Light bulbs
Bulb replacement precaution
Please keep extra bulbs on hand with appropriate wattage ratings in case of emergencies.
Refer to “Bulb Wattage” in chapter 9.
When changing lamps, first turn off the engine at a safe place, firmly apply the parking brake and detach the battery’s negative (-) terminal.
WARNING - Working on the lights
Prior to working on the light, firmly apply the parking brake, ensure that the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK position and turn off the lights to avoid sudden movement of the vehicle and burning your fingers or receiving an electric shock.
Use only bulbs of the specified wattage.
CAUTION - Light replacement
Be sure to replace the burnedout bulb with one of the same wattage rating. Otherwise, it may cause damage to the fuse or electric wiring system.
CAUTION - Headlamp Lens
To prevent damage, do not clean the headlamp lens with chemical solvents or strong detergents.
• Lamp part malfunction due to net-work failure
The headlamp, taillight, and fog light may light up when the head lamp switch is turned ON, and not light up when the taillight or for light switch is turned ON. This may be cause by network failure or vehicle electrical control system malfunction. If there is a problem, we recommend the system be serviced by an authorized Kia dealer.
• Lamp part malfunction due to electrical control system stabilization
A normally functioning lamp may flicker momentarily. This momentary occurrence is due to stabilization function of the vehicle's electrical on control system. If the lamp soon returns to normal, the vehicle does not require service.
However, if the lamp goes out after the momentary flickering, or the flickering continues, we recommend the system be serviced by an authorized Kia dealer.
✽ NOTICE
- If the light bulb or lamp connector is removed while the lamp is still on, the fuse box's electronic system may log it as a malfunction. Therefore, a lamp malfunction incident may be recorded as a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) in the fuse box.
- It is normal for an operating lamp to flicker momentarily. This is due to a stabilization function of the vehicle’s electronic control device. If the lamp lights up normally after momentarily blinking, then it is functioning as normal. However, if the lamp continues to flicker several times or turns off completely, there may be an error in the vehicle’s electronic control device. Please have the vehicle checked by an authorized Kia dealer immediately.
✽ NOTICE
We recommend that the headlight aiming be adjusted after an accident or after the headlight assembly is reinstalled at an authorized Kia dealer.
✽ NOTICE
You can find moisture inside the lens of lamps after a car wash or driving in the rain. It is a natural event caused by the temperature difference between the inside and the outside of the lamp and does not mean a problem with its functions. The moisture inside the lamp would disappear if you drive the vehicle with the headlamp turned on, however, the level at which the moisture is removed may differ depending on the size/location/condition of the lamp. If the moisture continues to stay inside the lamp, we recommend that you have the vehicle checked by an authorized Kia dealer.
If you don’t have the necessary tools, the correct bulbs and the expertise, consult an authorized Kia dealer. In many cases, it is difficult to replace vehicle light bulbs because other parts of the vehicle must be removed before you can get to the bulb. This is especially true if you have to remove the headlamp assembly to get to the bulb(s).
Removing/installing the headlamp assembly can result in damage to the vehicle.
If non-genuine parts or substandard bulbs are used, it may lead to blowing a fuse or other wiring damages.
Do not install extra lamps or LEDs to the vehicle. If additional lights are installed, it may lead to lamp malfunctions and flickering. Additionally, the fuse box and other wiring may be damaged.
