Kia Optima Hybrid 2017 Owner's Manual page 641

Maintenance
Moisture breeds corrosion
Moisture creates the conditions in
which corrosion is most likely to occur.
For example, corrosion is accelerated
by high humidity, particularly when
temperatures are just above freezing.
In such conditions, the corrosive mate‐
rial is kept in contact 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 accelerate
corrosion of parts that are not properly
ventilated so the moisture can be dis‐
persed.
For all these reasons, it is particularly
important to keep your vehicle clean
and free of mud or accumulations 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:
9-88
Keep your vehicle clean
The best way to prevent corrosion is to
keep your vehicle clean and free of cor‐
rosive materials. Attention to the un‐
derside of the vehicle is particularly im‐
portant.
• If you live in a high-corrosion area —
where road salts are used, near the
ocean, areas with industrial pollution,
acid rain, etc.—, you should take ex‐
tra care to prevent corrosion. In win‐
ter, hose off the underside of your
vehicle at least once a month and be
sure to clean the underside thor‐
oughly 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. Wa‐
ter under high pressure and steam
are particularly effective in removing
accumulated mud and corrosive ma‐
terials.
• 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 acceler‐
ate corrosion.
Keep your garage dry
Don't park your vehicle in a damp, poor‐
ly ventilated garage. This creates a fa‐
vorable environment for corrosion. This
is particularly true if you wash your ve‐
hicle 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 contribute to corrosion un‐
less it is well ventilated so moisture is
dispersed.
Keep paint and trim in good
condition
Scratches or chips in the finish should
be covered with "touch-up" paint as
soon as possible to reduce the possibili‐
ty 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 pain‐
ted surfaces in just a few hours. Al‐
ways remove bird droppings as soon as
possible.