CLEANING EXTERIOR
In order to maintain the appearance of your ve-
hicle, it is important to take proper care of it.
the effects of road salt. Therefore, these areas
must be regularly cleaned. Make sure that the
drain holes in the lower edge of the door are
open. Spray water under the body and in the
wheel wells to loosen the dirt and wash away
road salt.
CAUTION
•
Do not use car washes that use acid in
the detergent. Some car washes, espe-
cially brushless ones, use some acid
for cleaning. The acid may react with
some plastic vehicle components,
causing them to crack. This could af-
fect their appearance, and also could
cause them not to function properly.
Always check with your car wash to
confirm that acid is not used.
Do not wash the vehicle with strong
household soap, strong chemical de-
tergents, gasoline or solvents.
Do not wash the vehicle in direct sun-
light or while the vehicle body is hot, as
the surface may become water-
spotted.
To protect the paint surfaces, wash your vehicle
as soon as you can:
• after a rainfall to prevent possible damage from
acid rain
Avoid leaving water spots on the paint surface by
using a damp chamois to dry the vehicle.
• after driving on coastal roads
• when contaminants such as soot, bird drop-
pings, tree sap, metal particles or bugs get on
the paint surface
WAXING
Regular waxing protects the paint surface and
helps retain new vehicle appearance. Polishing is
recommended to remove built-up wax residue
and to avoid a weathered appearance before
reapplying wax.
• when dust or mud builds up on the surface
•
•
Whenever possible, store or park your vehicle
inside a garage or in a covered area.
When it is necessary to park outside, park in a
shady area or protect the vehicle with a body
cover.
A NISSAN certified LEAF dealer can assist you in
choosing the proper product.
•
Avoid using tight-napped or rough
cloths, such as washing mitts. Care
must be taken when removing
caked-on dirt or other foreign sub-
stances so the paint surface is not
scratched or damaged.
• Wax your vehicle only after a thorough washing.
Follow the instructions supplied with the wax.
Be careful not to scratch the paint surface
when putting on or removing the body
cover.
• Do not use a wax containing any abrasives,
cutting compounds or cleaners that may dam-
age the vehicle finish.
WASHING
Wash dirt off the vehicle with a wet sponge and
plenty of water. Clean the vehicle thoroughly
using a mild soap, a special vehicle soap or
general purpose dishwashing liquid mixed with
clean, lukewarm (never hot) water.
Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with plenty of clean
water.
Machine compound or aggressive polishing on a
base coat/clear coat paint finish may dull the
finish or leave swirl marks.
Inside flanges, seams and folds on the doors,
hatches and hood are particularly vulnerable to
7-2 Appearance and care
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