periodically. Use an automotive grade chrome polish.
  • Routinely and liberally apply a weather resistant wax to each polished chrome wheel. Choose a product suitable for chrome finishes. Read and follow the product labels and instructions.

If light rust is found on the chrome finish, use steel wool (#0000-OTT grade) to remove it. Gently rub the affected areas with the steel wool until the corrosion has been removed. Clean and polish the wheel as outlined above.

For more cleaning tips, listen to the Cleaning: It's Not Just About Looking Good episode of the Polaris Podcast.

Stabilize the Fuel

  • Fill the fuel tank.
  • Add Polaris Carbon Clean Fuel Treatment or Polaris Fuel Stabilizer or equivalent fuel treatments or stabilizers. Follow the instructions on the container for the recommended fuel amount. Carbon Clean removes water from fuel systems, stabilizes fuel and removes carbon deposits from pistons, rings, valves and exhaust systems.
  • Allow the engine to run for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the stabilizer to disperse through the entire fuel delivery system.

(This step does not apply to RANGER EV Mid-Size or RANGER XP Kinetic models.)

Oil and Filter
Change the oil and filter (1). The engine drain plug (2) is located on the bottom of the crankcase. On RANGER XP 1000 models, access the drain plug through the skid plate access hole located directly under the crankcase. To access the oil dipstick and oil fill cap on an XP 1000, tilt the rear cargo box.

Oil Filter and Drain Plug

For more on the oil and filter change procedure, view the following model-specific instructions.

RANGER 500
RANGER 570 Mid-Size and RANGER CREW 570-4
RANGER 570 Full-Size and RANGER CREW 570-6
RANGER SP 570
RANGER 800 and RANGER CREW 800
RANGER XP 900 and RANGER CREW XP 900
RANGER 1000 and RANGER CREW 1000
RANGER XP 1000 and RANGER CREW XP 1000
RANGER XD 1500 and RANGER CREW XD 1500

(This step does not apply to RANGER EV Mid-Size models)

Air Filter and Airbox
Replace the air filter and clean the airbox. Always clean all dirt and debris away from the airbox area before servicing the air filter.

To learn more about changing the air filter, view the following model-specific instructions.

RANGER 500
RANGER 570 Mid-Size and RANGER CREW 570-4
RANGER 570 Full-Size and RANGER CREW 570-6
RANGER SP 570
RANGER 800 and RANGER CREW 800
RANGER XP 900 or RANGER CREW XP 900
RANGER 1000 and RANGER CREW 1000
RANGER XD 1500 and RANGER CREW XD 1500

(This step does not apply to RANGER EV Mid-Size or RANGER XP Kinetic models.)

Fluid Levels
Inspect the fluid levels. Add or change fluids as recommended in the Periodic Maintenance Chart found in your Owner's Manual. Check the following. For instructions, click on the model-specific links.

Inspect and Lubricate
Inspect all cables and lubricate all areas of the vehicle as recommended in the Periodic Maintenance Chart found in your Owner's Manual.

Fog the Engine

  • Treat the fuel system with Polaris Carbon Clean or other equivalent fuel treatment. Follow the instructions on the container. Start the engine. Allow it to idle for several minutes so the Carbon Cleaner reaches the injectors. Stop the engine.
  • Remove the spark plugs and add 2 to 3 tablespoons of engine oil. To access the plug holes, use a section of clear 1/4-inch hose and a small plastic squeeze bottle filled with the pre-measured amount of oil. Do this carefully. If you miss the plug holes, oil will drain from the spark plug cavities into the hole at the front of the cylinder head and appear to be an oil leak.
  • Reinstall the spark plugs. Torque to specification.
  • Apply dielectric grease to the inside of each spark plug cap. Do not reinstall the cap onto the plug at this step.
  • Turn the engine over several times. Oil will be forced in and around the piston rings and ring lands, coating the cylinder with a protective film of fresh oil.
  • Reinstall the spark plug caps.
  • If POLARIS fuel system additive is not used, fuel tank, fuel lines and injectors should be completely drained of gasoline.

