Maintenance
8-62
NOTICE
• Do not use abrasive cleaner,
polishing compound, solvent, or wire
brushes on aluminum wheels.
• Clean the wheel when it has cooled.
• Use only a mild soap or neutral
detergent, and rinse thoroughly with
water. Also, clean the wheels after
driving on salted roads.
• Do not wash the wheels with high-
speed car wash brushes.
• Do not use any cleaners containing
acid or alkaline detergents.
Corrosion protection
Protecting your vehicle from corrosion
By using the most advanced design
and construction practices to combat
corrosion, HYUNDAI produces vehicles
of the highest quality. However, this is
only part of the job. To achieve the long-
term corrosion resistance your vehicle
can deliver, the owner’s cooperation and
assistance is also required.
Common causes of corrosion
The most common causes of corrosion
on your vehicle are:
• Road salt, dirt and moisture that is
allowed to accumulate underneath
the vehicle.
• Removal of paint or protective
coatings by stones, gravel, abrasion
or minor scrapes and dents which
leave unprotected metal exposed to
corrosion.
High-corrosion areas
If you live in an area where your vehicle is
regularly exposed to corrosive materials,
corrosion protection is particularly
important. Some of the common causes
of accelerated corrosion are road salts,
dust control chemicals, ocean air and
industrial pollution. Moisture breeds corrosion
Moisture creates the conditions in
which corrosion is most likely to occur.
For example, corrosion is accelerated
by high humidity, particularly when
temperatures are just above freezing. In
such conditions, the corrosive material is
kept in contact with the car surfaces by
moisture that is slow to evaporate.
Mud is particularly corrosive because it is
slow to dry and holds moisture in contact
with the vehicle. Although the mud
appears to be dry, it can still retain the
moisture and promote corrosion.
High temperatures can also accelerate
corrosion of parts that are not properly
ventilated so the moisture can be
dispersed. For all these reasons, it is
particularly important to keep your
vehicle clean and free of mud or
accumulations of other materials. This
applies not only to the visible surfaces
but particularly to the underside of the
vehicle.
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.
08
8-63
• 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.
NOTICE
• Never allow water or other liquids
to come in contact with electrical/
electronic components inside the
vehicle as this may damage them.
• When cleaning leather products
(steering wheel, seats etc.), use
neutral detergents or low alcohol
content solutions. If you use high
alcohol content solutions or acid/
alkaline detergents, the color of the
leather may fade or the surface may
get stripped off.
Cleaning the upholstery and interior
trim
Vinyl (if equipped)
Remove dust and loose dirt from vinyl
with a whisk broom or vacuum cleaner.
Clean vinyl surfaces with a vinyl cleaner.
Fabric (if equipped)
Remove dust and loose dirt from
fabric with a whisk broom or vacuum
cleaner. Clean with a mild soap solution
recommended for upholstery or carpets.
Remove fresh spots immediately with
a fabric spot cleaner. If fresh spots do
not receive immediate attention, the
fabric can be stained and its color can be
affected. Also, its fire-resistant properties
can be reduced if the material is not
properly maintained.