■ Head lamp - Type A
■ Head lamp - Type B
■ Fog lamp - Type A
■ D.R.L. Lamp - Type A
■ D.R.L. Lamp - Type B
(1) Headlamp (Low/High) (Bulb type)
(2) Side marker (Bulb type)
(3) Front turn signal lamp/ Position lamp
(4) Front turn signal lamp (Bulb type)
(5) Headlamp (Low/High) (Bulb/LED type)
(6) Side marker (LED type)
(7) Position lamp (LED type) or Position lamp/Day time running lamp (LED type)
(8) Fog lamp (Bulb type)
(9) Day time running lamp (Bulb type)
Light bulb position (Rear) (5 Door)
■ Rear combination lamp (5 Door) - Type A
■ Rear combination lamp (5 Door) - Type B
■ License plate lamp (5 Door)
■ High mounted stop lamp (5 Door)
(1) Rear turn signal lamp (Bulb type)
(2) Back up lamp (Bulb type)
(3) Stop and tail lamp (Bulb type)
(4) Tail lamp (Bulb type)
(5) Side marker (Bulb type)
(6) Stop and tail lamp (LED type)
(7) Side marker (LED type)
(8) License plate lamp
(9) High mounted stop lamp
Light bulb position (Side)
■ Type A
■ Type B
(1) Side repeater lamp (LED type)
(2) Side repeater lamp (bulb type)
Headlamp (Low/High beam) (Bulb type) bulb replacement (Headlamp Type A)
1. Open the hood.
2. Remove the headlamp bulb cover by turning it counterclockwise.
3. Disconnect the headlamp bulb socket-connector.
4. Unsnap the headlamp bulb retaining wire by pressing the end and pushing it upward.
5. Remove the bulb from the head lamp assembly.
6. Install a new headlamp bulb and snap the headlamp bulb retaining wire into position by aligning the wire with the groove on the bulb.
7. Connect the headlamp bulb socket- connector.
8. Install the headlamp bulb cover by turning it clockwise.
Headlamp bulb Side marker (front) (Bulb type)
WARNING - Halogen bulbs
Handle halogen bulbs with care.
- Halogen bulbs contain pressurized gas that will produce flying pieces of glass if broken.
- Always handle them carefully, and avoid scratches and abrasions. If the bulbs are lit, avoid contact with liquids. Never touch the glass with bare hands. Residual oil may cause the bulb to overheat and burst when lit. A bulb should be operated only when installed in a headlamp.
- If a bulb becomes damaged or cracked, replace it immediately and carefully dispose of it.
- Wear eye protection when changing a bulb. Allow the bulb to cool down before handling it.
Side marker (front) (Bulb type) bulb replacement (Headlamp Type A)
1. Open the hood.
2. Remove the bulb-socket from the headlamp assembly by turning the bulb-socket counterclockwise until the tabs on the bulb-socket align with the slots on the headlamp assembly.
3. Remove the bulb from the bulbsocket by pulling it out.
4. Insert a new bulb by inserting it into the bulb-socket.
5. Install the socket in the headlamp assembly by aligning the tabs on the bulb-socket with the slots in the assembly. Push the bulb-socket into the headlamp assembly and turn the socket clockwise.
Front turn signal lamp bulb replacement (Headlamp Type A)
1. Open the hood.
2. Remove the bulb-socket from the headlamp assembly by turning the bulb-socket counterclockwise until the tabs on the bulb-socket align with the slots on the headlamp assembly.
3. Remove the bulb from the bulbsocket by pressing it in and rotating it counterclockwise until the tabs on the bulb align with the slots in the bulb-socket. Pull the bulb out of the bulb-socket
4. Insert a new bulb by inserting it into the bulb-socket and rotating it until it locks into place.
5. Install the socket in the headlamp assembly by aligning the tabs on the bulb-socket with the slots in the assembly. Push the bulb-socket into the headlamp assembly and turn the socket clockwise.
Headlamp (Low/High beam) (Bulb type) bulb replacement (Headlamp Type B)
1. Open the hood.
2. Remove the headlamp bulb cover by turning it counterclockwise.
3. Disconnect the headlamp bulb socket-connector.
4. Remove the bulb-socket from the headlamp assembly by turning the bulb-socket counterclockwise until the tabs on the bulb-socket align with the slots on the headlamp assembly.
5. Install a new bulb-socket assembly in the headlamp assembly by aligning the tabs on the bulb-socket with the slots in the headlamp assembly. Push the bulb-socket into the headlamp assembly and turn the bulb-socket clockwise.
