2004-2009 Hyundai Tucson SUV CORROSION PREVENTION & APPEARANCE CARE User Manual
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CORROSION PREVENTION & APPEARANCE CARE for Your Hyundai Tucson SUV First Generation (2004-2009)

4
Corrosion Protection .................................................... 4-2
To Help Prevent Corrosion........................................... 4-3
Washing and Waxing ................................................... 4-4
Cleaning the Interior ..................................................... 4-6
CORROSION PREVENTION & APPEARANCE CARE
4
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CORROSION PREVENTION AND APPEARANCE CARE
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CORROSION PROTECTION
E010A01A-AAT
Protecting Your Hyundai from
Corrosion
By using the most advanced design
and construction practices to combat
corrosion, Hyundai produces cars of
the highest quality, However, this is
only part of the job. To achieve the
long-term corrosion resistance your
Hyundai can deliver, the owner's co-
operation and assistance is also re-
quired.
E010C01A-AAT
High-Corrosion Areas
If you live in an area where your car is
regularly exposed to corrosive materi-
als, corrosion protection is particularly
important. Some of the common
causes of accelerated corrosion are
road salts, dust control chemicals,
ocean air and industrial pollution.
E010B01A-AAT
Common Causes of Corrosion
The most common causes of corro-
sion on your car are:
o Road salt, dirt and moisture that is
allowed to accumulate underneath
the car.
o Removal of paint or protective coat-
ings by stones, gravel, abrasion or
minor scrapes and dents which leave
unprotected metal exposed to cor-
rosion.
E010D01A-AAT
Moisture Breeds Corrosion
Moisture creates the conditions in
which corrosion is most likely to occur.
For example, corrosion is accelerated
by high humidity, particularly when tem-
peratures are just above freezing. In
such conditions, the corrosive mate-
rial is kept in contact with the car
surfaces by moisture that is slow to
evaporate.
Mud is particularly corrosive because it
is slow to dry and holds moisture in
contact with the vehicle. Although the
mud appears to be dry, it can still retain
the moisture and promote corrosion.
High temperatures can also acceler-
ate corrosion of parts that are not
properly ventilated so the moisture
can be dispersed. For all these rea-
sons, it is particularly important to keep
your car clean and free of mud or
accumulations of other materials. This
applies not only to the visible surfaces
but particularly to the underside of the
car.
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CORROSION PREVENTION AND APPEARANCE CARE
3
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CORROSION PREVENTION AND APPEARANCE CARE
3
TO HELP PREVENT
CORROSION
E020C01A-AAT
Keep Your Garage Dry
Don't park your car in a damp, poorly
ventilated garage. This creates a fa-
vorable environment for corrosion. This
is particularly true if you wash your car
in the garage or drive it into the garage
when it is still wet or covered with
snow, ice or mud. Even a heated ga-
rage can contribute to corrosion un-
less it is well ventilated so moisture is
dispersed.
E020D01A-AAT
Keep Paint and Trim in Good
Condition
Scratches or chips in the finish should
be covered with "touch-up" paint as
soon as possible to reduce the possi-
bility of corrosion. If bare metal is show-
ing through, the attention of a qualified
body and paint shop is recommended.
E020E01A-AAT
Don't Neglect the Interior
Moisture can collect under the floor
mats and carpeting to cause corro-
sion. Check under the mats periodi-
cally to be sure the carpeting is dry.
Use particular care if you carry fertiliz-
ers, cleaning materials or chemicals in
the car.
These should be carried only in proper
containers and any spills or leaks
should be cleaned up, flushed with
clear water and thoroughly dried.
E020B01A-AAT
Keep Your Car Clean
The best way to prevent corrosion is to
keep your car clean and free of corro-
sive materials. Attention to the under-
side of the car is particularly important.
o If you live in a high-corrosion area —
where road salts are used, near the
ocean, areas with industrial pollu-
tion, acid rain, etc.—, you should
take extra care to prevent corro-
sion. In winter, hose off the under-
side of your car at least once a
month and be sure to clean the
underside thoroughly when winter
is over.
o When cleaning underneath the car,
give particular attention to the com-
ponents under the fenders and other
areas that are hidden from view. Do
a thorough job; just dampening the
accumulated mud rather than wash-
ing it away will accelerate corrosion
rather than prevent it. Water under
high pressure and steam are par-
ticularly effective in removing accu-
mulated mud and corrosive materi-
als.
o When cleaning lower door panels,
rocker panels and frame members,
be sure that drain holes are kept
open so that moisture can escape
and not be trapped inside to ac-
celerate corrosion.
E020A01A-AAT
You can help prevent corrosion from
getting started by observing the follow-
ing:
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CORROSION PREVENTION AND APPEARANCE CARE
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WASHING AND WAXING
E030A03A-AAT
Washing Your Hyundai
Never wash your car when the surface
is hot from being in the sun. Always
wash your car in the shade.
Wash your car frequently. Dirt is abra-
sive and can scratch the paint if it is not
removed. Air pollution or acid rain may
damage the paint and trim through
chemical action if pollutants are al-
lowed to remain in contact with the
surface. If you live near the ocean or in
an area where road salts or dust con-
trol chemicals are used, you should
pay particular attention to the under-
side of the car. Start by rinsing the car
to remove dust and loose dirt. In win-
ter, or if you have driven through mud
or muddy water, be sure to thoroughly
clean the underside as well. Use a
hard direct stream of water to remove
accumulations of mud or corrosive
materials. Use a good quality car-wash-
ing solution and follow the manufac-
turer's directions on the package.
These are available at your Hyundai
dealer or auto parts outlet. Don't use
strong household detergents, gaso-
line, strong solvents or abrasive clean-
ing powders as these may damage the
finish.
Use a clean sponge or cloth, rinse it
frequently and don't damage the finish
by rubbing too hard. For stubborn spots,
dampen them frequently and remove
them a little at a time.
To clean whitewall tires, use a stiff
brush or soapy steel-wool scouring
pad.
To clean plastic wheel covers, use a
clean sponge or soft cloth and water.
To clean cast aluminum alloy wheels,
use a mild soap or neutral detergent.
Do not use abrasive cleaners. Protect
the bare-metal surfaces by cleaning,
polishing and waxing. Because alumi-
num is subject to corrosion, be sure to
give aluminum alloy wheels special
attention in winter. If you drive on
salted roads, clean the wheels thor-
oughly afterwards.
After washing, be sure to rinse thor-
oughly. If soapy water dries on the
finish, streaking will result.
When the weather is warm and the
humidity low, you may find it neces-
sary to rinse each section immediately
after washing to avoid streaking.
After rinsing, dry the car using a damp
chamois or soft, absorbent cloth. The
reason for drying the car is to remove
water from the car so it will dry without
water spots. Don't rub, this can dam-
age the finish.
If you find any nicks or scratches in the
paint, use touch-up paint to cover them
to prevent corrosion. To protect the
paintwork of the car against corrosion,
you must clean your Hyundai (at least
once a month). Give special attention
to the removal of salt, mud and other
substances on the underside of the
splashboards of the car. Make sure
that the outlets and the underside of
the doors are open. Paint damage can
be caused by small accumulation of
tar, industrial precipitation, tree resin,
insects and bird droppings, when not
removed immediately. If water alone is
not strong enough to remove the accu-
mulated dirt, use a mild car washing
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CORROSION PREVENTION AND APPEARANCE CARE
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CORROSION PREVENTION AND APPEARANCE CARE
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E030D01A-AAT
When to Wax Again
You should polish and wax the car
again when water no longer beads on
a clean surface but spreads out over a
larger area.
E030E01A-AAT
Maintaining Bumpers
Special precautions must be observed
to preserve the appearance of the
bumpers on your Hyundai. They are:
o Be careful not to spill battery elec-
trolyte or hydraulic brake fluid on the
bumpers. If you do, wash it off
immediately with clean water.
o Be gentle when cleaning the bumper
surfaces. They are made of soft
plastic and the surface can be dam-
aged if mistreated. Do not use abra-
sive cleaners. Use warm water and
mild soap or car-washing solution.
o Do not expose the bumpers to high
temperatures. For example, if you
have your car repainted, do not
leave the bumpers on the car if the
car is going to be placed in a high-
temperature paint booth.
