2020 RAM 1500 Owners Manual - BODYWORK

BODYWORK

Protection From Atmospheric Agents

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 to 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. 7

The following maintenance recommendations will enable you to obtain maximum benefit from the corrosion resistance built into your vehicle.

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 seacoast localities.

Atmospheric fallout/industrial pollutants. Body And Underbody Maintenance Cleaning Headlights

Your vehicle is equipped with plastic headlights and fog lights that are lighter and less susceptible to stone breakage than glass headlights.

Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and therefore different lens cleaning procedures must be followed.

To minimize the possibility of scratching the lenses and reducing light output, avoid wiping with a dry cloth. To remove road dirt, wash with a mild soap solution followed by rinsing.

Do not use abrasive cleaning components, solvents, steel wool or other aggressive material to clean the lenses.

For cleaning and protecting the vinyl Tri-Fold Tonneau cover, use Mopar Whitewall & Vinyl Top Cleaner and Mopar Leather and Vinyl Conditioner/Protectant.

Wash your vehicle regularly. Always wash your vehicle in the shade using Mopar Car Wash, or 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, use Mopar Super Kleen Bug and Tar Remover to remove.

Use a high quality cleaner wax, such as Mopar Cleaner Wax to remove road film, stains and to protect your paint finish. 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.

The customer is responsible to clean and maintain the chrome components of the vehicle. Washing away road debris and salt using an automotive soap. Bumpers should be cleaned regularly using mild (neutral Ph) soap and water to maintain their luster and to prevent corrosion.

Your bumpers are susceptible to deterioration caused by salt, 7

sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, etc., and other road chemicals used to melt ice or control dust on dirt roads. Do not use harsh chemicals or a stiff brush. They can stain or damage the protective coating that helps keep them from corroding and tarnishing.

If you drive on salted or dusty roads or if you drive near the ocean, hose off the undercarriage at least once a month.

It is important that the drain holes in the lower edges of the doors, rocker panels, and trunk be kept clear and open.

If you detect any stone chips or scratches in the paint, touch them up immediately. The cost of such repairs is considered the responsibility of the owner.

If your vehicle is damaged due to a collision or similar cause that destroys the paint and protective coating, have your vehicle repaired as soon as possible. The cost of such repairs is considered the responsibility of the owner.

If you carry special cargo such as chemicals, fertilizers, de-icer salt, etc., be sure that such materials are well pack- aged and sealed.

If a lot of driving is done on gravel roads, consider mud or stone shields behind each wheel.

Use Mopar Touch Up Paint on scratches as soon as possible. An authorized dealer has touch up paint to match the color of your vehicle.

During ownership, the shine and luster of the Spray-On Bedliner can fade from oxidation, road dirt, heavy-duty hauling and hard water stains. Weathering and UV exposure will lead to fading, dulling, and loss of gloss over time.

To help maintain the appearance of your Spray-On Bedliner, the manufacturer recommends you periodically rinse all loose dirt from your truck bed and clean your truck at least twice per year using the Mopar Spray-On Bedliner Condi- tioner available at your local authorized dealer.

To Help Maintain The Appearance Of Your Spray-On Bedliner, Follow The Steps Below:

Rinse your truck bed out with water to remove any loose dirt and debris.

Mix a mild soap or detergent with water with a soft cloth or brush.

Rinse bedliner with water.

Once dry, apply a small amount of Mopar Spray-On Bedliner Conditioner to a moist towel or sponge and wipe over the entire surface of the truck bedliner.

Spray-On Bedliners are chemically-resistant to many different types of chemicals (including gasoline, oil, hydraulic fluids) for short periods of time. If a spill occurs on your Spray-On Bedliner, rinse the truck out as soon as possible to avoid permanent damage.

Repairing The Spray-On Bedliner

While extremely tough, it is possible to damage a Spray-On Bedliner. One common condition is when loading a heavy pallet and dragging that pallet across the floor of the bed. If a nail or sharp point is exposed under the weight of the pallet a scratch or tear is possible. While not covered by your new vehicle warranty, a cosmetic fix to cover the metal exposed by the scratch is required. To repair a tear or gouge, follow the directions provided in the Mopar Quick Repair Kit.