Kia Sportage 2023 Owner's Manual page 495

Maintenance
trical circuits located in the engine
compartment.
僅 Never allow water or other liquids to
come in contact with electrical/elec-
tronic components and air duct inside
the vehicle as this may damage them.
僅 After the vehicle has been washed,
brake carefully while paying attention
to the traffic conditions until the brak-
ing effect has been fully restored.
NOTICE
Matte paint finish vehicle (if eqipped)
Automatic car wash which uses rotating
brushes should not be used as this can
damage the surface of your vehicle. A
steam cleaner which washes the vehicle
surface at high temperature may cause
the oil to adhere and leave stains that is
difficult to remove.
Use a soft cloth (e.g. microfiber towel or
sponge) when washing your vehicle and
dry with a microfiber towel. When you
hand wash your vehicle, you should not
use a cleaner that finishes with wax.
Waxing
Wax the vehicle when water will no lon-
ger bead on the paint.
Always wash and dry the vehicle before
waxing. Use a good quality liquid or
paste wax, and follow the manufac-
turer's instructions. Wax all metal trim to
protect it and to maintain its luster.
Removing oil, tar, and similar materials
with a spot remover will usually strip the
wax from the finish. Be sure to re-wax
these areas even if the rest of the vehicle
does not yet need waxing.
Be careful not to touch the lens when
waxing the lamps.
CAUTION
Drying vehicle
僅 Wiping dust or dirt off the body with a
dry cloth will scratch the finish.
僅 Do not use steel wool, abrasive clean-
ers, acid detergents or strong deter-
gents containing high alkaline or
caustic agents on chrome-plated or
anodized aluminum parts. This may
result in damage to the protective
coating and cause discoloration or
paint deterioration.
NOTICE
Matte paint finish vehicle (if eqipped)
Do not use any polish protector such as
a detergent, an abrasive or a polish. In
case wax is applied, remove the wax
immediately using a silicon remover and
if any tar or tar contaminant is on the
surface use a tar remover to clean.
However, be careful not to apply too
much pressure on the painted area.
Finish damage repair
Deep scratches or stone chips in the
painted surface must be repaired
promptly. Exposed metal will quickly rust
and may develop into a major repair
expense.
NOTICE
If your vehicle is damaged and requires
any metal repair or replacement, be sure
the body shop applies anti-corrosion
materials to the parts repaired or
replaced.
Appearance care
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