Hyundai 2008 Santa Fe - Manual (Page 272)

4 CORROSION PREVENTION AND APPEARANCE CARE
3
E020B01A-AAT
Keep Your Car Clean
The best way to prevent corrosion is to
keep your car clean and free of corrosive
materials. Attention to the underside 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 pollution,
acid rain, etc.—, you should take extra
care to prevent corrosion. In winter,
hose off the underside 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 components
under the fenders and other areas that
are hidden from view. Do a thorough
job; just dampening the accumulated
mud rather than washing it away will
accelerate corrosion rather than pre-
vent it.
E020A01A-AAT
You can help prevent corrosion from get-
ting started by observing the following:
TO HELP PREVENT CORROSION
E020C02A-AAT
Keep Your Garage Dry
Don't park your car in a damp, poorly
ventilated garage. This creates a favor-
able 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 garage can contribute to
corrosion unless it is well ventilated so
moisture is dispersed.
Water under high pressure and steam
are particularly effective in removing
accumulated mud and corrosive mate-
rials.
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 accelerate corrosion.
E020E01A-AAT
Don't Neglect the Interior
Moisture can collect under the floor mats
and carpeting to cause corrosion. Check
under the mats periodically to be sure the
carpeting is dry. Use particular care if you
carry fertilizers, 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.
E020D02A-AAT
Keep Paint and Trim in Good Condi-
tion
Scratches or chips in the finish should be
covered with "touch-up" paint as soon as
possible to reduce the possibility of corro-
sion. If bare metal is showing through, the
attention of a qualified body and paint
shop is recommended.
Bird droppings : Bird droppings are highly
corrosive and may damage painted sur-
faces in just a few hours. Always remove
bird droppings as soon as possible.