Maserati Quattroporte Automatic, Owner'S Manual

Page: 253 / 272

8
Bodywork
253
Normal paint maintenance consists in
washing, the frequency of which
depends on the conditions of use and
of the environment. For example, in
areas where there is high atmospheric
pollution or the roads are spread with
anti-freeze salt, it is advisable to wash
the vehicle more frequently.
WARNING: Detergents pollute water.
Therefore the vehicle should be
washed in areas equipped for the
collection and purification of the fluids
used for washing.
WARNING: If you are washing the
vehicle with roller brushes, you must
protect the edges of the rear, lateral
brand symbol with tape, to prevent it
from being detached by the revolving
brushes.
For correct washing:
– Wet the bodywork with a low-
pressure water jet.
– Pass a sponge with a light detergent
solution over the bodywork,
frequently rinsing the sponge.
– Rinse well with water and dry with
an air jet or chamois leather.
When drying, take particular care with
the parts that are less visible, such as
the door and lid bays, headlight edges,
in which water can be trapped more
easily.
You are recommended not to take the
vehicle immediately into an enclosed
environment, but leave it in the open
air so as to allow the water to
evaporate.
Do not wash the vehicle after it has
been left in the sun or when the
engine lid is hot: the paint gloss could
be affected.
External plastic parts must be cleaned
with the same procedure followed for
the normal washing of the vehicle.
Avoid, as far as possible, parking the
vehicle under trees; the resinous
substances that very often drop from
the trees give the paint a dull
appearance and increase the
possibility of originating corrosive
processes.
WARNING: Bird droppings must be
washed off immediately and
thoroughly, since their acidity is
particularly corrosive.
WARNING: To provide better
protection for the paint, polish the
vehicle at intervals with a suitable
product leaving a protective film on
the paint.
Windows
To clean the windows use special
detergents.
Only use clean cloths so as not to
scratch the windows or rendering
them less transparent.
WARNING: In order not to damage the
electric elements fitted inside the
heated rear window, rub gently
following the direction of the
elements.
Engine compartment
At the end of each winter season,
carefully wash the engine
compartment, remembering to avoid
directing the jet of water for too long
on the ECUs on the left-hand side, next
to the brake fluid tank, and on the
relay and fuse boxes on the right-hand
side of the engine compartment
(driving direction). To perform this
operation, you must contact a
specialised workshop.
WARNING: Wash only when the
engine is cold and with the ignition
key turned to STOP. After washing,
make sure that the various protections
(e.g. rubber boots/caps, guards etc.)
have not been removed or damaged.
M139_UM_ing.book Page 253 Friday, September 5, 2008 8:19 AM