Maserati Levante 2021 Owner's Manual page 361

Normal paint maintenance consists
in washing, the frequency of which
depends on the conditions of use and
of the environment. For example, if
driving the vehicle in areas where
there is high atmospheric pollution or
the roads are spread with anti-freeze
salt, it is advisable to wash the vehicle
more frequently.
ENVIRONMENTAL!
Detergents pollute water. Therefore
the vehicle should be washed in areas
equipped for the collection and
purification of the fluids used for
washing.
NOTE:
The use of alcohol-based products
for cleaning the metal surfaces in the
engine compartment and/or the boot
may deteriorate the protective paint.
It is recommended to use water-based
products and neutral surfactants.
Car Wash
For correct washing:
• wet the bodywork with a low
pressure water jet;
• pass a sponge with a light detergent
solution over the bodywork,
frequently rinsing the sponge;
• rinse well with water and dry with an
air jet or chamois leather.
When drying, take particular care
with the parts that are less visible,
such as the door, liftgate and lid bays,
headlight edges, in which water can
be trapped more easily.
You are recommended not to take the
vehicle immediately into an enclosed
environment, but leave it in the
open air so as to allow the water to
evaporate.
Do not wash the vehicle after it has
been left in the sun or when the
hood is hot: the paint gloss could be
affected.
External plastic parts must be cleaned
with the same procedure followed for
the normal washing of the bodywork.
Avoid, as far as possible, parking
the vehicle under trees; the resinous
substances that very often drop
Maintenance and Care
from the trees give the paint a dull
appearance and increase the possibility
of originating corrosive processes.
It is important that the drain holes in
the lower sides of the doors, rocker
panels, and trunk bottom be kept clear
and open.
CAUTION!
• Bird droppings must be washed off
immediately and thoroughly, since
their acidity is particularly corrosive.
• To provide better protection for the
paint, polish the vehicle at intervals
with a suitable product leaving a
protective film on the paint.
• If the vehicle is washed using high-
pressure water jets or cleaners, it
is important that the nozzle of the
jet be kept at a distance of at least
40 cm (16 in) from the bodywork to
avoid damaging it.
Washing Vehicles with Matte Finish
Paint
• It is recommended to hand wash
vehicles with matte-finish paint.
• Before washing, first remove from
the bodywork dust and other
particles that could damage the
paint. Preferably use an air pressure
jet.
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