Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior

To protect the vehicle and keep it in excellent condition, perform the following operations:

• Starting from the top and working down, spray water over the body, wheel housings and underbody of the vehicle to remove all traces of dirt and dust.
• Wash the body using a sponge or soft cloth, such as a chamois.
• For hard-to-clean areas, use soapy water and rinse thoroughly.
• Remove water residue.
• When the water-repellent coating begins to deteriorate, wax the vehicle.

If water does not bead on the washed surface, apply a coat of wax when the body is cold.

Vehicles with a soft top: Using a vacuum cleaner on the outer soft top before washing helps remove dust and foreign matter.

Proceed as follows:

• Use a brush to remove loose dirt, then rinse the surface with water from a hose at low pressure.
• Using a sponge, wash with a solution of neutral soap (hand soap) in lukewarm water.
• Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap.

■ Automatic car washes

• Vehicles with a soft top: Do not use automatic car washes.
• Fold in the mirrors and remove the antenna before washing the vehicle. Start washing from the front of the vehicle. Remember to reinstall the antenna and unfold the outside rear view mirrors before driving.
• The brushes used in automatic car washes may scratch and damage the vehicle paint.
• In some automatic car washes, it may not be possible to wash the rear spoiler. In addition, there may be a greater risk of damaging the vehicle.

■ High-pressure car washes

• Vehicles with a soft top: Do not use high-pressure car washes.
• Make sure the car wash nozzles do not get too close to the windows.
• Before using a car wash, make sure the fuel filler door is properly closed.

■ Aluminum wheels (if equipped)

• Remove any dirt immediately using a neutral cleaner. Do not use hard brushes or abrasive cleaners. Do not use strong or aggressive chemical cleaners.

Use the same neutral detergent and wax that are used on the paint.

Do not use wheel cleaners when the wheels are very hot, for example after driving long distances in high temperatures.

Rinse wheel cleaner off thoroughly immediately after use.

■ Bumpers Do not rub with abrasive cleaners.

WARNING

■ When cleaning the windshield Front sensor installation area on the windshield:

■ When washing the vehicle Do not use water inside the engine compartment. Otherwise, electrical components, etc. may catch fire.

■ Exhaust tail pipe precautions Exhaust gases make the exhaust tail pipe extremely hot.

When washing the vehicle, be careful not to touch the exhaust tail pipe until it has cooled sufficiently, as contact with a hot exhaust tail pipe may cause burns.

NOTE

■ To prevent paint deterioration and corrosion of the body and components (aluminum wheels, etc.)

• Wash the vehicle immediately in the following cases:

• After driving along the coast
• After driving on roads where salt has been spread
• If tar or resin is present on the paint
• If dead insects, insect droppings or bird droppings are present on the painted surface
• After driving in an area contaminated with soot, oily smoke, mine dust, iron powder or chemicals
• If the vehicle becomes too dirty with dust or mud
• If liquids such as benzene or gasoline are splashed on the paint

• If the paint is chipped or scratched, have it repaired immediately.
• To prevent corrosion, remove dirt from the wheels and store them in a place that is not highly humid.

■ Cleaning the exterior lights

• Wash carefully. Do not use any organic substances or rub with hard brushes.

The light lens surfaces may be damaged.

Do not apply wax to the light lens surfaces.

Wax may damage the lenses.

■ Antenna installation and removal precautions

• Before driving, make sure the antenna is installed.
• When the antenna is removed, for example before entering an automatic car wash, make sure to store it in a suitable place so that it is not lost. Also, before driving, make sure to reinstall the antenna in its original position.

■ When using a high-pressure car wash Do not bring the nozzle close to gaskets (rubber or resin covers), connectors or the following parts. Components may be damaged if they come into contact with high-pressure water jets.

• Traction-related components
• Steering components
• Suspension components
• Brake components

■ Cleaning the soft top (if equipped)

• Remove bird droppings from the fabric immediately, as they are corrosive and may damage it.
• Do not use organic substances (gasoline, kerosene, benzene or aggressive solvents), which may be toxic or cause damage.
• Do not use aggressive or abrasive cleaners, which may damage the soft top material.
• Do not use water repellents, wax or other protective coatings, as they may stain the soft top material.
• Never use high-pressure water jets to wash the soft top. Excessive water jet pressure could force water past the seal.
• Do not use automatic car washes. The outer soft top may be damaged.