Body care

A well-maintained vehicle lasts longer. It is therefore recommended to clean the exterior of the vehicle regularly.

Your vehicle benefits from high-performance anti-corrosion techniques. It is nevertheless subject to the action of various factors.

Corrosive atmospheric agents

• atmospheric pollution (towns and industrial areas),
• salinity of the atmosphere (mainly in coastal areas in hot weather),
• seasonal and humidity-related weather conditions (salt spread on the road in winter, water used to clean the streets...).

Traffic incidents

Abrasive actions

Airborne dust, sand, mud, gravel thrown up by other vehicles... A minimum of precautions is required to protect yourself against these risks.

What you must not do

Degrease or clean mechanical components (e.g. engine compartment), underbody, parts with hinges (e.g. inside of doors) and painted exterior plastic parts (e.g. bumpers) using high-pressure cleaning equipment or sprays of products not approved by our technical departments. This could cause risks of corrosion or malfunction.

Wash the vehicle in full sun or when it is freezing.

Scraping off mud or dirt without soaking it first.

Allow exterior soiling to build up.

Letting rust develop from accidental damage.

Removing stains with solvents not selected by our departments, which may attack the paintwork.

Driving in snow and mud without washing the vehicle, especially the wheel arches and underbody.

What you should do

Wash your vehicle frequently, engine off, with shampoos selected by our departments (never abrasive products). Rinse thoroughly with a jet of water beforehand to remove:

• tree resin or industrial pollution;
• mud, which forms wet deposits in the wheel arches and underbody;
• Bird droppings, which cause a chemical reaction with the paint leading to rapid discoloration that can go as far as paint peeling; it is essential to wash the vehicle immediately to remove these stains, as they cannot be removed by polishing;
• salt, especially in the wheel arches and underbody, after driving in areas where de-icing chemicals have been spread.

Regularly remove vegetable deposits (resin, leaves, etc.) from the vehicle.

Observe local regulations on vehicle washing (e.g. do not wash your vehicle on the public highway).

Keep your distance from other vehicles when driving on gravel roads to avoid damaging your paintwork.

Have paint damage touched up promptly to prevent corrosion from spreading.

Do not forget the periodic inspections if your vehicle is covered by an anti-corrosion warranty. Refer to the service document.

If mechanical components, hinges, etc. have had to be cleaned, they must be protected again by spraying products approved by our Technical Departments.

We have selected special maintenance products, which you will find at the brand's shops.

Special features of vehicles with matte paint

This type of paint requires certain precautions.

What you must not do

• use wax-based products (polishing);
• rub vigorously;
• drive the vehicle through an automatic car wash;
• wash the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner;
• stick stickers on the paint (risk of marking).

What you should do

Wash the vehicle thoroughly by hand with plenty of water, using a soft cloth, a soft sponge...

Driving through an automatic car wash

Return the windscreen wiper control to the Off position (refer to the "Front windscreen wipers and washer" section in chapter 1). Check that exterior equipment, auxiliary lights and mirrors are secure, and take care to secure the wiper blades with adhesive tape.

Remove the radio antenna mast if the vehicle has one.

Remember to remove the adhesive tape and refit the antenna once washing is complete.

Cleaning the headlamps

As the headlights are fitted with plastic "lenses", use a soft cloth or cotton wool. If this is not sufficient, dampen it slightly with soapy water, then always rinse with a soft cloth or cotton wool.

Finish by gently wiping with a dry, soft cloth.

The use of alcohol-based products is to be avoided.