NOTE
l
If genuine leather is wet with water or is wash-
ed in water, wipe off water as quickly as pos-
sible with a dry, soft cloth. If left damp, mil-
dew may grow.
l
The genuine leather surface may be damaged
if a nylon brush or synthetic fibre is rubbed
hard against it.
l
Organic solvents such as benzine, kerosene,
alcohol and petrol, acid or alkaline solvents
may discolour the genuine leather surface.
Be sure to use neutral detergents.
l
Remove dirty patches or oil substances quick-
ly as they can stain genuine leather.
l
The genuine leather surface may harden and
shrink if it is exposed to direct sun for long
hours. When your vehicle is parked, place it
in the shade as much as possible.
Cleaning the exterior of your
vehicle
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If the following is left on your vehicle, it may
cause corrosion, discolouration and stains, wash
the vehicle as soon as possible.
l
Seawater, road deicing products.
l
Soot and dust, iron powder from factories,
chemical substance (acids, alkalis, coal-tar,
etc.).
l
Droppings from birds, carcasses of insects,
tree sap, etc.
Washing
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Chemicals contained in the dirt and dust picked up
from the road surface can damage the paint coat
and body of your vehicle if left in prolonged contact.
Frequent washing and waxing is the best way to pro-
tect your vehicle from this damage. This will also
be effective in protecting it from environmental el-
ements such as rain, snow, salt air, etc.
Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight. Park the
vehicle in the shade and spray it with water to re-
move dust. Next, using an ample amount of clean
water and a car washing brush or sponge, wash the
vehicle from top to bottom.
Use a mild car washing soap if necessary. Rinse
thoroughly and wipe dry with a soft cloth. After
washing the vehicle, carefully clean the joints and
flanges of the doors, bonnet and other sections
where dirt is likely to remain.
WARNING
l
Do not wash the vehicle while charging
the traction battery.
Doing so could cause fire or an electric
shock.
l
Before washing the vehicle, make sure
that the charging lid and the inner lid are
completely closed.
If the lid is open, the charging unit is ex-
posed to water, resulting in fire or an elec-
tric shock.
l
Do not pour water inside the electric mo-
tor unit room. Doing so could cause fire
or an electric shock.
l
When washing the vehicle, turn the elec-
tric motor switch to the “LOCK” position.
l
Do not use a high pressure washing ma-
chine to clean the underneath of the vehi-
cle.
Doing so might cause the electric motor
unit problem or malfunction.
l
When washing the underside of your vehi-
cle or wheel, be careful not to injure your
hands.
l
Refrain from excessively using a car wash
as its brushes may scratch the paint sur-
face, causing it to lose its gloss. Scratches
will be especially visible on darker col-
oured vehicles.
l
Never spray or splash water on the electri-
cal components in the bonnet room.
Exercise caution also when washing the
underbody; be careful not to spray water
into the bonnet room.
l
Some types of hot water washing equip-
ment apply high pressure and heat to the
Vehicle care and Maintenance
8-03
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