Kia Cerato 2019 Owner's Manual page 572

Maintenance
High-corrosion areas
If you live in an area where your vehi-
cle is regularly exposed to corrosive
materials, corrosion protection is par-
ticularly important. Some of the com-
mon causes of accelerated corrosion
are road salts, dust control chemicals,
ocean air and industrial pollution.
Moisture breeds corrosion
Moisture creates the conditions in
which corrosion is most likely to
occur. For example, corrosion is
accelerated by high humidity, partic-
ularly when temperatures are just
above freezing. In such conditions,
the corrosive material is kept in con-
tact with the vehicle's surface by
moisture that evaporate slowly.
Mud is particularly corrosive because it
dries slowly and holds moisture in con-
tact with the vehicle. Although the mud
appears to be dry, it can still retain
moisture and promote corrosion.
High temperatures can also acceler-
ate corrosion of parts that are not
properly ventilated so the moisture
can be dispersed.
8 130
For all these reasons, it is particular-
ly important to keep your vehicle
clean and free of mud or accumula-
tions of other materials. This applies
not only to the visible surfaces but
particularly to the underside of the
vehicle.
To help prevent corrosion
You can help prevent corrosion from
getting started by observing the fol-
lowing:
Keep your vehicle clean
The best way to prevent corrosion is
to keep your vehicle clean and free
of corrosive materials. Attention to
the underside of the vehicle is partic-
ularly important.
• If you live in a high-corrosion area
— where road salts are used, near
the ocean, areas with industrial pol-
lution, 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
vehicle, give particular attention to
the components under the fenders
and other areas that are hidden
from view. Do a thorough job; just
dampening the accumulated mud
rather than washing it away will
accelerate corrosion rather than
prevent it. Water under high pres-
sure and steam are particularly
effective in removing accumulated
mud and corrosive materials.