6. Install the headlamp bulb cover by turning it clockwise.
Headlamp bulb
WARNING - Halogen bulbs
Handle halogen bulbs with care.
- Halogen bulbs contain pressurized gas that will produce flying pieces of glass if broken.
- Always handle them carefully, and avoid scratches and abrasions. If the bulbs are lit, avoid contact with liquids. Never touch the glass with bare hands. Residual oil may cause the bulb to overheat and burst when lit. A bulb should be operated only when installed in a headlamp.
- If a bulb becomes damaged or cracked, replace it immediately and carefully dispose of it.
- Wear eye protection when changing a bulb. Allow the bulb to cool down before handling it.
Headlamp (Low/High beam) (LED type) bulb replacement (Headlamp Type B), Front turn signal lamp bulb replacement (Headlamp Type B)
Headlamp (Low/High beam) (LED type) bulb replacement (Headlamp Type B)
If the headlamp (Low/High beam) (1) does not operate, have the vehicle checked by an authorized Kia dealer.
Front turn signal lamp bulb replacement (Headlamp Type B)
1. Open the hood.
2. Remove the headlamp bulb cover by turning it counterclockwise.
3. Remove the bulb-socket from the headlamp assembly by turning the bulb-socket counterclockwise until the tabs on the bulb-socket align with the slots on the headlamp assembly.
4. Remove the bulb from the bulb socket by pressing it in and rotating it counterclockwise until the tabs on the bulb align with the slots in the bulb-socket. Pull the bulb out of the bulb-socket
5. Insert a new bulb by inserting it into the bulb-socket and rotating it until it locks into place.
6. Install the socket in the headlamp assembly by aligning the tabs on the bulb-socket with the slots in the assembly. Push the bulb-sock et into the headlamp assembly and turn the socket clockwise.
7. Install the headlamp bulb cover by turning it clockwise.
Side marker (front) (LED type) bulb replacement (Headlamp Type B), Front fog lamp bulb replacement
Side marker (front) (LED type) bulb replacement (Headlamp Type B)
If the Side marker (LED) (1) does not operate, have the vehicle checked by an authorized Kia dealer.
The LED lamps cannot be replaced as a single component because it is part of an integrated unit. The LED lamps have to be replaced with the unit.
A skilled technician should check or repair the Side marker (LED), for it may damage related parts of the vehicle.
Front fog lamp bulb replacement
If the front fog lamp (1) does not operate, have the vehicle checked by an authorized Kia dealer.
A skilled technician should check or repair the front fog lamp, for it may damage related parts of the vehicle.
Position lamp + DRL (LED type) bulb replacement, Position lamp + DRL (LED type) bulb replacement
Position lamp + DRL (LED type) bulb replacement
If the position lamp + DRL (LED) (1) does not operate, have the vehicle checked by an authorized Kia dealer.
The LED lamps cannot be replaced as a single component because it is part of an integrated unit. The LED lamps have to be replaced with the unit.
A skilled technician should check or repair the position lamp + DRL (LED), for it may damage related parts of the vehicle.
Daytime running lamp (Bulb type) bulb replacement
■ Type A
■ Type B
If the DRL (1) does not operate, have the vehicle checked by an authorized Kia dealer.
A skilled technician should check or repair the DRL bulb, for it may damage related parts of the vehicle.
Side repeater lamp (LED type, bulb type) bulb Replacement
Side repeater lamp (LED type) bulb Replacement
If the side repeater lamp (LED) (1) does not operate, have the vehicle checked by an authorized Kia dealer.
The LED lamps cannot be replaced as a single component because it is part of an integrated unit. The LED lamps have to be replaced with the unit.
A skilled technician should check or repair the side repeater lamp (LED), for it may damage related parts of the vehicle.
Side repeater lamp (bulb type) bulb Replacement
1. Remove the lamp assembly from the vehicle by prying the lens and pulling the assembly out.
2. Disconnect the bulb electrical connector.
3. Separate the socket and the lens parts by turning the socket counterclockwise until the tabs on the socket align with the slots on the lens part.
