Keep your vehicle clean

The best way to prevent corrosion is to keep the vehicle clean and to avoid exposure to aggressive materials. Pay particular attention to the underside of the vehicle.

• If you live in an area with high corrosion risk, such as where road salt is used, near the ocean, in areas with industrial pollution, acid rain, etc., take additional care to prevent corrosion. In winter, rinse the underside of the vehicle with a hose at least once a month and be sure to thoroughly clean the underbody at the end of winter.
• When cleaning the underbody of the vehicle, pay special attention to components under the fenders and other areas that are hidden from view. Perform a thorough job; merely moistening accumulated dirt rather than washing it off will accelerate corrosion rather than prevent it. High-pressure water and steam are especially effective in removing accumulated dirt and corrosive materials.
• When cleaning the lower door panels, rocker panels and frame members, make sure the drain holes remain open so that moisture can escape and does not remain trapped inside, which would accelerate corrosion.

Keep your garage dry

Do not leave the vehicle in a damp, poorly ventilated garage. This creates a favorable environment for corrosion.

This is especially true if you wash your vehicle in a garage or drive it into a garage while it is still wet or covered with snow, ice, or mud. Even a heated garage can promote corrosion if it is not well ventilated and moisture cannot dissipate.

Keep paint and finish in good condition

Scratches or chips in the paint should be touch-up painted as soon as possible to reduce the possibility of corrosion. If bare metal is showing, it is recommended that you have the vehicle repaired by a qualified body and paint shop.

Bird droppings: Bird droppings are highly corrosive and can damage painted surfaces within just a few hours.

Always remove bird droppings as soon as possible.

Do Not Neglect the Interior

Moisture may collect under floor mats and carpeting and cause corrosion.

Periodically check under the floor mats to make sure the carpet is dry. Use only the specified floor mats. Be careful when transporting fertilizers, cleaning agents, or chemicals in the vehicle.

These should only be transported in suitable containers, and any spills or leaks must be cleaned up, rinsed with clean water, and dried thoroughly.

Interior Care

General Interior Precautions

Do not allow chemicals such as perfume, cosmetic oil, sunscreen, hand cleaner, and air freshener to contact interior parts, as they may damage or discolor them. If they contact interior parts, wipe them off immediately. If necessary, use a vinyl cleaner. For proper use, refer to the product instructions.

CAUTION

Never allow water or other liquids to contact electrical or electronic components inside the vehicle, as this may cause damage.

CAUTION

When cleaning leather products (steering wheel, seats, etc.), use neutral cleaners or low-alcohol solutions. If you use high-alcohol solutions or acidic/alkaline cleaners, the leather color may fade or the surface may be damaged.

Cleaning Upholstery and Interior Trim

Vinyl

Remove dust and loose dirt from vinyl with a brush or vacuum cleaner. Clean vinyl surfaces with a vinyl cleaner.

Cloth

Remove dust and loose dirt from fabric with a brush or vacuum cleaner. Clean with a mild soap solution recommended for upholstery or carpets. Remove fresh stains immediately with a fabric stain remover. If fresh stains are not treated immediately, the fabric may become permanently stained and its color may change. In addition, its flame-retardant properties may be reduced if the material is not properly maintained.

CAUTION

Using any cleaning agents or procedures other than those recommended may affect the appearance, color, and flame-retardant properties of the fabric.

Cleaning the Seat Belt Webbing

Clean the seat belt webbing with any mild soap solution recommended for cleaning upholstery or carpet. Follow the instructions supplied with the soap. Do not bleach or dye the seat belt webbing, as this may weaken it.

Cleaning the Inside of the Window Glass

If the interior glass surfaces of the vehicle become fogged (i.e., coated with an oily, greasy, or waxy film), clean them with a glass cleaner. Follow the instructions on the glass cleaner container.

CAUTION

Do not scratch or scrape the inside of the rear window. This may damage the rear window defroster grid.