Body care

A well-maintained vehicle lasts longer. For this reason, regular cleaning of the vehicle's exterior is recommended.

Your vehicle was protected against corrosion during the manufacturing process. However, this does not mean it is completely immune to the following factors.

Atmospheric factors causing corrosion

• air pollution (cities and heavily industrialised areas),
• high salt concentration in the air (coastal areas, especially during hot weather),
• variable climatic conditions, including, depending on the season, varying air humidity (salt spread on roads in winter, water left after road washing, etc.).

Road accidents

Factors causing abrasion of protective coatings: dust in the air, sand, mud, gravel and stones thrown up from the wheels of other vehicles...

Following minimum precautions will provide effective protection against the factors described above.

What to avoid

Degreasing or cleaning mechanical components (e.g. engine bay), the underbody, parts with hinges (e.g.

interior of doors) and painted plastic parts (e.g. bumpers) using high-pressure washers or with chemical products not approved by our technical departments. Failure to observe these precautions risks oxidation or faulty operation of mechanisms.

Washing the vehicle in full sun or during frost.

Removing mud or dirt without first wetting it with water.

Allowing excessive dirt to build up on the bodywork.

Allowing corrosion to spread from minor paint damage.

Removing stains with solvents not recommended by the Technical Departments, which may damage the paintwork.

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

Preventive measures

The vehicle should be washed frequently, with the engine switched off, using products recommended by our technical services (never use abrasive products).

Rinse thoroughly with a stream of water:

• tree resin stains or industrial fallout;
• mud, which accumulates in the form of damp clumps in the wheel arches and on underbody components;
• bird droppings, which react chemically with the paint and cause rapid discoloration of the paint, or even flaking; these deposits must be removed immediately, as the longer they remain on the paint surface, the more difficult they will be to remove later, even by polishing;
• salt, especially from the underbody and wheel arches after driving on roads that have been treated with anti-icing agents.

Plant deposits (resin traces, leaves, etc.) must be removed from the vehicle regularly.

Observe the regulations in force in your country regarding vehicle washing (e.g. washing the vehicle on public roads is not permitted).

Maintain a safe distance between vehicles, especially on gravel roads, to avoid damage to the paint finish.

As soon as paint damage is noticed, apply touch-up paint or have it applied, to prevent corrosion from developing.

If the vehicle is covered by an anti-corrosion warranty, remember to have it inspected periodically. See the service booklet.

If it becomes necessary to remove deposits from mechanical components, hinges, etc., they must be re-protected, using products approved by our Technical Services.

Authorised Renault Partners can supply suitable special cleaning products.

Special features of vehicles with matt paint

This type of paint requires certain precautions.

What to avoid

• using wax-based products (polishing);
• intensive polishing;
• driving through an automatic car wash;
• washing the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner;
• sticking stickers onto the paint (risk of leaving marks).

Preventive measures

Wash the vehicle by hand with a generous stream of water, using a soft cloth, a gentle sponge, etc.

Driving into an automatic car wash

Set the wiper lever to the stop position (see the "Wipers, windscreen washers" section in Chapter 1). Check that external accessories, auxiliary lights and exterior mirrors are secured, and fix the wiper blades with adhesive tape.

Remove the radio antenna, if the vehicle is equipped with one.

After washing, remember to remove the adhesive tape and refit the antenna.

Cleaning the headlamps

Use a soft cloth or cotton wool to clean the plastic headlamp lenses. If this is not sufficient, dampen them with soapy water, then rinse with a soft cloth or cotton wool.

After washing, gently wipe with a dry, soft cloth.

Do not use products containing alcohol.