09
9-69
Bright-metal maintenance
[ To remove road tar and insects, use
a tar remover, not a scraper or other
sharp object.
[ To protect the surfaces of bright metal
parts from corrosion, apply a coating
of wax or chrome preservative and rub
to a high luster.
[ During winter weather or in coastal
areas, cover the bright metal parts
with a heavier coating of wax or
preservative. If necessary, coat the
parts with non-corrosive petroleum
jelly or other protective compound.
Underbody maintenance
Corrosive materials used for ice and
snow removal and dust control may
collect on the underbody. If these
materials are not removed, accelerated
rusting can occur on underbody parts
such as the fuel lines, frame, floor pan
and exhaust system, even though they
have been treated with rust protection.
Thoroughly flush the vehicle underbody
and wheel openings with lukewarm or
cold water once a month, after off-road
driving and at the end of each winter. Pay
special attention to these areas because
it is difficult to see all the mud and dirt.
It will do more harm than good to wet
down the road grime without removing
it. The lower edges of doors, rocker
panels, and frame members have drain
holes that should not be allowed to clog
with dirt; trapped water in these areas
can cause rusting.
WARNING
After washing the vehicle, test the
brakes while driving slowly to see if
they have been affected by water. If
braking performance is impaired, dry
the brakes by applying them lightly
while maintaining a slow forward
speed.
Aluminum wheel maintenance
The aluminum wheels are coated with a
clear protective finish.
[ 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.
Maintenance9-72
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
vehicle interior surfaces.
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
Vehicle interior surfaces (if equipped)
Remove dust and loose dirt from interior
surf
aces with a whisk broom or a vacuum
cleaner.
If necessary, clean interior surfaces with
a mixture of warm water and mild non-
detergent cleaner (test all cleaners on a
concealed area before use).
Fabric (if equipped)
Remove dust and loose dirt from
f
abric 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.
NOTICE
Using anything but recommended
cleaners and procedures may affect the
fabric’s appearance and fire-resistant
properties.
