Page 639 of 649
9-80
Maintenance
NOTICE
If you park your vehicle near a stainless
steel sign or glass facade building, the
vehicle’s exterior plastic parts such
as a bumper, spoiler, garnish, lamp
or outside rearview mirror might be
damaged due to sunlight reflected
from the sign or building. To prevent
damage of the exterior plastic parts,
you should avoid parking in areas
where light may be reflected or use a
car cover. (The exterior plastic parts
applied to your vehicle may vary.)
Exterior care
Exterior general caution
It is very important to follow the label
directions when using any chemical
cleaner or polish. Read all warning and
caution statements that appear on the
label.
Finish maintenance
: D V K L Q J
To help protect your vehicle’s finish
from rust and deterioration, wash it
thoroughly and frequently at least once
a month with lukewarm or cold water.
If you use your vehicle for off-road driving,
you should wash it after each off-road trip.
Pay special attention to the removal of any
accumulation of salt, dirt, mud, and other
foreign materials. Make sure the drain
holes in the lower edges of the doors and
rocker panels are kept clear and clean.
Insects, tar, tree sap, bird droppings,
industrial pollution and similar deposits
can damage your vehicle’s finish if not
removed immediately.
Even prompt washing with plain water
may not completely remove all these
deposits.
A mild soap, safe for use on painted
surfaces, may be used.
After washing, rinse the vehicle
thoroughly with lukewarm or cold water.
Do not allow soap to dry on the finish.
NOTICE
[ ' R Q R W X V H V W U R Q J V R D S F K H P L F D O
detergents or hot water, and do not
wash the vehicle in direct sunlight
or when the body of the vehicle is
warm.
[ % H F D U H I X O Z K H Q Z D V K L Q J W K H V L G H
windows of your vehicle.
Especially, with high-pressure water,
water may leak through the windows
and wet the interior.
[ 7 R S U H Y H Q W G D P D J H W R W K H S O D V W L F
parts and lamps, do not clean
with chemical solvents or strong
detergents.
WARNING
Wet brakes
After washing the vehicle, test the
brakes whilst driving slowly to see if
they have been affected by water. If
braking performance is impaired, dry
the brakes by applying them lightly
whilst maintaining a slow forward
speed.
+ L J K S U H V V X U H Z D V K L Q J
[ : K H Q X V L Q J K L J K S U H V V X U H Z D V K H U V
make sure to maintain sufficient
distance from the vehicle.
Insufficient clearance or excessive
pressure can lead to component
damage or water penetration.
[ ' R Q R W V S U D \ W K H F D P H U D V H Q V R U V R U
its surrounding area directly with a
high pressure washer. Shock applied
from high pressure water may cause
the device to not operate normally.
[ ' R Q R W E U L Q J W K H Q R ] ] O H W L S F O R V H W R
boots (rubber or plastic covers) or
connectors as they may be damaged
if they come into contact with high
pressure water.
APPEARANCE CARE
Page 640 of 649
9-81
09
OBC3090054
NOTICE
[ : D W H U Z D V K L Q J L Q W K H H Q J L Q H
compartment including high pressure
water washing may cause the failure
of electrical circuits located in the
engine compartment.
[ 1 H Y H U D O O R Z Z D W H U R U R W K H U O L T X L G V
to come in contact with electrical/
electronic components inside the
vehicle as this may damage them.
NOTICE
Matte paint finish vehicle
(if equipped)
Automatic car wash which uses
rotating brushes should not be used
as this can damage the surface of your
vehicle. A steam cleaner which washes
the vehicle surface at high temperature
may result the oil to adhere and leave
stains that is difficult to remove.
Use a soft cloth (e.g. microfiber towel
or sponge) when washing your vehicle
and dry with a microfiber towel. When
you handwash your vehicle, you should
not use a cleaner that finishes with
wax. If the vehicle surface is too dirty
(sand, dirt, dust, contaminant, etc.),
clean the surface with water before
washing the car.
: D [ L Q J
Wax the vehicle when water will no
longer bead on the paint.
Always wash and dry the vehicle
before waxing. Use a good quality
liquid or paste wax, and follow the
manufacturer’s instructions. Wax all
metal trim to protect it and to maintain
its luster. Removing oil, tar, and similar
materials with a spot remover will
usually strip the wax from the finish. Be
sure to re-wax these areas even if the
rest of the vehicle does not yet need
waxing.
NOTICE
[ : L S L Q J G X V W R U G L U W R I I W K H E R G \ Z L W K
a dry cloth will scratch the finish.
[ ' R Q R W X V H V W H H O Z R R O D E U D V L Y H
cleaners, or strong detergents
containing highly alkaline or caustic
agents on chrome-plated or anodized
aluminium parts. This may result in
damage to the protective coating
and cause discolouration or paint
deterioration.
NOTICE
Matte paint finish vehicle
(if equipped)
Do not use any polish protector such as
a detergent, an abrasive and a polish.
In case wax is applied, remove the wax
immediately using a silicon remover
and if any tar or tar contaminant is on
the surface, use a tar remover to clean.
However, be careful not to apply too
much pressure on the painted area.
Page 643 of 649
9-84
Maintenance
0 R L V W X U H E U H H G V F R U U R V L R Q
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 vehicle 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
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.
7 R K H O S S U H Y H Q W F R U U R V L R Q
You can help prevent corrosion from
getting started by observing the
following:
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, give 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.