Fiat 500L 2013, Owner'S Handbook Manual

Page: 264 / 420

PRESERVING THE BODYWORK
Paint
Touch up abrasions and scratches immediately to
prevent the formation of rust.
Maintenance of paintwork consists of washing the
car: the frequency depends on the conditions and
environment where the car is used. For example, in
highly polluted areas, or if the roads are spread
with salt, it is advisable to wash the car more
frequently.
To wash the car correctly, proceed as follows:
❒
remove the aerial from the roof to prevent damage
to it if the car is washed in an automatic system;
❒
if high pressure jets or cleaners are used to wash
the car, keep a distance of at least 40 cm from
the bodywork to avoid damage or alteration.
It should be remembered that the build up
of water can damage the car over a period of time;
❒
wash the body using a low pressure jet of water;
❒
wipe the bodywork using a sponge with a slightly
soapy solution, frequently rinsing the sponge;
❒
rinse well with water and dry with a jet of air or a
chamois leather.
Dry the less visible parts (e.g. door frames, bonnet,
headlight frames etc.) with special care, as water may
stagnate more easily in these areas. The car should
not be taken to a closed area immediately, but
left outside so that residual water can evaporate.
Do not wash the car after it has been left in the sun
or with the bonnet hot: this may alter the shine of
the paintwork.
Exterior plastic parts must be cleaned in the same
way as the rest of the car.
Avoid parking under trees as much as possible; the
resin from trees dulls the paintwork and increases
the possibility of corrosion.
IMPORTANT Bird droppings must be washed off
immediately and thoroughly as the acid they contain
is particularly aggressive.
Detergents pollute the environment. Only
wash your car in areas equipped to collect
and treat wastewater from this type of
activity.
In order to preserve the aesthetic
properties of the paintwork, abrasive
products and/or polishes should not be
used to clean the car.
260
GETTINGTO KNOW
YOURCAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX