Corrosion Prevention and Periodic Care

Protecting the Vehicle from Corrosion

Using state-of-the-art technology and corrosion protection methods, Hyundai manufactures high-quality vehicles. However, your help and cooperation are also required to ensure long-term corrosion protection of your Hyundai vehicle.

Common Causes of Corrosion

The most common causes of corrosion on your vehicle are:
– road salt, dirt and moisture that accumulate under the underbody of the vehicle;
– chips in paint or protective coatings caused by stones and gravel, minor scratches and dents that leave bare metal exposed to corrosion.

Moisture Causes Corrosion

Moisture creates conditions for the most intense corrosion. For example, corrosion is greatly accelerated in high humidity, especially at freezing temperatures. Under these conditions, corrosive materials contact vehicle surfaces through moisture that evaporates slowly. Dirt is a typical cause of corrosion because it dries slowly and keeps moisture in contact with the vehicle. Even if dirt appears dry, it may still contain moisture and promote corrosion. High temperatures can also promote corrosion in poorly ventilated areas of the vehicle where moisture may collect. For these reasons, it is very important to keep the vehicle clean of dirt and other accumulated materials. This applies not only to visible areas but also to the underbody of the vehicle.
In winter, spray water on the underbody of the vehicle at least once a month and thoroughly wash it after the winter season ends.
When washing the underbody, pay special attention to parts under the fenders and other areas hidden from view. Work thoroughly. Simple rinsing rather than thorough removal of accumulated dirt may accelerate corrosion rather than prevent it. High-pressure water and steam are effective at removing accumulated dirt and corrosive materials.

When cleaning the lower door panels, reinforcements and frame parts, make sure the drain holes are open so that moisture can evaporate and not collect inside, which would accelerate corrosion.

Scratches or chips in the paint must be touched up with touch-up paint as soon as possible to reduce the risk of corrosion.

Moisture may collect under floor mats and carpeting and cause corrosion. Check periodically that there is no moisture under the floor mats and carpeting.

Washing and Applying Wax

Do not wash your vehicle when its surface is heated by the sun. Always wash your vehicle in the shade.

Wash your vehicle as often as possible. Dirt is an abrasive material and can scratch the vehicle if not rinsed off. Polluted air or acid rain can damage the paint through chemical reaction if left in contact with the vehicle surface. In winter or after driving on a dirty wet road, thoroughly wash the underbody of the vehicle. Use strong water pressure to remove dirt and corrosive material buildup. Use a high-quality car wash solution and follow the manufacturer's instructions on the package. Do not use strong household cleaners, gasoline, solvents or abrasive cleaners, as they may damage the vehicle's paint.

Use a clean sponge or cloth, rinsing it frequently, and do not damage the paint with excessive rubbing. If dirt has dried on, thoroughly soak it and carefully remove it.

To clean the wheels, use a soft brush or a cloth made of coarse wool dampened in a neutral cleaning solution.

To clean plastic wheel covers, use a clean sponge or soft cloth and water.

Wash aluminum wheels with a mild neutral detergent solution or a neutral cleaning agent. Do not use abrasive cleaners. Protect unprotected metal surfaces by washing, polishing and applying wax paste. Because aluminum is subject to corrosion, pay special attention to aluminum wheels in winter. After driving on salted roads, wash such wheels thoroughly.

After washing the vehicle, dry it thoroughly. Soapy water left to dry will leave streaks on the paint.

In warm weather and low humidity, it may be necessary to wipe each part of the vehicle immediately after washing to avoid leaving streaks on the paint.
If dents or scratches are found on the paint finish, cover them with touch-up paint to prevent corrosion.

Spot Cleaning

Do not use gasoline, strong solvents or corrosive cleaning agents. They may damage the paint finish. To remove road tar, use a clean soft cloth moistened with turpentine.

To remove insect residue or tree sap, use warm water and a mild neutral detergent solution or car wash solution. Dampen a sponge and rub gently. If the finish has lost its shine, use a commercially available car polish.

Polishing and Waxing

Before applying polish or wax paste, be sure to wash and dry the vehicle.

Use only high-quality commercially available products and follow the manufacturer's instructions on the package. Polish and apply wax paste to both the paint finish and the bright trim.

Reapplying Wax

Repeat polishing and waxing when water no longer forms droplets and rolls off a clean surface, but spreads over a large area.

Bumper Care

Observe the following precautions when caring for the bumpers of your Hyundai vehicle:

Be careful not to let battery electrolyte or brake fluid get on the bumpers. If this occurs, wash the vehicle immediately with clean water.

Be careful when cleaning bumper surfaces. They are made of soft plastic and can be damaged by improper handling. Do not use abrasive cleaners.

Use warm water and a mild neutral detergent solution or car wash solution.

Do not expose bumpers to high temperatures. For example, when painting the vehicle in a high-temperature drying booth, always remove the bumpers from the vehicle.

Vinyl Upholstery Cleaning

To clean vinyl upholstery, first remove crumbs and dust with a vacuum cleaner. Then use a solution of neutral detergent in warm water, using a clean sponge or soft cloth. If stains remain on the upholstery, repeat the procedure until they are removed. Do not use gasoline, paint thinner or other strong cleaners.

Genuine Leather Upholstery Cleaning

During normal use, genuine leather upholstery, like other materials, will collect dust and dirt. It must be cleaned, since dirt can become embedded in the leather and cause damage.

Thin leather must be monitored and cleaned as necessary. Thoroughly washing the leather with soap and water will keep it shiny and it will last a very long time. Wipe the leather with a suede cloth, using a neutral detergent and warm water. Wash the leather thoroughly, wipe it dry with a damp cloth, and then dry it with a dry cloth. Do this as often as possible to prevent the leather from becoming stiff.

During tanning, a sufficient amount of oil is added to the leather, and there is no need to add oil to the leather during use. Adding oil to the leather surface provides no benefit and may even cause damage. Do not use carpet cleaners or furniture polish.

Carpet Cleaning

Use foaming carpet cleaners. Cleaners of this type may be supplied in aerosol containers, as a liquid or as a powder. Read the instructions on the package and follow them.

Use a vacuum cleaner to remove as much dirt as possible. Apply the foaming cleaner according to the manufacturer's instructions, then rub in circular motions. Do not add water. Such cleaners are most effective when applied to a dry carpet.

Cleaning Seat Belts

To clean seat belts, use a cloth or sponge moistened with a mild neutral detergent and warm water. Do not use strong cleaners, bleach or abrasive cleaners, as they may weaken the seat belt webbing.
When cleaning the belts, check them for excessive wear, fraying or other signs of damage, and replace them if necessary.

Window Washing

Any household glass cleaner may be used to wash the windows. However, when cleaning the inside of the rear window, be careful not to damage the rear window defroster heating wires.