2005 Dodge Stratus Owner Manual Coupe - Page 256

256 VEHICLE CARE CAUTION! • Some types of washers (including coin-operated washers) apply high temperature and high pressure to the vehicle, which may cause heat distortion and damage to the resin parts of the vehicle body, leakage of water into the vehicle, etc. Therefore, be sure to observe the following. • Maintain a good distance of approx. 16 in. (40 cm) or more between the vehicle body and the washing nozzle. • When washing around the door glass, hold the nozzle at a distance of more than 40 in.(1m) and at right angles to the glass surface. During cold weather Salt and other chemicals that are spread on winter roads in some geographical areas can have a detrimental effect on the vehicle underbody. You should flush the underbody with a high pressure hose every time you wash the exterior of your vehicle. Special care should be taken to remove mud or other debris which could trap and hold salt and moisture. After washing your vehicle, wipe off all water drops from the rubber parts around the doors to prevent the doors from freezing. NOTE: When a door is frozen, opening it by force may tear or crack the rubber gasket installed around the door. Therefore, pour warm water to melt the ice. Be sure to wipe off water thoroughly after opening the door. To help prevent freezing of the weatherstripping on the doors, hood, etc., treat the rubber seal with a lubricant designed for rubber.