Jeep Grand Cherokee User Manual page 112

Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion
Protection of Body and Paint from Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to
geographic locations and usage. Chemicals that
make roads passable in snow and ice, and those
that are sprayed on trees and road surfaces
during other seasons, are highly corrosive to the
metal in your vehicle.
The following maintenance recommendations will
enable you to obtain maximum benefit from the
corrosion resistance built into your vehicle.
What Causes Corrosion?
Corrosion is the result of deterioration or removal
of paint and protective coatings from your vehicle.
The most common causes are:
• Road salt, dirt and moisture accumulation.
• Stone and gravel impact.
• Insects, tree sap and tar.
• Salt in the air near seacoast localities.
• Atmospheric fallout/industrial pollutants.
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Washing
• Wash your vehicle regularly. Always wash your
vehicle in the shade using a mild car wash
soap and rinse the panels completely with clear
water.
• If insects, tar or other similar deposits have
accumulated on your vehicle, wash it as soon
as possible.
• Use Mopar Auto Polish to remove road film
and stains and to polish your vehicle. Take care
never to scratch the paint.
• Avoid using abrasive compounds and power
buffing that may diminish the gloss or thin out
the paint finish.
CAUTION!
Do not use abrasive or strong cleaning materials
such as steel wool or scouring powder, which
will scratch metal and painted surfaces.
Special Care
• If you drive on salted or dusty roads or if you
drive near the ocean, hose off the undercar-
riage at least once a month.
• The drain holes in the lower edges of the doors,
rocker panels and rear liftgate must be kept
clear and open.
• If you detect any stone chips or scratches in the
paint, touch them up immediately. The cost of
such repairs is considered the responsibility of
the owner.
• If your vehicle is damaged due to an accident
or similar cause which destroys the paint and
protective coating, have your vehicle repaired
as soon as possible. The cost of such repairs is
considered the responsibility of the owner.
• If you carry special cargo such as chemicals,
fertilizers, de-icer salt, etc., assure that such
materials are well packaged and sealed.
• If a lot of driving is done on gravel roads,
consider mud or stone shields behind each
wheel.