A well-maintained vehicle will last longer. It is therefore recommended to maintain the exterior of the vehicle regularly.

Some parts may look different over time (e.g.: bleaching, etc.)

Your vehicle has been treated with very effective anti-corrosion products. It is nevertheless subject to various outside influences.

Corrosive agents in the atmosphere

- atmospheric pollution (built-up and industrial areas);

- saline atmospheres (near the sea, particularly in hot weather);

- seasonal and damp weather conditions (e.g. road salt in winter, water from road cleaners, etc.).

Minor impacts

Abrasive action

Dust and sand in the air, mud, road grit thrown up by other vehicles, etc.

You should take a number of minor precautions in order to safeguard your vehicle against such risks.

You should

Wash your car frequently, with the engine off, with cleaning products recommended by the manufacturer (never use abrasive products). Rinse thoroughly beforehand with a jet:

- spots of tree resin and industrial grime;

- mud in the wheel arches and underneath the body which forms damp patches;

- bird droppings, which cause a chemical reaction with the paint that rapidly discolours paintwork and may even cause the paint to peel off;

wash the vehicle immediately to remove these marks since it is impossible to remove them by polishing;

- salt, particularly in the wheel arches and underneath the body after driving in areas where the roads have been gritted.

Remove any plant matter (resin, leaves, etc.) from the vehicle regularly.

Respect local regulations about washing vehicles (e.g. do not wash your vehicle on a public highway).

Observe the vehicle stopping distances when driving on gravelled surfaces to prevent paint damage.

Repair, or have repaired quickly, areas where the paint has been damaged, to prevent corrosion spreading.

Remember to visit the body shop periodically in order to maintain your anti-corrosion warranty. Refer to the Maintenance Document.

If it is necessary to clean mechanical components, hinges, etc., spray them with products approved by our Technical Department to protect them after they have been cleaned.

We have selected special products to care for your vehicle and you can obtain these from the manufacturer’s accessory outlets.

Cleaning the roof

Use a soft cloth or cotton wool.

Soak it lightly with a protective agent recommended by our Technical Department.

Spread the protective agent carefully in circular movements using a soft or a cotton cloth.

What you should not do

Wash the vehicle in bright sunlight or freezing temperatures.

Do not scrape off mud or dirt without pre-wetting.

Allow dirt to accumulate on the exterior.

Allow rust to form following minor impacts.

Do not use solvents not approved by our Technical Department to remove stains as this could damage the paintwork.

Do not drive in snow or muddy conditions without washing the vehicle, particularly under the wheel arches and body.

Degrease or clean using high-pressure cleaning equipment or by spraying on products not approved by our Technical Department:

- mechanical components (e.g.: engine compartment);

- underbody;

- parts with hinges (e.g.: inside the doors);

- painted plastic external fittings (e.g.: bumpers).

Doing this could give rise to corrosion or operational faults.