Exterior Maintenance
Exterior Maintenance
Dry off brakes that have become wet by driving slowly, releasing the accelerator pedal and lightly applying the brakes several times until the brake performance returns to normal.
Driving with wet brakes is dangerous. Increased stopping distance or the vehicle pulling to one side when braking could result in a serious accident. Light braking will indicate whether the brakes have been affected.
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Before lifting the windshield wiper blades off the windshield, always follow the procedure for moving the windshield wiper blades. Otherwise, a wiper blade, wiper arm, or the hood could be damaged.
Refer to the Replacing Windshield Wiper Blade Rubbers section (Search) for the procedure on how to move the windshield wiper blades to the service position.
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When the vehicle power is switched ON and the wiper lever is in the AUTO position, the windshield wipers may operate automatically in the following cases:
The area of the windshield above the rain sensor is touched or wiped with a cloth.
The windshield or the rain sensor area in the cabin is hit.
When the vehicle power is switched ON and the wiper lever is in the AUTO position, do not touch the windshield or the windshield wipers Otherwise, the windshield wipers will operate automatically which could catch your fingers or damage the windshield wipers.
When removing ice or snow, or cleaning the windshield, always make sure the wiper lever is in the OFF position.
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Do not spray water in the engine compartment. Otherwise, it could result in engine-starting problems or damage to electrical parts.
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When washing and waxing the vehicle, be careful not to apply excessive force to any single area of the vehicle roof. Otherwise, you could dent the vehicle.
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Make sure that the fuel-filler lid is closed and lock the doors. Otherwise, the fuel-filler lid may be forcefully opened by water pressure causing damage to the vehicle or fuel-filler lid.
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Do not use steel wool, abrasive cleaners, or strong detergents containing highly alkaline or caustic agents on chrome-plated or anodized aluminum parts. This may damage the protective coating; also, cleaners and detergents may discolor or deteriorate the paint.
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If organic solvents such as gasoline, oil, engine coolant, or battery fluid, get on the exterior, wipe it off immediately.
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Do not use wax containing compounds, organic solvents such as gasoline or benzene, alcohols, acidic or alkaline detergents, or bleach for cleaning.
Wheel Maintenance
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If there is seawater or anti-freezing agent on the wheels, wash it off with water as soon as possible.
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Do not use any detergent other than mild detergent. Before using any detergent, verify the ingredients. Otherwise, the product could discolor or stain the aluminum wheels.