E030B01A-AAT
Spot Cleaning
Don't use gasoline, strong solvents or
corrosive cleaning agents. These can
damage the finish of the car. To re-
move road tar, use turpentine on a
clean, soft cloth or commercially avail-
able bug and tar remover. Be gentle.
To remove dead insects or tree sap,
use warm water and mild soap or car-
washing solution. Soak the spot and
rub gently. If the paint has lost its
luster, use a commercial car-cleaning
polish.
E030C01A-AAT
Polishing and Waxing
Always wash and dry the car before
polishing or waxing or using a combi-
nation cleaner and wax. Use a good
quality commercial product and follow
the manufacturer's directions on the
container. Polish and wax the bright
trim pieces as well as the paint.
solution. Be sure to rinse the surface
after washing to remove the solution.
Never allow the solution to dry on the
painted surfaces.
CAUTION:
!
o Water washing in the engine com-
partment including high pressure
water washing may cause the fail-
ure of electrical circuits located in
the engine compartment.
o Never allow water or other liquids
to come in contact with electrical/
electronic components inside the
vehicle as this may damage them.
OJB037800
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CORROSION PREVENTION AND APPEARANCE CARE
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E040C01A-AAT
Cleaning the Carpets
Use a foam-type carpet cleaner. Clean-
ers of this type are available in aerosol
cans in liquid form or powder. Read the
instructions and follow them exactly.
Using a vacuum cleaner with the ap-
propriate attachment, remove as much
dirt from the carpets as possible. Apply
the foam following the manufacturer's
directions, then rub in overlapping
circles. Do not add water. These clean-
ers work best when the carpet is kept
as dry as possible.
E040B01A-AAT
To Clean the Leather Upholstery
(If installed)
In the normal course of use, leather
upholstered surfaces will, like any
material, pick-up dust and dirt. This
dust and dirt must be cleaned off or it
may work into the surface of the leather,
causing damage.
Fine leather needs care, and should
be cleaned when necessary. Washing
leather thoroughly with soap and water
will keep your leather lustrous, beauti-
ful and ensure you have many years of
wear.
Take a piece of cheese cloth and using
any mild soap and lukewarm water,
work up a good lather. Thoroughly
wash the leather. Wipe clean with a
slightly damp cloth and dry with soft
cloth. Do this as often as the leather
becomes soiled.
During tanning operations, sufficient
oils are incorporated through process-
ing that none need be applied during
the life of the leather. Oil applied to the
finished surface will in no way help the
leather and may do more harm than
good. Varnishes and furniture polishes
should never be used under any con-
ditions.
CLEANING THE INTERIOR
E040A01A-AAT
To Clean the Vinyl Upholstery
To clean the vinyl upholstery, first re-
move loose dirt and dust with a vacuum
cleaner. Then apply a solution of mild
soap or detergent and water using a
clean sponge or soft cloth. Allow this to
stay on the surface to loosen the dirt,
then wipe with a clean damp sponge or
cloth. If all the dirt stains are not re-
moved, repeat this procedure until the
upholstery is clean. Do not use gaso-
line, solvent, paint thinner or other
strong cleaners.
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CORROSION PREVENTION AND APPEARANCE CARE
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CORROSION PREVENTION AND APPEARANCE CARE
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ANY QUESTIONS?
E040E01A-AAT
Cleaning the Windows
You may use any household window
cleaner on the windows. However,
when cleaning the inside of the rear
window be careful not to damage the
rear window defroster wiring.
E050A01A-AAT
If you have any questions about the
care of your car, consult your Hyundai
dealer.
E040D01A-AAT
Cleaning the Seat Belts
To clean the seat belts, use a cloth or
sponge with mild soap or detergent
and warm water. Do not use strong
detergents, dye, bleach or abrasive
materials on the seat belts as this may
weaken the fabric.
While cleaning the belts, inspect them
for excessive wear, cuts, fraying or
other signs of damage and replace
them if necessary.

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