Kia Soul 2020 Owner's Manual page 494

Maintenance
of corrosive materials. Attention to
the underside of the vehicle is par -
ticularly important.
If you live in a high-corrosion area —
where road salts are used, near the
ocean, areas with industrial pollu -
tion, acid rain, etc.—, you should
take extra care to prevent corrosion.
In winter, hose off the underside of
your vehicle at least once a month
and be sure to clean the underside
thoroughly when winter is over.
When cleaning underneath the vehi -
cle, give particular attention to the
components under the fenders and
other areas that are hidden from
view. Do a thorough job; just damp -
ening the accumulated mud rather
than washing it away will accelerate
corrosion rather than prevent it.
Water under high pressure and
steam are particularly effective in
removing accumulated mud and
corrosive materials.
When cleaning lower door panels,
rocker panels and frame members,
be sure that drain holes are kept
open so that moisture can escape
and not be trapped inside to accel -
erate corrosion.
Keep your garage dry
Don't park your vehicle in a damp,
poorly ventilated garage. This cre -
ates a favorable environment for
corrosion. This is particularly true if
you wash your vehicle in the garage
or drive it into the garage when it is
still wet or covered with snow, ice or
mud. Even a heated garage can con -
tribute to corrosion unless it is well
ventilated so moisture is dispersed.
Keep paint and trim in good condi
tion
Scratches or chips in the finish
should be covered with "touch-up"
paint as soon as possible to reduce
the possibility of corrosion. If bare
metal is showing through, the
attention of a qualified body and
paint shop is recommended.
Bird droppings: Bird droppings are
highly corrosive and may damage
painted surfaces in just a few hours.
Always remove bird droppings as
soon as possible.
Don't neglect the interior
Moisture can collect under the floor
mats and carpeting and cause cor -
rosion. Check under the mats peri -
odically to be sure the carpeting is
dry. Use particular care if you carry
fertilizers, cleaning materials or
chemicals in the vehicle.
These should be carried only in
proper containers and any spills or
leaks should be cleaned up, flushed
with clean water and thoroughly
dried.
Appearance care
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