2009 Saab 9-3 Owner's Manual - Page 272

93_US_7carcare_MY09.fm Page 272 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:26 AM 272 Car care 3 Inspect the car frequently for leaks or damage, and arrange for needed repairs promptly. After washing or after heavy rain, check for leaks. When washing the car inspect body surfaces for paint damage. While checking for leaks, lift the floor mats and check underneath them. Water can collect in these areas and remain for prolonged periods. Dry any wet areas including the floor mats. Have leaks repaired as soon as possible. Use touch-up paint to repair small scratches or minor finish damage. Areas where metal is exposed will rust quickly and MUST be repaired immediately by touch-up or professional repainting. Rust must be removed, the bare metal primed and painted. Major body damage should be repaired immediately and new panels or exposed areas should be undercoated with anti- corrosion material. Repairs of this type are the owner's responsibility and are not covered under warranty. Inspect the undercoating and touch up if necessary. Pay particular attention to the fenders and wheel housings, which are exposed to abrasion by flying gravel, etc. If the composition has worn or flaked off, the steel must be thoroughly cleaned and dried before a fresh coat is applied. The cleaning is best done with a scraper and a steel wire brush, followed by washing with solvent. Apply the new coating thinly, otherwise it may run off or fall off when dry. washing will prevent paint damage from acid rain and other airborne contaminants such as tree sap and bird droppings. If any of these contaminants are noticed on the car the finish should be washed immediately. • Begin washing by rinsing the entire car with water to loosen and flush off heavy concentrations of dirt (include the underbody). • Sponge the car with a solution of either a good quality car soap or mild general purpose (dish washing) detergent and water. • Rinse car thoroughly with clean water • After washing, check and clear all drains in doors and body panels • Wipe the car dry, preferably using a chamois. 2 Clean the underside of the car during the winter. Use high pressure water to clean the car's underside (floor panels, wheel wells) at least at mid-winter and in the spring. Recovery and/or recycling of automotive materials Information on the scrapping and recycling of car materials is available on www.saab.com.