Fiat 500L 2013 Owner's Handbook Manual page 264

PRESERVING THE BODYWORK
GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
Paint
Touch up abrasions and scratches immediately to
prevent the formation of rust.
SAFETY
Maintenance of paintwork consists of washing the
car: the frequency depends on the conditions and
environment where the car is used. For example, in
highly polluted areas, or if the roads are spread
STARTING AND
with salt, it is advisable to wash the car more
DRIVING
frequently.
To wash the car correctly, proceed as follows:
❒ remove the aerial from the roof to prevent damage
WARNING LIGHTS
to it if the car is washed in an automatic system;
AND MESSAGES
❒ if high pressure jets or cleaners are used to wash
the car, keep a distance of at least 40 cm from
the bodywork to avoid damage or alteration.
IN AN EMERGENCY
It should be remembered that the build up
of water can damage the car over a period of time;
❒ wash the body using a low pressure jet of water;
SERVICING AND
❒ wipe the bodywork using a sponge with a slightly
MAINTENANCE
soapy solution, frequently rinsing the sponge;
❒ rinse well with water and dry with a jet of air or a
chamois leather.
TECHNICAL
Dry the less visible parts (e.g. door frames, bonnet,
SPECIFICATIONS
headlight frames etc.) with special care, as water may
stagnate more easily in these areas. The car should
not be taken to a closed area immediately, but
INDEX
left outside so that residual water can evaporate.
260
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.
Avoid parking under trees as much as possible; the
resin from trees dulls the paintwork and increases
the possibility of corrosion.
IMPORTANT Bird droppings must be washed off
immediately and thoroughly as the acid they contain
is particularly aggressive.
Detergents pollute the environment. Only
wash your car in areas equipped to collect
and treat wastewater from this type of
activity.
In order to preserve the aesthetic
properties of the paintwork, abrasive
products and/or polishes should not be
used to clean the car.