10-3
SECTION 10 –
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
NOTE: If you use a polish or a cleaning
compound that does not contain a wax
preservative, we recommend reapplying
a coat of hard wax after cleaning or
polishing the finish.
EXTERIOR GRAPHIC CARE
The pressure-sensitive graphics on your
vehicle require very little maintenance. In order
to allow the graphics to have the longest life
possible, the following steps should be taken.
•
Wash graphics with plain soap and water or
any car wash detergent. Rinse thoroughly.
•
High pressure water spray may loosen or
damage graphics. Keep spray nozzle at least
1 1/2 feet from the edge of the graphics.
•
Test any cleaning solution on a small section
of graphic before using.
•
Never use aromatic solvents such as acetone,
M.E.K., toulene, paint thinner or lacquer
thinner on graphics. Solvents may soften the
vinyl and smear colors.
•
Gasoline or other fuels spilled on graphics
should be rinsed off immediately with water.
•
Do not apply paint or clearcoat over the
graphics.
•
Do not apply wax over the graphics,
especially wax containing petroleum
distillates. Wax that has dried along the edge
of a graphic can be removed with cotton
swabs after softening it with isopropyl
alcohol. Rinse area thoroughly after cleaning.
PLASTIC PARTS – CLEANING
Many parts in your vehicle, such as the dash,
exterior light lenses, and certain exterior body
panels are made of high-impact plastic materials
that can be damaged by wiping with solvents or
improper cleaning products.
Always try cleaning plastic parts with the
mildest cleaners first and work your way up to
stronger cleaning products. Use the following
cautionary lists as a guide when selecting
cleaning products to use on plastic parts.
Here is a list of mild cleaners that
may be used
safely
:
•
Car washing soap and water
•
Glass cleaners
without
ammonia
•
Mineral oil
•
Multipurpose cleaners (such as Fantastik
®
,
Formula 409
®
, etc.)
The following products, compounds, or solvents
must be
wiped off immediately
to avoid
damage:
•
Ammonia
•
Brake fluid
•
Bathroom basin, tub, and tile cleaners
•
Chlorine
•
Ethyl alcohol
•
Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol
•
Kerosene or gasoline
•
Naphthalene
•
Pine-type household cleaners
Do not use
cleaners containing the following
products, compounds, or solvents. These
products
will damage
the finish.
•
Acetic acid
•
Acetone (nail polish remover)
•
Aromatic solvents (lacquer thinners)
•
Benzene
•
Butyl alcohol
NOTICE
Do not use citrus-based cleaners on
polycarbonate finishes. Citric compounds
will damage the high-gloss surface,
causing it to appear dull or “flat”. Always
test a cleaning product on a hidden area
to be sure it will not cause damage to the
appearance of the part.