1998 Honda Civic Owner's Manual - Page 204

Corrosion Protection, Body Repairs Inspect and clean out the drain holes in the bottom of the doors and body. Check the floor coverings for dampness. Carpeting and floor mats may remain damp for a long time, especially in winter. This dampness can eventually cause the floor panels to corrode. Use a high-pressure spray to clean the underside of your vehicle. This is especially important in areas that use road salt in winter. It is also a good idea in humid climates and areas subject to salt air. Vehicles equipped with ABS have a sensor and wiring at each wheel. Be careful not to damage them. Have the corrosion-preventive coatings on the underside of your vehicle inspected and repaired periodically. Body Repairs Body repairs can affect your vehicle's resistance to corrosion. If your vehicle needs repairs after a collision, pay close attention to the parts used in the repair and the quality of the work. Make sure the repair facility uses Genuine Honda replacement body parts. Some companies make sheet metal pieces that seem to duplicate the original Honda body parts, but are actually inferior in fit, finish, and corrosion resistance. Once installed, they do not give the same highquality appearance. When reporting your collision to the insurance company, tell them you want Genuine Honda parts used in the repair. Although most insurers recognize the quality of original parts, some may try to specify that the repairs be done with other available parts. You should investigate this before any repairs are begun. Take your vehicle to your authorized Honda dealer for inspection after the repairs are completed. He can make sure that quality materials were used, and that corrosion-preventive coatings were applied to all repaired and replaced parts. Appearance Care