4. Remove the bulb by pulling it straight out.
5. Insert a new bulb in the socket.
6. Reassemble the socket and the lens part.
7. Connect the bulb electrical connector.
8. Reinstall the lamp assembly to the body of the vehicle.
Stop and tail lamp bulb replacement (for 5 door)
1. Open the trunk lid.
2. Loosen the light assembly retaining screws with a cross-tip screwdriver.
3. Remove the rear combination lamp assembly from the body of the vehicle.
4. Disconnect the rear combination lamp connector.
5. Remove the socket from the assembly by turning the socket counterclockwise until the tabs on the socket align with the slots on the assembly.
6. Remove the bulb from the socket by pressing it in and rotating it counterclockwise until the tabs on the bulb align with the slots in the socket. Pull the bulb out of the socket.
7. Insert a new bulb by inserting it into the socket and rotating it until it locks into place.
8. Install the socket in the assembly by aligning the tabs on the socket with the slots in the assembly. Push the socket into the assembly and turn the socket clockwise.
9. Install the rear combination lamp assembly to the body of the vehicle.
Rear turn signal lamp bulb replacement
1. Open the trunk lid.
2. Loosen the light assembly retaining screws with a cross-tip screwdriver.
3. Remove the rear combination lamp assembly from the body of the vehicle.
4. Disconnect the rear combination lamp connector.
5. Remove the socket from the assembly by turning the socket counterclockwise until the tabs on the socket align with the slots on the assembly.
6. Remove the bulb from the socket by pressing it in and rotating it counterclockwise until the tabs on the bulb align with the slots in the socket. Pull the bulb out of the socket.
7. Insert a new bulb by inserting it into the socket and rotating it until it locks into place.
8. Install the socket in the assembly by aligning the tabs on the socket with the slots in the assembly. Push the socket into the assembly and turn the socket clockwise.
9. Install the rear combination lamp assembly to the body of the vehicle.
Stop and tail lamp (LED type) bulb replacement
If the stop and tail lamp (LED) (1) does not operate, have the vehicle checked by an authorized Kia dealer.
The LED lamps cannot be replaced as a single component because it is part of an integrated unit. The LED lamps have to be replaced with the unit.
A skilled technician should check or repair the stop and tail lamp (LED), for it may damage related parts of the vehicle.
Back-up lamp bulb replacement
1. Open the liftgate.
2. Remove the service cover.
3. Remove the socket from the assembly by turning the socket counterclockwise until the tabs on the socket align with the slots on the assembly.
4. Remove the bulb from bulb-socket by pulling it out.
5. Insert a new bulb by inserting it into the bulb-socket.
6. Install the socket in the assembly by aligning the tabs on the socket with the slots in the assembly. Push the socket into the assembly and turn the socket clockwise.
7. Install the service cover by putting it into the service hole.
Tail lamp (inside) bulb replacement
1. Open the liftgate.
2. Remove the service cover.
3. Remove the socket from the assembly by turning the socket counterclockwise until the tabs on the socket align with the slots on the assembly.
4. Remove the bulb from bulb-socket by pulling it out.
5. Insert a new bulb by inserting it into the bulb-socket.
6. Install the socket in the assembly by aligning the tabs on the socket with the slots in the assembly. Push the socket into the assembly and turn the socket clockwise.
7. Install the service cover by putting it into the service hole.
Side marker (rear) (Bulb type) bulb replacement (Rear combination lamp Type A)
1. Open the liftgate.
2. Remove the service cover.
3. Loosen the light assembly retaining screws with a cross-tip screwdriver.
4. Remove the rear combination lamp assembly from the body of the vehicle.
5. Disconnect the rear combination lamp connector.
6. Remove the socket from the assembly by turning the socket counterclockwise until the tabs on the socket align with the slots on the assembly.
7. Remove the bulb from bulb-socket by pulling it out.
8. Insert a new bulb by inserting it into the bulb-socket.
9. Install the socket in the assembly by aligning the tabs on the socket with the slots in the assembly. Push the socket into the assembly and turn the socket clockwise.
