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BODYWORK
MAINTENANCE
Bodywork is the basic and the most
expensive part of the vehicle. It is man-
ufactured using modern materials and
high quality anticorrosion components.
Corrosion resistance of the body is
basically secured by the manufacturer,
however, much depends on proper
maintenance, particular climatic condi-
tions, environment and storage condi-
tions.
To avoid scratches, do not remove
dust and dirt with a dry rag. It is best to
wash the vehicle immediately after a
trip with a soft sponge using a moder-
ately strong jet of water. On a summer
day wash your vehicle outdoors in a
shady place. If this is impossible, wipe
the paintwork dry immediately after
washing to avoid stains left by water
droplets drying under direct sunshine.
On a winter day wash your vehicle
indoors in a warm place and wipe dry
the paintwork and door weatherstrips
before driving out to avoid possible
negative effects of water droplets freez-
ing: paintwork cracking or weatherstrip-
to-body freezing. Do not use soda,
alkaline solutions or waste waters for
washing, since they may cause dim-
ming of the paintwork.
Before washing your vehicle, clear
out drain holes (Fig. 51) in the doors
and sills. Do not direct water jet on the
electric and electronic components,
sensors, or connectors in the engine
compartment. Inspect the condition of
electronic components and sensors’
connector boots. In case of water com-
ing inside the connector dry it with pres-
surized air and apply water repellant
substance to prevent oxidation of termi-
nals.
Carefully wash doors’ and bonnet’s
flanged joints, engine compartment
and door apertures welded joints to
avoid accumulation of dirt, which may
damage paintwork and cause corro-
sion.
In case of visible signs of corrosion
(corroded spots, blistering of paint,
etc.) abrade the affected spot with a
fine grade sandpaper to reveal uncor-
roded metal, then apply rust converter,
prime and paint the spot.
Spalling and scratching of the paint
finish, spalling of the sealer in the
wheel arches and the underbody may
be caused by mechanical actions dur-
ing vehicle operation. Corrosion of
welded joints or other bodywork joints
is not penetration corrosion, and for
that reason at early stages it can be
corrected by polishing. Timely correct
corrosion of the paint finish, which may
appear during operation, to prevent fur-
ther corrosion under the topcoat, its
lamination and blistering.
In order to enhance corrosion resis-
tance of the body, the closed internal
spaces of the door sills, side- and
crossmembers are protected with a
Fig. 51. Door and sill drain holes
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