Car Care Tips
Print Version: Car Care Tips (.pdf)
APPEARANCE CARE AND PROTECTION FROM CORROSION
Protection of Body and Paint from Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to
geographic locations and usage. Chemicals that
make roads passable in snow and ice, and those that
are sprayed on trees and road surfaces during other
seasons, are highly corrosive to the metal in your
vehicle. Outside parking, which exposes your
vehicle in airborne contaminants, road surfaces on
which the vehicle is operated, extreme hot or cold
weather and other extreme conditions will have an
adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and underbody
protection.
The following maintenance recommendations will
enable you to obtain maximum benefit from the
corrosion resistance built into your vehicle.
What Causes Corrosion?
Corrosion is the result of deterioration or removal of
paint and protective coatings from your vehicle.
The most common causes are:
· Road salt, dirt and moisture accumulation.
· Stone and gravel impact.
· Insects, tree sap and tar.
· Salt in the air near sea-coast localities.
· Atmospheric fallout/industrial pollutants.
Washing
· Wash your vehicle regularly. Always
wash your vehicle in the shade using a mild car wash
soap, and rinse the panels completely with clear
water.
· If insects, tar or other similar deposits have
accumulated on your vehicle, wash it as soon as
possible.
· Use Butter Slick Auto Polish to remove
road film and stains and to polish your vehicle. Take
care never to scratch the paint.
· Avoid using abrasive compounds and
power buffing that may diminish the gloss or thin
out the paint finish.
CAUTION!
Do not use abrasive or strong cleaning materials
such as wool or scouring powder, which will scratch
metal and painted surfaces.
Special Care
· If you drive on salted or dusty roads or if
you drive near the ocean, hose off the undercarriage
at lease once a month.
· It is important that the drain holes in the
lower edges of the doors, rocker panels and liftgate
be kept clear and open.
· If you detect any stone chips or scratches
in the paint, touch them up immediately.
· If your vehicle is damaged due to an
accident or similar cause which destroys the paint
and protective costing have your vehicle repaired as
soon as possible.
· Aluminum wheels should be cleaned
regularly with mild soap and water to prevent
corrosion. To remove heavy soil, select a nonabrasive,
non-acidic cleaner. Do not use a scouring
pads or metal finishes. Avoid automatic car washed
that use acidic solutions or harsh brushes that my
damage the wheels’ protective finish.
· If you carry special cargo such as
chemicals, fertilizers, de-icer sale, etc., be sure that
such materials are well packaged and sealed.
· If a lot of driving is done on gravel roads,
consider mud or stone shields behind each wheel.
Interior Care
Use Fabric Cleaner to clean fabric upholstery and
carpeting.
Use Vinyl Cleaner to clean vinyl or leather
upholstery.
WARNING!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes.
Many are potentially flammable, and if used in
closed areas they may cause respiratory harm.
Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular
basis with any commercial household-type glass
cleaner. Never use an abrasive type cleaner. Use
caution when cleaning inside rear windows equipped
with electric defrosters. Do not use scrapers or other
sharp instruments which may scratch the elements.
When cleaning the rear view mirror, spray cleaner
on the towel or rag that you are using. Do not spray
cleaner directly on the mirror.
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses,
care must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
1. Clean with a wet soft rag. A mild soap
solution may be used, but do not use high
alcohol content or abrasive cleaners. If
soap is used, wipe clean with a clean
damp rag.
2. Dry with a soft tissue.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the
fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts from the
car to wash them.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if
the buckles do work properly.
BUTTER SLICK SHINE
CARES ABOUT YOUR
AUTOMOBILE!