CLEANING EXTERIOR
In order to maintain the appearance of
your vehicle, it is important to take proper
care of it.
WASHING
∙ 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.
Wash dirt off with a wet sponge and plenty
of water. Clean the vehicle thoroughly us-
ing a mild soap, a special vehicle soap or
general purpose dishwashing liquid mixed
with clean, lukewarm (never hot) water.
To protect the paint surfaces, wash your
vehicle as soon as you can:
∙
After a rainfall to prevent possible dam-
age from acid rain.
Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with plenty of
clean water.
CAUTION
∙
∙
After driving on coastal roads.
∙ Do not use car washes that use acid in
the detergent. Some car washes, es-
pecially brushless ones, use some
acid for cleaning. The acid may react
with some plastic vehicle compo-
nents, causing them to crack. This
could affect their appearance, and
also could cause them not to function
properly. Always check with your car
wash to confirm that acid is not used.
Inside edges, seams and folds on the
doors, hatches and hood are particularly
vulnerable to the effects of road salt. There-
fore, these areas must be cleaned regularly.
Take care 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.
When contaminants such as soot, bird
droppings, tree sap, metal particles or
bugs get on the paint surface.
∙
When dust or mud builds up on the sur-
face.
Whenever possible, store or park your ve-
hicle 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 damp chamois can be used to dry the
vehicle to avoid water spots.
∙ Do not wash the vehicle with strong
household soap, strong chemical de-
tergents, gasoline or solvents.
WAXING
Be careful not to scratch the paint sur-
face when putting on or removing the
body cover.
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 weath-
ered appearance before re-applying wax.
∙ Do not wash the vehicle in direct sun-
light or while the vehicle body is hot,
as the surface may become
water-spotted.
A NISSAN dealer can assist you in choosing
the proper product.
7-2 Appearance and care
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