2005 Hyundai Sonata Owner's Manual - Page 185

4 CORROSION PREVENTION AND APPEARANCE CARE 2 CORROSION PROTECTION E010A01A-AAT E010C01A-AAT TO HELP PREVENT CORROSION E020A01A-AAT Protecting Your Hyundai from Corrosion By using the most advanced design and construction practices to combat corrosion, Hyundai produces cars of the highest quality. However, this is only part of the job. To achieve the long-term corrosion resistance your Hyundai can deliver, the owner's cooperation and assistance is also required. High-Corrosion Areas If you live in an area where your car is regularly exposed to corrosive materials, corrosion protection is particularly important. Some of the common causes of accelerated corrosion are road salts, dust control chemicals, ocean air and industrial pollution. E010D01A-AAT You can help prevent corrosion from getting started by observing the following: 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 prevent it. Water under high pressure and steam are particularly effective in removing accumulated mud and corrosive materials. Moisture Breeds Corrosion Moisture creates the conditions in which corrosion is most likely to occur. For example, corrosion is accelerated by high humidity, particularly when temperatures are just above freezing. In such conditions, the corrosive material is kept in contact with the car surfaces by moisture that is slow to evaporate. Mud is particularly corrosive because it is slow to dry and holds moisture in contact with the vehicle. Although the mud appears to be dry, it can still retain the moisture and promote corrosion. High temperatures can also accelerate corrosion of parts that are not properly ventilated so the moisture can be dispersed. For all these reasons, it is particularly important to keep your car clean and free of mud or accumulations of other materials. This applies not only to the visible surfaces but particularly to the underside of the car. E010B01A-AAT Common Causes of Corrosion The most common causes of corrosion on your car are: o Road salt, dirt and moisture that is allowed to accumulate underneath the car. o Removal of paint or protective coatings by stones, gravel, abrasion or minor scrapes and dents which leave unprotected metal exposed to corrosion.