Maintenance
8-68
•
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.
