Exterior Care

Exterior General Precautions

It is very important to follow the instructions on the label of any chemical cleaning or polishing product. Read all warnings and cautions printed on the label.

Complete the Maintenance

Washing

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

If you use your vehicle for off-road driving, you should wash it after each off-road trip. Pay special attention to removing any accumulation of salt, mud, dirt, and other foreign materials. Make sure the drain holes in the lower edges of the doors and the rocker panels are kept clean.

Insects, tree sap, tree resin, bird droppings, industrial fallout, and similar deposits may damage your vehicle's finish if not removed immediately.

Even a quick wash with plain water cannot completely remove all of these deposits. You may use a mild soap that is safe for painted surfaces.

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

WARNING

After washing the vehicle, test the brakes at low speed to check whether they have been affected by water. If braking performance has decreased, dry the brakes by applying them lightly while maintaining a slow forward speed.

High-Pressure Washing

• When using a high-pressure washer, keep a sufficient distance from the vehicle. Insufficient clearance or excessive pressure may cause damage or water intrusion.
• Do not spray high-pressure water directly at the camera, sensors, or the area around them. Impact from high-pressure water may damage the device and prevent it from operating normally.
• Do not hold the spray nozzle close to boots (rubber or plastic covers) or connectors, as they may be damaged by high-pressure water.

CAUTION - Wet Engine

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

Waxing

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

Always wash and dry the vehicle before applying wax. 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 re-apply wax to these areas, even if the rest of the vehicle does not yet need waxing.

Do not apply wax to embossed unpainted parts, as this may cause them to become dull.

CAUTION - Drying the Vehicle

• Wiping dust or dirt from the body with a dry cloth may scratch the finish.
• Do not use steel wool, abrasive cleaners, acidic cleaners, or strong cleaners with high alkali or caustic content on chrome or anodized aluminum parts. This may damage the protective coating and cause discoloration or wear of the paint.