Lotus Elise Service Notes page 29

Lotus Service Notes Section TDM
Atmospheric contaminants; dust, soot, ash, and acidic or alkaline aerosol mist can chemically attack
paint.
Abrasion; blowing sand and dust, or a dirty washing cloth.
Tree sap and insect fluids; can form a water-insoluble polymer that adheres to the paint.
Bird droppings; highly acidic or alkaline, they can chemically etch the paint.
Leaves; contain tannic acid which can stain light finishes.
Washing - Caution: Lotus does NOT recommend that the Elise is subjected to a mechanical (automatic) car
wash as some types of brushes used in these devices may cause scratching of the flexible rear window, and
accelerated ageing of the roof fabric. The car should be hand washed using the following instructions;
General: Many contaminants are water soluble and can be removed before any harm occurs by thorough
washing with plenty of luke warm water, which includes a proprietary car wash additive (household detergent
can remove wax and accelerate oxidation). Frequent washing is the best safeguard against unseen contami-
nants, at the same time ensuring the regular removal of dirt, dust and traffic film. Wash in the shade, and use
a cotton chenille wash mitt or a sponge rinsed frequently to ensure no entrapment of dirt particles. Use a
straight back and forth washing motion to avoid swirled micro scratches and rinse thoroughly.
Soft Top Roof:
1. Careful vacuuming of the soft top before washing may be helpful in removing excess dust and other
foreign particles.
2. Wash in partial shade rather than strong sunlight, and wet the whole car before tackling the soft top.
3. Use a sponge (a chamois or cloth will leave lint, and a brush may abrade the threads) to apply a mild
soap solution of lukewarm water. Do NOT use a detergent.
4. To avoid rings or spots, wash the entire top uniformly and let the soapy solution remain on the fabric for
2 to 5 minutes.
5. Rinse the whole car to remove all soap from the fabric and to prevent streaking on the car bodywork.
6. Remove surface water with a sponge and allow to air dry in direct sunlight. Ensure that the roof is fully dry
before stowing, as prolonged stowage of a wet or damp roof will promote rotting of the fabric.
Keeping the soft top clean by regular washing will enhance the life and maintain the appearance of the
roof, and facilitate subsequent cleaning. The use of stronger cleansers should be left to professionals experi-
enced in handling this type of fabric as discoloration and degradation of the special protective inner layer may
result. The application of wax finishes, dressings or preservatives will cause stains which are difficult to
remove and therefore should be avoided.
Paintwork Polishing
Eventually some loss of gloss, and an accumulation of traffic film, will occur. At this stage, after the
normal washing, a polish with a good quality liquid polish will restore the original lustre of the paint film.
Higher gloss of the paint film, and added protection against contamination, can be obtained by wax
polishing, but it must be remembered that a wax polish can only be used successfully on a clean surface, and
that the previous application must first be removed with white spirit or a liquid polish cleaner before re-waxing.
Ventilation
Water lying on the paint surface for lengthy periods will penetrate the paint film. Although the effects will
not be visible immediately, this will in fact cause a deterioration in the protective properties of the paint film.
If a car is garaged, good ventilation must be provided, otherwise storage outside on a hard standing or
under a carport is preferable.
Windscreen
When washing the windscreen, take care to lift the wiper blade only a small distance from the glass in
order not to damage the wiper arm mechanism. Wash the wiper blade with clean water.
Alloy Wheels Cleaning
It is recommended that these are washed with the preparation as is used to wash the bodywork. Use a
brush having only nylon bristles. During the winter months, particularly when salt has been used on the roads
for the dispersal of snow and ice, remove all wheels, and wash thoroughly to remove all accumulated road filth
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