Underbody Maintenance

Road salt and other corrosive chemicals are used in cold weather to melt snow and prevent ice buildup. If these chemicals are not removed regularly, they corrode the underbody and, over time, damage fuel lines, fuel tank mounting system, suspension, exhaust system, and even the body frame.

• Wash the underbody regularly in winter and whenever your vehicle has been exposed to such salts or chemicals.
• Thoroughly wash the underbody at the end of winter.
• Use professional service technicians or government inspection stations to check for corrosion annually.
• Have your vehicle inspected immediately if you visually notice corrosion flaking or scaling, or if you notice any change in the vehicle, such as soft or spongy brakes, fluid leakage, steering control deviation, suspension noise, or rattling metal belts.

Aluminum Wheel Care

Aluminum wheels are coated with a clear protective lacquer.

• Do not use abrasive cleaners, polishing compounds, solvents, or wire brushes on aluminum wheels. They may scratch the coating.
• Clean the wheel when it has cooled down.
• Use only mild soap or a neutral detergent and rinse thoroughly with water. Always clean the wheels after driving on salted roads. This helps prevent corrosion.
• Avoid washing wheels with high-speed vehicle wash brushes.
• Do not use alkaline or acidic cleaners, as they may damage or corrode clear-coated aluminum wheels.