Rustproofing - Volvo XC90 Owner's Manual

08 Car care

Rustproofing

Inspection and maintenance
Your car received a thorough and complete
rustproofing at the factory. Parts of the body
are made of galvanised sheet metal. The un-
derbody is protected by a wear-resistant
anti-corrosion compound. And, a thin, pene-
trating rustproofing fluid was sprayed into the
members, cavities and closed sections.
Maintaining the car's rustproofing.
• Keep the car clean. Hose down the under-
body. If using a pressure washer, keep the
nozzle at least 30 cm from the painted
surfaces.
• Regularly check and touch-up the rust-
proofing treatment as necessary.
The car's rustproofing does not normally re-
quire treatment for approximately12 years.
After that time, it should be treated at three
year intervals. If the car requires treatment,
consult an authorised Volvo workshop.
Repair
If you want to repair the rustproofing your-
self, make sure the area is clean and dry.
Hose down, wash and dry the car thoroughly.
Use a rustproofing agent in a spray can or
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one that is intended for brush application.
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There are two different types of rustproofing
agents:
• thin (colourless), for visible areas
• thick, for areas prone to wear on the
underbody.
Possible repair areas with these agents:
• Visible welds and sheet metal joints; thin
fluid
• Underbody - thick fluid
• Door hinges - thin fluid
• Bonnet hinges and catch - thin fluid
Once you have finished treatment, excess
rustproofing can be wiped off with a rag
dipped in a recommended cleaning agent.
Parts of the engine and suspension strut
mountings in the engine compartment are
treated at the factory with a wax-based, col-
ourless rustproofing. This withstands normal
detergents without dissolving and losing its
rustproofing ability.
If you wash the engine using aromatic sol-
vents, such as turpentine or white spirit (es-
pecially those that do not contain emulsifi-
ers), the protective wax should be renewed
after washing. Your Volvo dealer handles
such waxes.