Hyundai SANTA FE 2017, Owner'S Manual, Page: 539 / 569

7 91
Maintenance
High-corrosion areas
If you live in an area where your car
is regularly exposed to corrosive
materials, corrosion protection is
particularly important. Some of the
common causes of accelerated cor-
rosion are road salts, dust control
chemicals, ocean air and industrial
pollution.
Moisture breeds corrosion
Moisture creates an atmosphere that
both promotes and facilitates corro-
sion. For example, corrosion is accel-
erated by high humidity, particularly
when temperatures are just above
freezing. In such conditions, the cor-
rosive material is kept in contact with
the car surfaces by moisture that is
slow to evaporate.
Mud is particularly corrosive
because it is slow to dry and holds
moisture in contact with the vehicle.
Although the mud appears to be dry,
it can still retain the moisture and
promote corrosion.
High temperatures can also acceler-
ate corrosion of parts that are poorly
ventilated against moisture disperal.
It is particularly important to keep your
car clean and free of mud or accumu-
lations of other materials. This applies
not only to the visible surfaces but par-
ticularly to the underside of the car.
To help prevent corrosion
You can help prevent corrosion or
drastically limit by observing the fol-
lowing:
Keep your car clean
The best way to prevent corrosion is
to keep your car clean and free of
corrosive materials. Attention to the
underside of the car is particularly
important.
• If you live in a high-corrosion area
where road salts are used, near
the ocean, areas with industrial
pollution, or acid rain, etc., you
should take extra care to prevent
corrosion. In winter, spray or rinse
the underside of your car at least
once a month and be sure to clean
the underside thoroughly when
winter is over.
• When cleaning underneath the car,
give particular attention to the
components under the fenders and
other areas that are hidden from
view. Do a thorough job; just damp-
ening the accumulated mud rather
than washing it away will acceler-
ate corrosion rather than prevent
it. Water under high pressure and
steam are particularly effective in
removing accumulated mud and
corrosive materials.