10. Connect the rear combination lamp connector.
11. Install the rear combination lamp assembly to the body of the vehicle.
12. Install the service cover.
Side marker (rear) (LED type) bulb replacement (Rear combination lamp Type B)
If the Side marker (LED) (1) does not operate, have the vehicle checked by an authorized Kia dealer.
The LED lamps cannot be replaced as a single component because it is part of an integrated unit. The LED lamps have to be replaced with the unit.
A skilled technician should check or repair the Side marker (LED), for it may damage related parts of the vehicle.
Light bulbs / High mounted stop lamp bulb replacement, License plate lamp bulb replacement
High mounted stop lamp bulb replacement (for 5 door)
If the high mounted stop lamp (1) does not operate, have the vehicle checked by an authorized Kia dealer.
A skilled technician should check or repair the high mounted stop lamp, for it may damage related parts of the vehicle.
License plate lamp bulb replacement
1. Using a flat-blade screwdriver, gently pry the lens cover from lamp housing.
2. Remove the socket from the assembly by turning the socket counterclockwise until the tabs on the socket align with the slots on the assembly.
3. Remove the bulb from bulb-socket by pulling it out.
4. Insert a new bulb by inserting it into the bulb-socket.
5. Install the socket in the assembly by aligning the tabs on the socket with the slots in the assembly. Push the socket into the assembly and turn the socket clockwise.
6. Align the lens cover tabs with the lamp housing notches and snap the lens into place.
Map lamp bulb replacement
WARNING - Interior lamps
Prior to working on the Interior lamps, ensure that the “OFF” button is depressed to avoid burning your fingers or receiving an electric shock.
1. Using a flat-blade screwdriver, gently pry the lamp assembly from interior.
2. Remove the bulb by pulling it straight out.
3. Install a new bulb in the socket.
4. Install the lamp assembly to interior.
CAUTION
Be careful not to dirty or damage the lens, lens tab, and plastic housings.
Vanity mirror lamp bulb replacement
WARNING - Interior lamps
Prior to working on the Interior lamps, ensure that the “OFF” button is depressed to avoid burning your fingers or receiving an electric shock.
1. Using a flat-blade screwdriver, gently pry the lamp assembly from interior.
2. Remove the bulb by pulling it straight out.
3. Install a new bulb in the socket.
4. Install the lamp assembly to interior.
CAUTION
Be careful not to dirty or damage the lens, lens tab, and plastic housings.
Room lamp bulb replacement
WARNING - Interior lamps
Prior to working on the Interior lamps, ensure that the “OFF” button is depressed to avoid burning your fingers or receiving an electric shock.
1. Using a flat-blade screwdriver, gently pry the lens cover from lamp housing.
2. Remove the bulb by pulling it straight out.
3. Install a new bulb in the socket.
4. Align the lens cover tabs with the lamp housing notches and snap the lens into place.
CAUTION
Be careful not to dirty or damage the lens, lens tab, and plastic housings.
Glove box lamp bulb replacement
1. Using a flat-blade screwdriver, gently pry the lamp assembly from interior.
2. Remove the bulb by pulling it straight out.
3. Install a new bulb in the socket.
4. Install the lamp assembly to interior.
CAUTION
Be careful not to dirty or damage the lens, lens tab, and plastic housings.
Liftgate room lamp bulb replacement
1. Using a flat-blade screwdriver, gently pry the lens cover from lamp housing.
2. Remove the bulb by pulling it straight out.
3. Install a new bulb in the socket.
4. Align the lens cover tabs with the lamp housing notches and snap the lens into place.
CAUTION
Be careful not to dirty or damage the lens, lens tab, and plastic housings.
Exterior care
Exterior general caution
It is very important to follow the label directions when using any chemical cleaner or polish. Read all warning and caution statements that appear on the label.
Finish maintenance
Washing
To help protect your vehicle’s finish from rust and deterioration, wash it thoroughly and frequently at least once a month with lukewarm or cold water.
