Get SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE -> BODYWORK Guide for Fiat 500 C 2 Door Second Generation (2016-2020)

272 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

BODYWORK

WARNING!

Protection From Atmospheric Agents

The temperature grade for this tire is established for

a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.

Excessive speed, under-inflation, or excessive load-

ing, either separately or in combination, can cause

heat buildup and possible tire failure.

Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-

graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads

passable in snow and ice and those that are sprayed on

trees and road surfaces during other seasons are highly

corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,

which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants, road

surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extreme hot or

cold weather and other extreme conditions will have

an adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and underbody

protection.

VEHICLE STORAGE

If you will not be using your vehicle for more than 21 days,

you may want to take steps to preserve your battery.

• Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.

• Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service

(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air

conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in the

fresh air and high blower setting. This will ensure

adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility

of compressor damage when the system is started again.

The following maintenance recommendations will enable

you to obtain maximum benefit from the corrosion resis-

tance built into your vehicle.

What Causes Corrosion?

Corrosion is the result of deterioration or removal of paint

and protective coatings from your vehicle.

NOTE: When the vehicle has not been started or driven

for at least 30 days, an Extended Park Start Procedure is

required to start the vehicle. Refer to “Starting The Engine”

in “Starting And Operating” for further information.

The most common causes are:

• Road salt, dirt and moisture accumulation.

• Stone and gravel impact.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 273

• Insects, tree sap and tar.

Preserving The Bodywork

• Salt in the air near seacoast localities.

• Atmospheric fallout/industrial pollutants.

Body And Underbody Maintenance

Cleaning Headlights

Washing

• Wash your vehicle regularly. Always wash your vehicle

in the shade using Mopar Car Wash, or a mild car wash

soap, and rinse the panels completely with clear water.

• If insects, tar, or other similar deposits have accumulated

on your vehicle, use Mopar Super Kleen Bug and Tar

Remover to remove.

Your vehicle is equipped with plastic headlights and fog

lights that are lighter and less susceptible to stone breakage

than glass headlights.

• Use a high quality cleaner wax, such as Mopar Cleaner

Wax to remove road film, stains and to protect your

paint finish. Take care never to scratch the paint.

Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and therefore

different lens cleaning procedures must be followed.

8

• Avoid using abrasive compounds and power buffing

To minimize the possibility of scratching the lenses and

reducing light output, avoid wiping with a dry cloth. To

remove road dirt, wash with a mild soap solution followed

by rinsing.

that may diminish the gloss or thin out the paint finish.

CAUTION!

Do not use abrasive cleaning components, solvents, steel

wool or other aggressive material to clean the lenses.

• Do not use abrasive or strong cleaning materials such

as steel wool or scouring powder that will scratch

metal and painted surfaces.

•

Use of power washers exceeding 1,200 psi (8,274 kPa)

can result in damage or removal of paint and decals.

274 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Special Care

Convertible Top Care — If Equipped

• If you drive on salted or dusty roads or if you drive near

the ocean, hose off the undercarriage at least once a

month.

NOTE: Lubricate the top rails with Berulub FR 43 every

2000 cycles or if scratching noises due to dust are present.

CAUTION!

• It is important that the drain holes in the lower edges of

the doors, rocker panels, and trunk be kept clear and open.

Failure to follow these cautions may cause interior

water damage, stains or mildew on the top material:

• Avoid high-pressure car washes, as they can damage

the top material. Also, increased water pressure may

force past the weather strips.

• Remove any standing water from the top and dry the

surface before opening it. Operating the top, opening

a door or lowering a window while the top is wet

may allow water to drip into the vehicles interior.

• Use care when washing the vehicle, water pressure

directed at the weather strip seals may cause water to

leak into the vehicles interior.

• If you detect any stone chips or scratches in the paint,

touch them up immediately. The cost of such repairs is

considered the responsibility of the owner.

• If your vehicle is damaged due to a collision or similar

cause that destroys the paint and protective coating,

have your vehicle repaired as soon as possible. The cost

of such repairs is considered the responsibility of the

owner.

• If you carry special cargo such as chemicals, fertilizers,

de-icer salt, etc., be sure that such materials are well

packaged and sealed.

Immediate removal of any contaminant is recommended.

Regular washing of the top will enhance its life and

appearance, and make successive cleanings easier. Do not

subject the top to excessive heat. Frequently vacuum the

top and storage compartment.

• If a lot of driving is done on gravel roads, consider mud

or stone shields behind each wheel.

• Use Mopar Touch Up Paint on scratches as soon as

possible. An authorized dealer has touch up paint to

match the color of your vehicle.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 275

Washing

CAUTION!

Hand washing is highly recommended. Automatic car

washing equipment can damage the top material. If you

must use an automatic car wash, soft cloth systems are

preferred.

Never use an abrasive type cleaner or bleaches. Clean-

ers should not contain silicones, organic solvents,

petroleum distillates, or plasticizers. Always wait until

the top is thoroughly dry before lowering it into the

storage area.

CAUTION!

Scrub in all directions, covering an area of about two

square feet at a time. Avoid heavy scrubbing. Rinse the

entire vehicle with water to remove all soap and dirt from

the top fabric and to prevent streaking on painted and

chrome surfaces. Allow the top to dry before lowering.

Vacuuming the top with a wet/dry shop vacuum will

decrease the top’s drying time, ensure removal of all dirt,

and delete streaks in the material. Multiple cleanings may

be necessary to remove stubborn stains. If stains persist,

contact your local authorized dealer for further sugges-

tions.

Avoid high-pressure car washes, as they can damage

the top material. Also, increased water pressure may

force water past the weather strips.

General Cleaning

8

Careful vacuuming of the top before washing is helpful in

removing dust and other foreign particles. Wash in partial

shade instead of direct sun. Wet the entire vehicle before

washing the top. The top should be washed with a soft,

natural bristle scrub brush, and a mild soap solution such

as liquid dishwashing soap. Do not use detergent.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE -> BODYWORK for Your Fiat 500 C 2 Door Second Generation (2016-2020)

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