Maintenance
568
Appearance care
sion is accelerated by high humidity,
particularly when temperatures are just
above freezing. The corrosive material is
kept in contact with the vehicle's surface
by moisture that evaporates slowly.
Mud is particularly corrosive because it
dries slowly and holds moisture in the
vehicle. Although the mud appears to be
dry, it can still retain moisture and pro
-
mote corrosion.
High temperatures can also accelerate
corrosion of parts that are not properly
ventilated so the moisture can be dis
-
persed. 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 also to the underside of the vehicle.
To help prevent corrosion
You can help prevent corrosion from
starting by observing the following:
Keep your vehicle clean
The best way to prevent corrosion is to
keep your vehicle clean and free of cor
-
rosive materials. Attention to the under
-
side 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,
pay particular attention to the compo
-
nents under the fenders and other areas
that are hidden from view. Do a thor
-
ough job. Merely dampening the accu
-
mulated mud rather than washing it
away will accelerate corrosion rather
than prevent it. Water under high pres
-
sure and steam are particularly effective
in removing accumulated mud and cor
-
rosive materials.
When cleaning lower door panels, rocker
panels and frame members, be sure that
drain holes are kept open so that mois
-
ture 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.
Keep paint and trim in good con
-
dition
Scratches or chips in the finish should be
covered with "touch-up" paint as soon as
possible to reduce the possibility of cor
-
rosion. If bare metal is showing through,
the attention of a qualified body and
paint shop is recommended.
Bird droppings: 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. Take particular
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