2000 Nissan Maxima Owner's Manual - Page 159

CLEANING EXTERIOR Whenever possible, store or park your vehicle inside a garage or in a covered area. When it is necessary to park outside, park in a shady area or protect the vehicle with a body cover. Be careful not to scratch the paint surface when putting on or removing the body cover. ¼ Avoid using tight-napped or rough cloths, such as washing mitts. Care must be taken when removing caked-on dirt or other foreign substances so that the paint surface is not scratched or damaged. Rinse the vehicle again with plenty of clean water. Inside flanges, seams and folds on the doors, hatches and hood are particularly vulnerable to the effects of road salt. Therefore, these areas must be regularly cleaned. Make sure that the drain holes in the lower edge of the door are open. Spray water under the body and in the wheel wells to loosen the dirt and wash away road salt. Avoid leaving water spots on the paint surface by using a damp chamois to dry the vehicle. WASHING Thoroughly rinse surface dirt off the vehicle with a wet sponge and plenty of clean water. Clean the vehicle thoroughly using a mild soap such as Nissan Car Wash, or a general purpose dishwashing liquid mixed with clean, lukewarm (never hot) water. MAI0001 In order to maintain the appearance of your vehicle, it is important to take proper care of it. In the following cases, please wash your vehicle as soon as possible to protect the paint surface. ¼ After a rainfall to prevent possible damage from acid rain ¼ After driving on coastal roads ¼ When contaminants such as soot, bird droppings, tree sap, metal particles or bugs get on the paint surface ¼ When dust or mud builds up on the surface CAUTION ¼ Do not use strong household soap, strong chemical detergents, gasoline or solvents. ¼ Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight or while the vehicle body is hot, as the surface may become water-spotted. WAXING Regular waxing protects the paint surface and helps retain new vehicle appearance. After waxing, polishing is recommended to remove built-up residue and to avoid a weathered appearance. If you wish to wax your vehicle, only use a wax 7-2 Appearance and care