Alfa Romeo MITO User Manual page 197

BODYWORK
PROTECTION AGAINST ATMOSPHERIC
AGENTS
The car is equipped with the best available technological solutions to
effectively protect the bodywork against corrosion.
These are the most important:
❒ painting products and systems which give the car resistance to
corrosion and abrasion
❒ use of galvanised (or pretreated) steel sheets, with high resistance to
corrosion;
❒ spraying of plastic parts, with a protective function in the more
exposed points: underdoor, inner wing, edges, etc;
❒ use of "open" boxed sections to prevent condensation and pockets of
moisture which could favour the formation of rust inside;
❒ use of special films to protect against abrasion in exposed areas
(e.g. rear wing, doors, etc.).
BODY AND UNDERBODY WARRANTY
The car is covered by warranty against perforation due to corrosion of
any original element of the structure or body. For the general terms
of this warranty, refer to the Warranty Booklet.
PRESERVING THE BODYWORK
Paint
Touch up abrasions and scratches immediately to prevent the formation
of rust.
Maintenance of paintwork consists of washing the car: the frequency
depends on the conditions and environment where the car is used. For
example, it is advisable to wash the car more often in areas with
high levels of atmospheric pollution or salted roads.
To correctly wash the car, follow these instruction:
❒ remove the aerial from the roof when using a carwash;
❒ if high pressure jets or cleaners are used to wash the car, maintain a
distance of at least 40 cm from the bodywork to avoid damage or
alteration. Bear in mind that a build up of water could cause
damage to the car in the long term.
❒ wash the body using a low pressure jet of water;
❒ wipe a sponge with a slightly soapy solution over the bodywork,
frequently rinsing the sponge;
❒ rinse well with water and dry with a jet of air or a chamois leather.
Dry the less visible parts (e.g. door frames, bonnet, headlight frames
etc.) with special care, as water may stagnate more easily in these
areas. 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.
Detergents pollute the environment. Only wash your car in
areas equipped to collect and treat wastewater from this
type of activity.
In order to preserve the aesthetic properties of the
paintwork, abrasive products and/or polishes should not
be used to clean the car.
GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
193