Renault Koleos

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

■ Prevention of corrosion from corrosive substances

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 (in built-up and industrial areas);
• saline atmospheres (near the sea, particularly in hot weather);
• seasonal and damp climatic conditions (e.g.: road salt in winter, water from road cleaners, etc.).

▶ Abrasive action

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

▶ Minor impacts

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

■ You should do the following

Wash your car frequently, with the engine off, with cleaning products Recommended by the manufacturer (never use abrasive products).

Rinse thoroughly beforehand using a jet washer:

• spots of tree resin and industrial pollution;
• 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 as 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.

■ Do not do the following

• 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.
• Using solvents not approved by our Technical Department to remove stains may damage the paintwork.
• Do not drive in snow or muddy conditions without washing the vehicle, particularly under the wheel arches and body.
• When parking and storing, park in a well-ventilated garage or covered area. Avoid parking under trees, as bugs, bird droppings, and sap may fall.
• Do not leave debris on the painted surfaces as it can cause discoloration or rust. Keep it well maintained by washing or waxing it.

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

• mechanical components (e.g. engine compartment);
• wheels (e.g. braking system components such as brake callipers);
• the parts with hinges (e.g. inside the doors);
• the painted plastic external fittings (e.g. bumpers).

Doing this could give rise to corrosion or operational faults.

■ Using a roller type car wash

• Return the windscreen wiper stalk to the Park position.
• Check the mounting of external accessories, additional lights and rear view mirrors, and ensure that the wiper blades are secured with adhesive tape.
• Remove the radio aerial mast if your vehicle is fitted with this equipment.
• Check that the fuel filler flap is closed then lock the vehicle.
• Remember to remove the tape and refit the antenna after washing.

■ Cleaning the headlights, sensors and cameras

Use a soft cloth or cotton wool.

If this does not clean them properly, moisten the cloth with soapy water, then wipe clean with a soft damp cloth or cotton wool.

Finally, carefully dry off with a soft dry cloth.

Do not use cleaning products containing alcohol or utensils (e.g. a scraper).

■ Precautions for self-washing

• Do not use hard brushes. This may scratch the paint surface.
• When washing the tire wheels, use a mild detergent. Acidic or alkaline detergents may discolor the wheel or peel off the coating.
• If you use a detergent, rinse it off with plenty of water not to remain detergent on the paint surface.
• If you use high-pressure cleaning equipment, keep the car body at a sufficient distance from the nozzle. Too much water pressure or holding the wash nozzle in one place for too long can cause leaks or component failure. Washing with an automatic car wash machine can cause gloss loss or damage by brush.
• Keep the high-pressure nozzle away from windows, glass, or tailgate gaps. This can cause water to seep into the vehicle.
• Clean the wiper blades and windshield regularly to keep them clean at all times. Do not use wax or water-repellent coatings. They can damage the wiper blades.
• Be careful not to use waxes that contain abrasives, as they can reduce the gloss and water-repellent properties of the paint.