4.14
BODYWORK MAINTENANCE (1/2)
You should
Wash your car frequently, with the
engine off, with cleaning products rec-
ommended by the manufacturer (never
use abrasive products). Rinse thor-
oughly beforehand with a jet:
– spots of tree resin and industrial
grime;
– mud in the wheel arches and under-
neath the body which forms damp
patches;
– bird droppings , which cause a
chemical reaction with the paint that
rapidly discolours paintwork and
may even cause the paint to peel
off;
wash the vehicle immediately to
remove these marks since it is im-
possible to remove them by polish-
ing;
– salt, particularly in the wheel arches
and underneath the body after driv-
ing in areas where the roads have
been gritted.
Remove any plant matter (resin, leaves,
etc.) from the vehicle regularly.
What you should not doDo not degrease or clean mechani-
cal components (e.g. the engine com-
partment), underneath the body, parts
with hinges (e.g. inside the doors) and
painted plastic external fittings (e.g.
bumpers) using high-pressure clean-
ing equipment or by spraying on prod-
ucts not approved by our Technical
Department. Doing this could give rise
to corrosion or operational faults.
Wash the vehicle in bright sunlight or
freezing temperatures.
Do not scrape off mud or dirt without
pre-wetting.
Allow dirt to accumulate on the exterior.
Allow rust to form following minor im-
pacts.
Do not use solvents not approved by
our Technical Department to remove
stains as this could damage the paint-
work.
Do not drive in snow or muddy condi-
tions without washing the vehicle, par-
ticularly under the wheel arches and
body.
A well-maintained vehicle will last
longer. It is therefore recommended to
maintain the exterior of the vehicle reg-
ularly.
Your vehicle has been treated with very
effective anti-corrosion products. It is
nevertheless subject to various outside
influences.
Corrosive agents in the atmosphere
–
atmospheric pollution (built-up and
industrial areas),
– saline atmospheres (near the sea,
particularly in hot weather),
– seasonal and damp weather condi-
tions (e.g. road salt in winter, water
from road cleaners, etc.).
Minor impacts
Abrasive action
Dust and sand in the air, mud, road grit
thrown up by other vehicles, etc.
You should take a number of minor pre-
cautions in order to safeguard your ve-
hicle against such risks.