If you use your vehicle for off-road driving, you should wash it after each off-road trip. Pay special attention to the removal of any accumulation of salt, dirt, mud, and other foreign materials. Make sure the drain holes in the lower edges of the doors and rocker panels are kept clear and clean.
Insects, tar, tree sap, bird droppings, industrial pollution and similar deposits can damage your vehicle’s finish if not removed immediately.
Even prompt washing with plain water may not completely remove all these deposits. A mild soap, safe for use on painted surfaces, may be used.
After washing, rinse the vehicle thoroughly with lukewarm or cold water. Do not allow soap to dry on the finish.
WARNING
After washing the vehicle, test the brakes while driving slowly to see if they have been affected by water. If braking performance is impaired, dry the brakes by applying them lightly while maintaining a slow forward speed.
High-pressure washing
- When using high-pressure washers, make sure to maintain sufficient distance from the vehicle. Insufficient clearance or excessive pressure can lead to component damage or water penetration.
- Do not spray the camera, sensors or its surrounding area directly with a high pressure washer. Shock applied from high pressure water may cause the device to not operate normally.
- Do not bring the nozzle tip close to boots (rubber or plastic covers) or connectors as they may be damaged if they come into contact with high pressure water.
CAUTION - Wet engine
- Washing the engine compartment with water, including high pressure water, may cause the failure of electrical circuits located in the engine compartment.
- Never allow water or other liquids to come in contact with electrical/electronic components inside the vehicle as this may damage them.
Waxing
Wax the vehicle when water will no longer bead on the paint.
Always wash and dry the vehicle before waxing. Use a good quality liquid or paste wax, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Wax all metal trim to protect it and to maintain its luster.
Removing oil, tar, and similar materials with a spot remover will usually strip the wax from the finish. Be sure to re-wax these areas even if the rest of the vehicle does not yet need waxing.
Do not apply wax on an embossed unpainted unit, as it may tarnish the unit.
CAUTION - Drying vehicle
- Wiping dust or dirt off the body with a dry cloth will scratch the finish.
- Do not use steel wool, abrasive cleaners, acid detergents or strong detergents containing high alkaline or caustic agents on chrome-plated or anodized aluminum parts. This may result in damage to the protective coating and cause discoloration or paint deterioration.
Finish damage repair, Bright-metal maintenance
Finish damage repair
Deep scratches or stone chips in the painted surface must be repaired promptly. Exposed metal will quickly rust and may develop into a major repair expense.
If your vehicle is damaged and requires any metal repair or replacement, be sure the body shop applies anti-corrosion materials to the parts repaired or replaced.
Bright-metal maintenance
- To remove road tar and insects, use a tar remover, not a scraper or other sharp object.
- To protect the surfaces of brightmetal parts from corrosion, apply a coating of wax or chrome preservative and rub to a high luster.
- During winter weather or in coastal areas, cover the bright metal parts with a heavier coating of wax or preservative. If necessary, coat the parts with non-corrosive petroleum jelly or other protective compound.
Underbody maintenance
Road salt and other corrosive chemicals are used in cold weather states to melt snow and prevent ice accumulation. If these chemicals are not regularly removed, they will corrode the vehicle underbody and over time damage fuel lines, the fuel tank retention system, the vehicle suspension, the exhaust system, and even the body frame.
- Wash the undercarriage of your vehicle regularly during the winter and whenever your vehicle has been exposed to such salts or chemicals.
- Do a thorough washing of the undercarriage at the end of the winter.
- Use professional service technicians or governmental inspection stations to annually inspect for corrosion.
- Immediately seek an inspection of your vehicle if you become visually aware of corrosion flaking or scaling or if you become aware of a change in vehicle performance, such as soft or spongey brakes, fluids leaking, impairment of directional control, suspension noises or rattling metal straps.
Aluminum wheel maintenance
The aluminum wheels are coated with a clear protective finish.
