Dodge 2011 Nitro - Owner Manual - Manual (Page 431)

which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,
road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extreme
hot or cold weather and other extreme conditions will
have an adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and under-
body protection.
The following maintenance recommendations will enable
you to obtain maximum benefit from the corrosion
resistance built into your vehicle.
What Causes Corrosion?
Corrosion is the result of deterioration or removal of
paint and protective coatings from your vehicle.
The most common causes are:
• Road salt, dirt and moisture accumulation.
• Stone and gravel impact.
• Insects, tree sap and tar.
• Salt in the air near seacoast localities.
• Atmospheric fallout/industrial pollutants.
Washing
• Wash your vehicle regularly. Always wash your ve-
hicle in the shade using MOPAR ௡ Car Wash or equiva-
lent, or a mild car wash soap, and rinse the panels
completely with clear water.
• If insects, tar, or other similar deposits have accumu-
lated on your vehicle, use MOPAR ௡ Super Kleen Bug
and Tar Remover or equivalent to remove.
• Use a high quality cleaner wax, such as MOPAR௡
Cleaner Wax or equivalent, to remove road film, stains,
and to protect your paint finish. Take care never to
scratch the paint.
• Avoid using abrasive compounds and power buffing
that may diminish the gloss or thin out the paint
finish.
428 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE