Paint Chipping; Maintaining The Finish; Washing - Fiat 124 Spider Abarth 2018 User Manual

Paint chipping

Problem:
Paint chipping occurs when gravel
thrown in the air by another vehicle's
tires hits your vehicle.
How to avoid paint chipping:
Keeping a safe distance between you
and the vehicle ahead reduces the
chances of having your paint chipped
by flying gravel.
Note:
The paint chipping zone varies with
the speed of the vehicle. For example,
when travelling at 55 mph (90 km/h),
the paint chipping zone is 164 ft
(50 m).
In low temperatures, a vehicle's
finish hardens. This increases the
chance of paint chipping.
Chipped paint can lead to rust
forming on your vehicle. Before this
happens, repair the damage by using
FCA touch-up paint according to the
instructions in this section. Failure to
repair the affected area could lead to
serious rusting and expensive repairs.
Follow all label and container directions
when using a chemical cleaner or
polish. Read all warnings and cautions.

Maintaining The Finish

Washing

To help protect the finish from rust and
deterioration, wash your vehicle
thoroughly and frequently, at least once
a month, with lukewarm or cold water.
If the vehicle is washed improperly, the
paint surface could be scratched. Here
are some examples of how scratching
could occur:
The vehicle is washed without first
rinsing off dirt and other foreign matter.
The vehicle is washed with a rough,
dry, or dirty cloth.
The vehicle is washed at a car wash
that uses brushes that are dirty or too
stiff.
Cleansers or wax containing
abrasives are used.
Note:
FCA is not responsible for scratches
caused by automatic car washes or
improper washing. Scratches are more
noticeable on vehicles with darker paint
finishes.
When the wiper lever is in the AUTO
position and the ignition is placed in the
ON mode, the wipers may move
automatically in the following cases:
If the windshield above the rain
sensor is touched or wiped with a cloth.
If the windshield is struck with a hand
or other object from either outside or
inside the vehicle.
Note:
Keep hands and scrapers clear of
the windshield when the wiper lever is
in the AUTO position and the ignition is
placed in the ON mode as fingers
could be pinched or the wipers and
wiper blades damaged when the
wipers activate automatically. If you are
going to clean the windshield, be sure
the wipers are turned off completely
(when it is most likely that the engine is
left running) this is particularly
important when clearing ice and snow.
Do not spray water in the engine
compartment. Otherwise, it could
result in engine-starting problems or
damage to electrical parts.
When washing and waxing the
vehicle, be careful not to apply
excessive force to any single area of
the vehicle hood. Otherwise, you could
dent the vehicle.
Do not use automatic car washing
machines and car washing devices
using high water pressure.
211