Advice For Preserving The Bodywork; Paint - Alfa Romeo GT Owner's Manual

ADVICE FOR PRESERVING
THE BODYWORK

Paint

The paintwork does not only serve an
aestethic purpose but also protects the un-
derlying sheet metal.
In the case of deep scrapes or scores, you
are advised to have the necessary touch-
ing up carried out immediately to avoid the
formation of rust.
Only original products should be used for
touching up paint (see "Body paint identi-
fication plate" in the "Technical Specifica-
tions" chapter).
Normal paint maintenance consists in
washing at intervals depending on the con-
ditions and environment of use. For exam-
ple, in highly polluted areas, or if the roads
are sprayed with salt, it is wise to wash the
car more frequently.
To correctly wash the car:
1) Remove the aerial from the roof to pre-
vent damage to it if the car is washed in
an automatic system.
2) Spray the car with a low pressure jet of
water.
3) Pass a sponge moistened with a light
detergent solution, rinsing the sponge fre-
quently.
4) Rinse well with water and dry with a
jet of air or chamois leather.
When drying, take particular care with the
less visible parts like door surrounds, bon-
net and around the headlights where wa-
ter may stagnate. The car should not be tak-
en to a closed area immediately, but left in
the open so that residual water can evapo-
rate.
Do not wash the car after it has been left
in the sun or with the bonnet hot: this may
alter the shine of the paintwork.
Exterior plastic parts must be cleaned in
the same way as the rest of the car.
Where possible, do not park under trees;
the resinous substances many species re-
lease give the paint a dull appearance and
increase the possibility of triggering the rust
processes.
IMPORTANT Bird droppings must be
washed off immediately and thoroughly as
the acid they contain is particularly aggressive.
Detergents cause water
pollution. Therefore the car
should be washed in areas
equipped for collecting and purify-
ing the liquid used in the washing
process.
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