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388 VEHICLE CARE


Dolly Towing (All-Wheel Drive Vehicles)


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Vehicles with All-Wheel Drive cannot be dolly towed.


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Appearance Care

Exterior Care

Locks

Locks are lubricated at the factory.

Use a de-icing agent only when

absolutely necessary, and have the locks greased after using. See

Recommended Fluids and Lubricants

0 408.

Washing the Vehicle

To preserve the vehicle's finish, wash it often and out of direct sunlight.


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Caution

Do not use petroleum-based, acidic, or abrasive cleaning agents as they can damage the vehicle's paint,

metal, or plastic parts. If damage

occurs, it would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Approved

cleaning products can be obtained from your dealer. Follow all

manufacturer directions regarding

(Continued)


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Caution (Continued)

correct product usage, necessary

safety precautions, and appropriate disposal of any vehicle care

product.


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Caution

Avoid using high-pressure washes closer than 30 cm (12 in) to the

surface of the vehicle. Use of power washers exceeding 8,274 kPa

(1,200 psi) can result in damage or removal of paint and decals.


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Caution

Do not power wash any component under the hood that has this e symbol.

This could cause damage that

would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.

VEHICLE CARE 389


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If using an automatic car wash, follow the car wash instructions. The

windshield wiper and rear window wiper, if equipped, must be off.

Remove any accessories that may be damaged or interfere with the car

wash equipment.

Rinse the vehicle well, before washing and after, to remove all cleaning

agents completely. If they are allowed

to dry on the surface, they could stain.

Dry the finish with a soft, clean

chamois or an all-cotton towel to avoid surface scratches and water spotting.

Finish Care

Application of aftermarket clearcoat sealant/wax materials is not

recommended. If painted surfaces are damaged, see your dealer to have the

damage assessed and repaired. Foreign materials such as calcium chloride

and other salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird

droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc., can damage the

vehicle's finish if they remain on

painted surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as possible. If necessary, use

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non-abrasive cleaners that are marked safe for painted surfaces to remove

foreign matter.

Occasional hand waxing or mild

polishing should be done to remove

residue from the paint finish. See your dealer for approved cleaning products.

Do not apply waxes or polishes to

uncoated plastic, vinyl, rubber, decals, simulated wood, or flat paint as

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damage can occur.


Caution

Machine compounding or

aggressive polishing on a basecoat/ clearcoat paint finish may damage

it. Use only non-abrasive waxes and polishes that are made for a

basecoat/clearcoat paint finish on the vehicle.


To keep the paint finish looking new, keep the vehicle garaged or covered

whenever possible.

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Protecting Exterior Bright Metal Moldings


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Caution

Failure to clean and protect the

bright metal moldings can result in a hazy white finish or pitting. This damage would not be covered by

the vehicle warranty.


The bright metal moldings on the vehicle are aluminum, chrome,

or stainless steel. To prevent damage, always follow these cleaning

instructions:

. Be sure the molding is cool to the

touch before applying any cleaning solution.

. Use only approved cleaning

solutions for aluminum, chrome, or stainless steel. Some cleaners are highly acidic or contain

alkaline substances and can damage the moldings.

. Always dilute a concentrated cleaner according to the

manufacturers instructions.

390 VEHICLE CARE


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. Do not use cleaners that are not intended for automotive use.

. Use a nonabrasive wax on the

vehicle after washing to protect and extend the molding finish.

Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses, Emblems, Decals, and Stripes

Use only lukewarm or cold water, a

soft cloth, and a car washing soap to

clean exterior lamps, lenses, emblems, decals, and stripes. Follow instructions under "Washing the Vehicle"

previously in this section.

Lamp covers are made of plastic, and

some have a UV protective coating. Do not clean or wipe them when dry.

Do not use any of the following on lamp covers:

. Abrasive or caustic agents.

. Washer fluids and other cleaning agents in higher concentrations

than suggested by the manufacturer.

. Solvents, alcohols, fuels, or other harsh cleaners.

. Ice scrapers or other hard items.

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. Aftermarket appearance caps or covers while the lamps are

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illuminated, due to excessive heat generated.


Caution

Failure to clean lamps properly can cause damage to the lamp cover

that would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.


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Caution

Using wax on low gloss black finish stripes can increase the gloss level

and create a non-uniform finish. Clean low gloss stripes with soap and water only.


Air Intakes

Clear debris from the air intakes

between the hood and windshield when washing the vehicle.

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Shutter System


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The vehicle may have a shutter

system designed to help increase fuel economy. Keep the shutter system

clean for proper operation.

Windshield and Wiper Blades

Clean the outside of the windshield with glass cleaner.

Clean rubber blades using a lint-free cloth or paper towel soaked with

windshield washer fluid or a mild detergent. Wash the windshield

thoroughly when cleaning the blades.

VEHICLE CARE 391


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Bugs, road grime, sap, and a buildup of vehicle wash/wax treatments may cause wiper streaking.

Replace the wiper blades if they are worn or damaged. Damage can be

caused by extreme dusty conditions, sand, salt, heat, sun, snow, and ice.

Weatherstrips

Apply Dielectric silicone grease on weatherstrips to make them last

longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Lubricate weatherstrips at

least once a year. Hot, dry climates may require more frequent

application. Black marks from rubber material on painted surfaces can be

removed by rubbing with a clean

cloth. See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0 408.

Tires

Use a stiff brush with tire cleaner to clean the tires.


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Caution

Using petroleum-based tire dressing products on the vehicle may

damage the paint finish and/or

tires. When applying a tire dressing, always wipe off any overspray from all painted surfaces on the vehicle.


Wheels and Trim Aluminum or Chrome

Use a soft, clean cloth with mild soap and water to clean the wheels. After

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rinsing thoroughly with clean water, dry with a soft, clean towel. A wax may then be applied.


Caution

Chrome wheels and other chrome

trim may be damaged if the vehicle is not washed after driving on roads that have been sprayed with

magnesium, calcium, or sodium

chloride. These chlorides are used on roads for conditions such as ice and dust. Always wash the chrome

with soap and water after exposure.


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Caution

To avoid surface damage, do not use strong soaps, chemicals,

abrasive polishes, cleaners, brushes, or cleaners that contain acid on

aluminum or chrome-plated wheels. Use only approved cleaners. Also,

never drive a vehicle with

aluminum or chrome-plated wheels through an automatic car wash that uses silicone carbide tire cleaning

brushes. Damage could occur and

the repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.


Brake System

Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,

cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface

condition. Inspect brake linings/shoes for wear or cracks. Inspect all other

brake parts.