Appearance Care; Maintenance and Care; Dry off brakes that have become - Page 400

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Maintenance and Care

Appearance Care

To minimize scratches on the vehicle's 

paint finish:



 Rinse off any dirt or other foreign matter 

using lukewarm or cold water before 

washing.



 Use plenty of lukewarm or cold water 

and a soft cloth when washing the 

vehicle. Do not use a nylon cloth.



 Rub gently when washing or drying the 

vehicle.



 Take your vehicle only to a car wash 

that keeps its brushes well maintained.



 Do not use abrasive cleansers or wax 

that contain abrasives.

CAUTION

Do not use steel wool, abrasive 

cleaners, or strong detergents 

containing highly alkaline or caustic 

agents on chrome-plated or anodized 

aluminum parts. This may damage the 

protective coating; also, cleaners and 

detergents may discolor or deteriorate 

the paint.

Pay special attention to removing salt, dirt, 

mud, and other foreign material from the 

underside of the fenders, and make sure 

the drain holes in the lower edges of the 

doors and rocker panels are clean.

Insects, tar, tree sap, bird droppings, 

industrial fallout, and similar deposits 

can damage the finish if not removed 

immediately. When prompt washing with 

plain water is ineffective, use a mild soap 

made for use on vehicles.

Thoroughly rinse off all soap with 

lukewarm or cold water. Do not allow 

soap to dry on the finish.

After washing the vehicle, dry it with a 

clean chamois to prevent water spots from 

forming.

WARNING

Dry off brakes that have become 

wet by driving slowly, releasing the 

accelerator pedal and lightly applying 

the brakes several times until the brake 

performance returns to normal:

Driving with wet brakes is dangerous. 

Increased stopping distance or the 

vehicle pulling to one side when 

braking could result in a serious 

accident. Light braking will indicate 

whether the brakes have been affected.

Waxing

Your vehicle needs to be waxed when 

water no longer beads on the finish.

Always wash and dry the vehicle before 

waxing it. In addition to the vehicle body, 

wax the metal trim to maintain its luster.

1.  Use wax which contains no abrasives.

  Waxes containing abrasive will remove 

paint and could damage bright metal 

parts.

2.  Use a good grade of natural wax for 

metallic, mica, and solid colors.

3.  When waxing, coat evenly with the 

sponge supplied or a soft cloth.

4.  Wipe off the wax with a soft cloth.

NOTE

A spot remover to remove oil, tar, and 

similar materials will usually also take off 

the wax. Rewax these areas even if the rest 

of the vehicle does not need it.

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