Kia E-Soul, Owner'S Manual, Page: 525 / 574

• Removal of paint or protective coat‐
ings by stones, gravel, abrasion or
minor scrapes and dents which leave
unprotected metal exposed to corro‐
sion.
High-corrosion areas
If you live in an area where your vehicle
is regularly exposed to corrosive mate‐
rials, corrosion protection is particularly
important. Some of the common cau‐
ses of accelerated corrosion are road
salts, dust control chemicals, ocean air
and industrial pollution.
Moisture breeds corrosion
Moisture creates the conditions in
which corrosion is most likely to occur.
For example, corrosion is accelerated
by high humidity, particularly when
temperatures are just above freezing.
In such conditions, the corrosive mate‐
rial is kept in contact with the vehicle’s
surface by moisture that evaporate
slowly.
Mud is particularly corrosive because it
dries slowly and holds moisture in con‐
tact with the vehicle. Although the mud
appears to be dry, it can still retain
moisture and promote corrosion.
High temperatures can also accelerate
corrosion of parts that are not properly
ventilated so the moisture can be dis‐
persed.
For all these reasons, it is particularly
important to keep your vehicle clean
and free of mud or accumulations of
other materials. This applies not only to
the visible surfaces but particularly to
the underside of the vehicle.
To help prevent corrosion
You can help prevent corrosion from
getting started by observing the fol‐
lowing:
n Keep your car clean
The best way to prevent corrosion is to
keep your car clean and free of corro‐
sive materials. Attention to the under‐
side 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,
acid rain, etc.—, you should take ex‐
tra care to prevent corrosion. In win‐
ter, hose off 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 com‐
ponents under the fenders and other
areas that are hidden from view. Do a
thorough job; just dampening the ac‐
cumulated mud rather than washing
it away will accelerate corrosion rath‐
er than prevent it. Water under high
pressure and steam are particularly
effective in removing accumulated
mud and corrosive materials.
• When cleaning lower door panels,
rocker panels and frame members,
be sure that drain holes are kept
open so that moisture can escape
and not be trapped inside to acceler‐
ate corrosion.
n Keep your garage dry
Don't park your vehicle in a damp, poor‐
ly ventilated garage. This creates a fa‐
vorable environment for corrosion. This
is particularly true if you wash your ve‐
hicle in the garage or drive it into the
garage when it is still wet or covered
with snow, ice or mud. Even a heated
garage can contribute to corrosion un‐
less it is well ventilated so moisture is
dispersed.
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Maintenance