- Do not use any abrasive cleaner, polishing compound, solvent, or wire brushes on aluminum wheels. They may scratch the finish.
- Clean the wheel when it has cooled.
- Use only a mild soap or neutral detergent, and rinse thoroughly with water. Also, be sure to clean the wheels after driving on salted roads. This helps prevent corrosion.
- Avoid washing the wheels with highspeed vehicle wash brushes.
- Do not use any alkaline or acid detergents as they may damage or corrode aluminum wheels coated with a clear protective finish.
Corrosion protection
Protecting your vehicle from corrosion
By using the most advanced design and construction practices to combat corrosion, we produce vehicles of the highest quality. However, this is only part of the job. To achieve the long-term corrosion resistance your vehicle can deliver, the owner's cooperation and assistance is also required.
Common causes of corrosion
The most common causes of corrosion on your vehicle are:
- Road salt, dirt and moisture that is allowed to accumulate underneath the vehicle.
- Removal of paint or protective coatings by stones, gravel, abrasion or minor scrapes and dents which leave unprotected metal exposed to corrosion.
High-corrosion areas
If you live in an area where your vehicle is regularly exposed to corrosive materials, corrosion protection is particularly important. Some of the common causes of accelerated corrosion are road salts, dust control chemicals, ocean air and industrial pollution.
Moisture breeds corrosion
Moisture creates the conditions in which corrosion is most likely to occur. For example, corrosion is accelerated by high humidity, particularly when temperatures are just above freezing. In such conditions, the corrosive material is kept in contact with the vehicle’s surface by moisture that evaporates slowly.
Mud is particularly corrosive because it dries slowly and holds moisture in contact with the vehicle. Although the mud appears to be dry, it can still retain moisture and promote corrosion.
High temperatures can also accelerate corrosion of parts that are not properly ventilated so the moisture can be dispersed. For all these reasons, it is particularly important to keep your vehicle clean and free of mud or accumulations of other materials. This applies not only to the visible surfaces but particularly to the underside of the vehicle.
To help prevent corrosion
You can help prevent corrosion from beginning by observing the following:
Keep your vehicle clean
The best way to prevent corrosion is to keep your vehicle clean and free of corrosive materials. Attention to the underside of the vehicle is particularly important.
- If you live in a high-corrosion area — where road salts are used, near the ocean, areas with industrial pollution, acid rain, etc.—, you should take extra care to prevent corrosion. In winter, hose off the underside of your vehicle at least once a month and be sure to clean the underside thoroughly when winter is over.
- When cleaning underneath the vehicle, give particular attention to the components under the fenders and other areas that are hidden from view. Do a thorough job; just dampening the accumulated mud rather than washing it away will accelerate corrosion rather than prevent it. Water under high pressure and steam are particularly effective in removing accumulated mud and corrosive materials.
- When cleaning lower door panels, rocker panels and frame members, be sure that drain holes are kept open so that moisture can escape and not be trapped inside to accelerate corrosion.
Keep your garage dry
Don't park your vehicle in a damp, poorly ventilated garage. This creates a favorable environment for corrosion. This is particularly true if you wash your vehicle in the garage or drive it into the garage when it is still wet or covered with snow, ice or mud. Even a heated garage can contribute to corrosion unless it is well ventilated so moisture is dispersed.
Keep paint and trim in good condition
Scratches or chips in the finish should be covered with "touch-up" paint as soon as possible to reduce the possibility of corrosion. If bare metal is showing through, the attention of a qualified body and paint shop is recommended.
Bird droppings: Bird droppings are highly corrosive and may damage painted surfaces in just a few hours. Always remove bird droppings as soon as possible.
Don't neglect the interior
Moisture can collect under the floor mats and carpeting and cause corrosion. Check under the mats periodically to be sure the carpeting is dry. Use particular care if you carry fertilizers, cleaning materials or chemicals in the vehicle.
These should be carried only in proper containers and any spills or leaks should be cleaned up, flushed with clean water and thoroughly dried.
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