2005 Subaru Baja Owner's Manual - Page 346

Appearance care Mud and sand adhering to the underbody components may accelerate their corrosion. After driving off-road or muddy or sandy roads, wash the mud and sand off the underbody. Carefully flush the suspension and axle parts, as they are particularly prone to mud and sand buildup. Do not use a sharp-edged tool to remove caked mud. cording to the manufacturer's instructions. Wax or polish when the painted surface is cool. Be sure to polish and wax the chrome trim, as well as the painted surfaces. Loss of wax on a painted surface leads to loss of the original luster and also quickens the deterioration of the surface. It is recommended that a coat of wax be applied at least once a month, or whenever the surface no longer repels water. If the appearance of the paint has diminished to the point where the luster or tone cannot be restored, lightly polish the surface with a fine-grained compound. Never polish just the affected area, but include the surrounding area as well. Always polish in only one direction. A No. 2000 grain compound is recommended. Never use a coarse-grained compound. Coarser grained compounds have a smaller grain-size number and could damage the paint. After polishing with a compound, coat with wax to restore the original luster. Frequent polishing with a compound or an incorrect polishing technique will result in removing the paint layer and exposing the undercoat. When in doubt, it is always best to contact your SUBARU dealer or an auto paint specialist. NOTE Be careful not to damage brake hoses, sensor harnesses, and other parts when washing suspension components. Using a warm water washer Keep a good distance of 12 in (30 cm) or more between the washer nozzle and the vehicle. Do not wash the same area continuously. If a stain will not come out easily, wash by hand. Some warm water washers are of the high temperature, high pressure type, and they can damage or deform the resin parts such as mouldings, or cause water to leak into the vehicle. Waxing and polishing Always wash and dry the vehicle before waxing and polishing. Use a good quality polish and wax and apply them ac- NOTE Be careful not to damage brake hoses, sensor harnesses, and other parts when washing suspen- CONTINUED - 10-3