(This step does not apply to RANGER EV Mid-Size or RANGER XP Kinetic models.)

Battery Maintenance
Whenever your RANGER is not used for three months or more, remove the battery from the vehicle. Ensure that it’s fully charged and store it out of the sun in a cool, dry place. Check the battery’s voltage each month during storage and recharge it as needed to maintain a full charge.

Make sure to follow the instructions found in your Owner's Manual for removing the battery.

A battery’s charge can be maintained by using a Polaris Battery Tender charger or by charging monthly to make up for normal self-discharge. The Battery Tender can be left connected during the storage period. It automatically will charge the battery if the voltage drops below a pre-determined point.

Improperly connecting or disconnecting battery cables can result in an explosion and cause serious injury or death. When removing the battery, always disconnect the negative (black) cable first. When reinstalling the battery, always connect the negative (black) cable last. Consult your Owner’s Manual for full details on battery removal, reinstallation and charging.

NOTE: This does not apply to the RANGER EV Mid-Size or RANGER XP Kinetic. For battery maintenance information, read 2015-2022 RANGER EV Mid-Size Battery Maintenance or 2015-2022 RANGER EV Mid-Size Battery Care Basics. To store the Kinetic, read RANGER XP Kinetic Storage.

Storage Area and Covers
Be sure the storage area is well-ventilated. Cover the vehicle with a genuine Polaris cover. Do not use plastic or coated materials. They do not allow enough ventilation to prevent condensation and may promote corrosion and oxidation.

Learn More
To get even more advice and tips on storage, listen to the Put Your Toys Away, It's Time to Winterize episode of the Polaris Podcast.

Additional RANGER EV Mid-Size Storage Tips
Any time your RANGER EV will be parked for more than a few hours, follow these recommended procedures:

  • Make any necessary repairs and clean the vehicle.
  • Clean the batteries. For more information, read 2015-2022 RANGER EV Mid-Size Battery Storage.
  • Store the vehicle out of the sun in a cool, dry place.
  • Be sure the storage area is well-ventilated.
  • Turn the key off.
  • DO NOT set the park brake.
  • Verify that tire pressure is at specification.
  • Block the wheels to prevent rolling.
  • Fully charge the batteries. Leave the charger connected to maintain a full charge during the storage period, or check battery voltage each month during storage and recharge as needed to maintain a full charge. If the charger remains connected, check it monthly to verify proper operation.
  • Do not cover the vehicle while the charger is connected. Dangerous levels of hydrogen gas could accumulate. Do not use plastic or coated materials. They do not allow enough ventilation to prevent condensation and may promote corrosion and oxidation.

Read RANGER XP Kinetic Storage for information about the Kinetic.

Removal From Storage
For RANGER 500, 570, 900, 1000 and XP 1000 models:

Engine exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide and can cause loss of consciousness or death. Never run an engine in an enclosed area.

For more on removing your vehicle from storage, listen to the Spring's Here; Get Out and Ride episode of the Polaris Podcast.

For RANGER EV Mid-Size models:

  • Inspect all battery connections.
  • Verify that batteries are fully charged.
  • Verify that tire pressure is at specification.
  • Perform the Daily Pre-Ride inspection as detailed in your Owner's Manual and demonstrated in 2015-2022 RANGER EV Mid-Size Pre-Ride Inspection.
  • Inspect and verify the tightness of the bolts, nuts and other fasteners.
  • Lubricate at the intervals outlined in the Periodic Maintenance Chart found in your Owner's Manual.

Read RANGER XP Kinetic Storage for information about the Kinetic.

For more information, see your authorized Polaris Dealer. Find a dealer near you with the Dealer Locator.
Maintenance tips, procedures and specifications can be found in your Owner's Manual.
To find diagrams and replacement part numbers, use the online parts catalog.

Unless noted, trademarks are the property of Polaris Industries, Inc. 
© 2022 Polaris Industries Inc. 

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