Maintenance
Keep your vehicle clean and free of mud or accumulations of other materials. This ap
plies not only to the visible surfaces but particularly to the underside of the vehicle.
To help prevent corrosion
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, ar
eas 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 particu
larly 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 mois
ture 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.
Don't neglect the interior
Moisture can collect under the floor mats and carpeting and cause corrosion. Check
under the mats periodically to be sure the carpeting is dry. Use particular care if you
carry fertilizers, cleaning materials or chemicals in the vehicle.
These should be carried only in proper containers and any spills or leaks should be
cleaned up, flushed with clean water and thoroughly dried.
Interior care
Read all warning and caution statements that appear on the label and follow the label
directions when using any chemical cleaner or polish.
820
To Next Page
Loading...
