2009 Suzuki SX4 Owner's Manual - Page 250

Corrosion Prevention: APPEARANCE CARE Corrosion Prevention It is important to take good care of your vehicle to protect it from corrosion. Listed below are instructions for how to maintain your vehicle to prevent corrosion. Please read and follow these instructions carefully. vehicle which are not well ventilated to permit quick drying. If you frequently drive on salted roads, your vehicle should be washed at least once a month during the winter. If you live near the ocean, your vehicle should be washed at least once a month throughout the year. For washing instructions, refer to the "Vehicle Cleaning" section. Remove foreign material deposits Foreign material such as salts, chemicals, road oil or tar, tree sap, bird droppings and industrial fall-out may damage the finish of your vehicle if it is left on painted surfaces. Remove these types of deposits as quickly as possible. If these deposits are difficult to wash off, an additional cleaner may be required. Be sure that any cleaner you use is not harmful to painted surfaces and is specifically intended for your purposes. Follow the manufacturer's directions when using these special cleaners. Repair finish damage Carefully examine your vehicle for damage to the painted surfaces, especially if it is used off-road. Should you find any chips or scratches in the paint, touch them up immediately to prevent corrosion from starting. If the chips or scratches have gone through to the bare metal, have a qualified body shop make the repair. Important Information About Corrosion Common causes of corrosion 1) Accumulation of road salt, dirt, moisture or chemicals in hard to reach areas of the vehicle underbody or frame. 2) Chipping, scratches and any damage to treated or painted metal surfaces resulting from minor accidents or impact from stones and gravel. Environmental conditions which accelerate corrosion 1) Road salt, dust control chemicals, sea air or industrial pollution will all accelerate the corrosion of metal. 2) High humidity will increase the rate of corrosion particularly when the temperature range is just above the freezing point. 3) Moisture in certain areas of a vehicle for an extended period of time may promote corrosion even though other body sections may be completely dry. 4) High temperatures will cause an accelerated rate of corrosion to parts of the 52D151 This information illustrates the necessity of keeping your vehicle (particularly the underbody) as clean and dry as possible. It is equally important to repair any damage to the paint or protective coatings as soon as possible. How to Help Prevent Corrosion Wash your vehicle frequently The best way to preserve the finish on your vehicle and to help avoid corrosion is to keep it clean with frequent washing. Wash your vehicle at least once during the winter and once immediately after the winter. Keep your vehicle, particularly the underside, as clean and dry as possible. 11-1 80J22-03E