Maintenance
8-54
To help prevent corrosion
Keep your vehicle clean
The best way to prevent corrosion is
to keep your vehicle clean and free of
corrosive materials. Attention to the
underside of the vehicle is particularly
important.
• If you live in a high-corrosion area —
where road salts are used, near the
ocean, areas with industrial pollution,
acid rain, etc.—, you should take extra
care to prevent corrosion. In winter,
hose off the underside of your vehicle
at least once a month and be sure to
clean the underside thoroughly when
winter is over.
• When cleaning underneath the
vehicle, pay particular attention to the
components under the fenders and
other areas that are hidden from view.
Do a thorough job; just dampening
the accumulated mud rather than
washing it away will accelerate
corrosion rather than prevent it. Water
under high pressure and steam are
particularly effective in removing
accumulated mud and corrosive
materials.
• When cleaning lower door panels,
rocker panels and frame members, be
sure that drain holes are kept open so
that moisture can escape and not be
trapped inside to accelerate corrosion. Keep your garage dry
Don’t park your vehicle in a damp,
poorly ventilated garage. This creates
a favorable environment for corrosion.
This is particularly true if you wash your
vehicle in the garage or drive it into the
garage when it is still wet or covered with
snow, ice or mud. Even a heated garage
can contribute to corrosion unless it is
well ventilated so moisture is dispersed.
Keep paint and trim in good condition
Scratches or chips in the finish should
be covered with “touch-up” paint as
soon as possible to reduce the possibility
of corrosion. If bare metal is showing
through, the attention of a qualified body
and paint shop is recommended.
Bird droppings are highly corrosive and
may damage painted surfaces in just a
few hours. Always remove bird droppings
as soon as possible.
Interior Care
Interior general precautions
Prevent caustic solutions such as
perfume and cosmetic oil, from
contacting the interior parts because
they may cause damage or discoloration.
If they do contact the interior parts,
wipe them off immediately. See the
instructions for the proper way to clean
vinyl.
Maintenance
8-56
• Caring for the leather seats
-Vacuum the seat periodically to
remove dust and sand on the seat. It
will prevent abrasion or damage of
the leather and maintain its quality.
-Wipe the natural leather seat cover
often with dry or soft cloth.
-Use of proper leather protector may
prevent abrasion of the cover and
helps maintain the color. Be sure to
read the instructions and consult
a specialist when using leather
coating or protective agent.
-Light colored (beige, cream beige)
leather is easily contaminated and
the stain is noticeable. Clean the
seats frequently.
-Avoid wiping with wet cloth. It may
cause the surface to crack.
• Cleaning the leather seats
-Remove all contaminations
instantly. Refer to instructions below
for removal of each contaminant.
-Cosmetic products (sunscreen,
foundation, etc.)
Apply cleansing cream on a cloth
and wipe the contaminated spot.
Wipe off the cream with a wet cloth
and remove water with a dry cloth.
-Beverages (coffee, soft drink, etc.)
Apply a small amount of neutral
detergent and wipe until
contaminations do not smear.
-Oil
Remove oil instantly with
absorbable cloth and wipe with
stain remover used only for natural
leather.
-Chewing gum
Harden the gum with ice and
remove gradually.
Cleaning the seat belt webbing
Clean the belt webbing with any
mild soap solution recommended for
cleaning upholstery or carpet. Follow
the instructions provided with the soap.
Do not bleach or re-dye the webbing
because this may weaken the seat belt.
Cleaning the interior window glass
If the interior glass surfaces of the
vehicle become fogged (that is, covered
with an oily, greasy or waxy film), they
should be cleaned with glass cleaner.
Follow the directions on the glass cleaner
container.
NOTICE
Do not scrape or scratch the inside of
the rear window. This may result in
damage to the rear window defroster
grid.
