2004-2010 Kia Sportage SUV Maintenance -> Exterior care User Manual
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Maintenance -> Exterior care for Your Kia Sportage SUV Second Generation (2004-2010)

Maintenance
EXTERIOR CARE
Exterior general caution
Insects, tar, tree sap, bird droppings,
WARNING - Wet brakes
industrial pollution and similar
It is very important to follow the label
deposits can damage your vehicle’s
After washing the vehicle, test
directions when using any chemical
1
finish if not removed immediately.
the brakes while driving slowly
cleaner or polish. Read all warning
to see if they have been affected
Even prompt washing with plain
and caution statements that appear
by water. If braking performance
water may not completely remove all
on the label.
2
is impaired, dry the brakes by
these deposits. A mild soap, safe for
applying them lightly while
use on painted surfaces, may be
Finish maintenance
maintaining a slow forward
used.
3
speed.
Washing
After washing, rinse the vehicle thor-
oughly with lukewarm or cold water.
To help protect your vehicle’s finish
4
Do not allow soap to dry on the fin-
from rust and deterioration, wash it
✽ NOTICE
ish.
thoroughly and frequently at least
• Water washing in the engine com-
5
once a month with lukewarm or cold
partment may cause the failure of
water.
✽ NOTICE
electrical circuits located in the
If you use your vehicle for off-road
Do not use strong soap, chemical
engine compartment.
6
driving, you should wash it after each
detergents or hot water, and do not
• Never allow water or other liquids
off-road trip. Pay special attention to
wash the vehicle in direct sunlight or
to come in contact with electri-
the removal of any accumulation of
7
when the body of the vehicle is
cal/electronic components inside
salt, dirt, mud, and other foreign
warm.
the vehicle as this may damage
materials. Make sure the drain holes
them.
8
in the lower edges of the doors and
rocker panels are kept clear and
clean.
9
7 50
Maintenance
Waxing
Finish damage repair
Bright-metal maintenance
Wax the vehicle when water will no
Deep scratches or stone chips in the
• To remove road tar and insects,
longer bead on the paint.
painted surface must be repaired
use a tar remover, not a scraper or
1
promptly. Exposed metal will quickly
other sharp object.
Always wash and dry the vehicle
rust and may develop into a major
before waxing. Use a good quality
• To protect the surfaces of bright-
repair expense.
liquid or paste wax, and follow the
metal parts from corrosion, apply a
2
manufacturer’s instructions. Wax all
coating of wax or chrome preserv-
metal trim to protect it and to main-
ative and rub to a high luster.
✽ NOTICE
3
tain its luster.
• During winter weather or in coastal
If your vehicle is damaged and
Removing oil, tar, and similar materi-
areas, cover the bright metal parts
requires any metal repair or
als with a spot remover will usually
with a heavier coating of wax or
4
replacement, be sure the body shop
strip the wax from the finish. Be sure
preservative. If necessary, coat the
applies anti-corrosion materials to
to re-wax these areas even if the rest
parts with non-corrosive petroleum
the parts repaired or replaced.
of the vehicle does not yet need wax-
5
jelly or other protective compound.
ing.
6
✽ NOTICE
• Wiping dust or dirt off the body
7
with a dry cloth will scratch the
finish.
• Do not use steel wool, abrasive
8
cleaners, or strong detergents con-
taining highly alkaline or caustic
9
agents on chrome-plated or
anodized aluminum parts. This
may result in damage to the pro-
tective coating and cause discol-
oration or paint deterioration.
7 51
Maintenance
Underbody maintenance
Aluminum wheel maintenance
WARNING
Corrosive materials used for ice and
The aluminum wheels are coated
After washing the vehicle, test
snow removal and dust control may
with a clear protective finish.
1
the brakes while driving slowly
collect on the underbody. If these
• Do not use any abrasive cleaner,
to see if they have been affected
materials are not removed, acceler-
polishing compound, solvent, or
by water. If braking performance
ated rusting can occur on underbody
2
wire brushes on aluminum wheels.
is impaired, dry the brakes by
parts such as the fuel lines, frame,
They may scratch or damage the
applying them lightly while
floor pan and exhaust system, even
finish.
maintaining a slow forward
3
though they have been treated with
• Use only a mild soap or neutral
speed.
rust protection.
detergent, and rinse thoroughly
Thoroughly flush the vehicle under-
with water. Also, be sure to clean
4
body and wheel openings with luke-
the wheels after driving on salted
warm or cold water once a month,
roads. This helps prevent corro-
after off-road driving and at the end
5
sion.
of each winter. Pay special attention
• Avoid washing the wheels with
to these areas because it is difficult
high-speed car wash brushes.
6
to see all the mud and dirt. It will do
• Do not use any acid detergent. It
more harm than good to wet down
may damage and corrode the alu-
the road grime without removing it.
7
minum wheels coated with a clear
The lower edges of doors, rocker
protective finish.
panels, and frame members have
drain holes that should not be
8
allowed to clog with dirt; trapped
water in these areas can cause rust-
9
ing.
7 52

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