Complete the Maintenance

Washing

To protect the paint finish of your vehicle from rust and wear, wash it thoroughly with warm or cold water at least once a month.

If you use your vehicle for off-road driving, wash it after each off-road trip. Pay special attention to removing any accumulations of salt, mud, dirt, and other foreign materials. Make sure the drain holes in the lower door edges and sills are kept clean. Insects, resin, tree sap, bird droppings, industrial fallout, and similar deposits may damage the finish of your vehicle if not removed immediately.

Even a quick wash with plain water may not completely remove all of these deposits. A mild soap that is safe for painted surfaces may be used.

After washing, rinse the vehicle thoroughly with warm or cold water. Do not allow soap to dry on the finish.

CAUTION

• Do not use strong soap, chemical cleaners, or hot water, and do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight or when the body of the vehicle is warm.
• Be careful when washing the windows of your vehicle. Especially with high-pressure water, water may leak through the windows and wet the interior.
• To avoid damaging plastic parts and lamps, do not clean them with chemical solvents or strong cleaners.

WARNING - Wet Brakes

After washing the vehicle, check the brakes at low speed to make sure they have not been affected by water. If braking efficiency is reduced, dry the brakes by applying them lightly while maintaining a slow forward speed.

High-Pressure Washing

When using a high-pressure car wash to clean the exterior of your vehicle, be aware that without observing proper precautions, it may cause damage to your vehicle.

• Never allow the high-pressure washer nozzle to come too close to windows, soft materials, the lighting system (headlights, taillights, and the like), the camera, sensors, bumpers, rubber parts (including tires), or the underbody of the vehicle.
• High pressure can damage these parts, especially if sprayed from a short distance. Never direct the washer at one specific point on the vehicle for a long time. Using a high-pressure car wash nozzle on one spot for an extended time may cause damage to the vehicle.
• Even during high-pressure washing, when the nozzle is applied from a distance for only a limited time, always keep in mind that a direct stream can significantly affect the vehicle surface.
• Always use high-pressure car washes that supply a jet spray nozzle system; the nozzle system should not be a direct stream.

CAUTION

• Washing the engine compartment with water, including high-pressure water rinsing, may cause damage to electrical circuits located in the engine compartment.
• Never allow water or other liquids to contact electrical/electronic components and air ducts inside the vehicle, as this may damage them.

Waxing

Wax the vehicle when water no longer beads on the paint.

Always wash and dry the vehicle before waxing. Use a quality liquid or paste wax and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Apply wax to all metal trim to protect it and maintain its shine.

Removing oil, resin, and similar materials with a spot remover will usually remove wax from the finish. Be sure to reapply wax to these areas, even if the rest of the vehicle does not yet need waxing.

CAUTION

• Removing dust or dirt from the body with a dry cloth will scratch the finish.
• Do not use steel wool, abrasive cleaners, or strong detergents containing highly alkaline or caustic substances on chrome or anodized aluminum parts. This may damage the protective coating and cause discoloration or wear of the finish.