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Features and controls
3-235
3
Precautions to observe when using wipers and
washers
N00523500195
NOTEDo not use the wipers when the windshield is dry. This
could scratch the glass and wear the wiper blades prema-
turely.
Before using the wipers in cold weather, check to be sure
that the wiper blades are not frozen to the windshield or
rear window. Using the wipers while the blades are frozen
could cause the wiper motor to burn out.
If the wipers become blocked by ice or other deposits on
the glass, the motor may still burn out even if the wiper
switch is OFF. If deposits form on the windshield, park
your vehicle in a safe place, turn off the engine, and clean
the glass so that the wipers can operate smoothly.
Avoid using the washer for more than 20 seconds at a
time. Do not operate the washer when the washer fluid
reservoir is empty or the pump may fail.
During cold weather, add a recommended washer solution
that will not freeze in the washer fluid reservoir. Other-
wise the washer may not work or may be damaged.Replace the wiper blades when they are worn. Use the
proper size replacement blades. For further information,
please contact your authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer.
CAUTION
!If the washer is used in cold weather, the washer
fluid sprayed onto the glass might freeze, blocking
your view. Heat the glass with the defroster before
using the washer.
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7-4 Vehicle care and maintenance
7Engine hood
N00937500507
To openUse the engine hood release lever (located under the instrument
panel near the driver’s door) to unlock the engine hood.
Pull the lever toward you to release the engine hood latch.Release the lever and lift the engine hood.
NOTETo prevent damage to the engine hood and wipers, make
sure the wipers are at resting position when you open the
engine hood.
WA R N I N G
!Never use the release lever to unlatch the engine
hood while the vehicle is in motion.Do not drive your vehicle unless the engine hood is
locked.
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7-34 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
Parking brake break-inBreak-in the parking brake linings whenever the brake perfor-
mance of the parking brake is insufficient or whenever the
parking brake linings and/or drum/discs are replaced, in order
to assure the best brake performance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle service manual and
can be carried out by an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer
Wiper blades
N00940700138
Check the wiper blades occasionally. Clean them regularly to
remove deposits of salt and road film. Use a sponge or cloth
and a mild detergent or non-abrasive cleaner to clean the blades
and glass areas.
Replace the blades if they continue to streak or smear.NOTEDo not run the wipers on dry glass for a long time. This
wears out the rubber and can scratch the glass.During cold weatherIf the blades are frozen to the windshield or rear window, do
not operate the wipers until the ice has melted and the blades
are freed, otherwise the wiper motor may be damaged.
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Vehicle care and maintenance
7-81
7 Cleaning the outside of your vehicle
N00945700058
To protect your vehicle’s finish, wash it often and thoroughly.
If desired, you may wax your vehicle using a nonabrasive auto-
mobile wax.Foreign material
N00945800033
Industrial pollution, road tar, bird droppings, tree sap, insect
remains, sea water and other foreign matters can damage the
finish on your vehicle.
Generally, the longer any foreign material stays on the finish,
the worse the damage. Wash your vehicle as soon as possible
whenever the finish gets soiled.Wash i ng
N00945900542
Chemicals contained in the dirt and dust picked up from air,
rain, snow, or road surfaces can damage the paint and body of
your vehicle if left on.
Frequent washing and waxing is the best way to protect your
vehicle from this damage.
Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight. Park the vehicle in
the shade and spray it with water to remove dust. Next, using
plenty of clean water and a car washing mitt or sponge, wash
the vehicle from top to bottom.
Use a mild car washing soap if necessary. Rinse thoroughly
and wipe dry with a chamois or soft cloth. After washing the
vehicle, carefully clean the joints and flanges of the doors,
hood, etc., where dirt is likely to remain.
CAUTION
!When washing the underside of your vehicle or the
wheels, wear a pair of gloves to protect your hands.If your vehicle has rain sensor wipers, place the
wiper switch lever in the “OFF” position to deacti-
vate the rain sensor before washing the vehicle. Oth-
erwise, the wipers will operate in the presence of
water spray on the windshield and may get damaged
as a result.Never spray or splash water on the electrical parts
in the engine compartment. This may damage them.
Be careful also when washing the underbody to
ensure that water does not enter the engine com-
partment.Avoid automatic car washers that use rotating
brushes. These brushes may scratch the paint sur-
face and make it dull.
Scratches are more noticeable on darker colored
vehicles.Some hot water washing equipment uses high pres-
sure and heat to clean your vehicle. Because hot
water can damage plastics parts and seep inside
your vehicle, make sure you do the following when
using such equipment:
• Keep the washing nozzle at least 16 inches (40 cm)
away from the vehicle body.
• When washing around the door glass, hold the
nozzle at a distance of more than 20 inches (50 cm)
and at a right angle to the glass surface.
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7-82 Vehicle care and maintenance
7
During cold weatherSalt and other chemicals spread on winter roads in some geo-
graphical areas can have a detrimental effect on the vehicle
underbody. You should flush the underbody with a high pres-
sure hose every time you wash the outside of your vehicle.
Take special care to remove mud or other debris which could
trap and hold salt and moisture.
After washing your vehicle, wipe off all waterdrops from the
rubber parts around the doors to prevent the doors from freez-
ing.
NOTEWhen the door is frozen, opening it by force may tear off
or crack the rubber gasket installed around the door. Pour
warm water to melt the ice. Be sure to thoroughly wipe off
the water after opening the door. To prevent freezing of
the weatherstripping on the doors, hood, etc., treat with
silicone lubricant.Waxing
N00946000205
Wax your vehicle once or twice a year, or when water does not
bead up on the paint.
Use a soft cloth to put a small amount of wax on the painted
surfaces. After the wax has dried, polish with a dry soft cloth.
Do not wax your vehicle in direct sunlight.
You should wax when the painted surfaces are cool.
Make sure to do the following when using an auto-
matic car wash, with help from either this manual or
the car wash operator, to avoid damaging your vehi-
cle:
• Fold the outside rearview mirrors.
• Remove the antenna.
• Tape or remove the rear wiper arm assembly.
• If your vehicle is equipped with a rear spoiler or
roof rails, check with the car wash operator before
using the car wash.
• If your vehicle is equipped with the rain sensor
wipers, place the wiper switch lever in the “OFF”
position to deactivate the rain sensor.CAUTION
!
CAUTION
!Waxes containing high abrasive compounds should
not be used. These waxes remove rust and stain
effectively from the paintwork, but are harmful to
the finish of the paint, because they also remove
paint/clearcoat.
They are also harmful to other glossy surfaces such
as the grille, trim, moldings, etc.Do not use gasoline, benzine, kerosene or paint thin-
ners to remove road tar or other dirt from the vehi-
cle surface.
BK0138000US.book 82 ページ 2011年4月13日 水曜日 午前11時17分