Abarth Punto Evo Owner's Handbook Manual page 202

ADVICE FOR PRESERVING THE BODYWORK
Paint
Paintwork does not only serve an aesthetic purpose, but
also protects the underlying sheet metal.
Touch up abrasions and scratches immediately to
prevent rust formation. Use only original paint products
for touch-ups (see "Bodywork paint identification plate"
in the "Technical specifications" section).
Normal maintenance of paintwork consists in 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 sprayed with
salt, it is wise to wash the car more frequently.
To correctly wash the vehicle, proceed as follows:
❒ remove the aerial from the roof to prevent damage
to it if the car is washed in an automatic system;
❒ wash the body using a low pressure jet of water;
❒ wipe a sponge with a slightly soapy solution over the
bodywork, frequently rinsing with the sponge;
❒ rinse well with water and dry with a jet of air or a
chamois leather.
Dry the less visible parts, such as the door frames,
bonnet and the headlight frames with special care, as in
these areas water may stagnate more easily. The car
should not be taken to a closed area immediately, but
left outside so that residual water can evaporate.
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.
Where possible, do not park under trees; the resinous
substance that many species release give the paint a dull
appearance and increase the possibility of triggering
rusting processes.
IMPORTANT Bird droppings must be washed off
immediately and thoroughly as the acid they contain is
particularly aggressive.
Detergents pollute the environment. The
vehicle should be washed in areas
equipped for collecting and cleaning the
liquid used in the washing process.
KNOWING
YOUR VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
201