Bodywork maintenance

You should do the following

Wash your car frequently, with the engine off, with cleaning products recommended by the manufacturer (never use abrasive products). Rinse thoroughly beforehand using a jet washer:
  • spots of tree resin and industrial pollution;
  • mud in the wheel arches and underneath the body which forms damp patches;
  • bird droppings, which cause a chemical reaction with the paint that rapidly discolours paintwork and may even cause the paint to peel off;
wash the vehicle immediately to remove these marks as it is impossible to remove them by polishing;
  • salt, particularly in the wheel arches and underneath the body after driving in areas where the roads have been gritted.
Remove any plant matter (resin, leaves, etc.) from the vehicle regularly.
Observe local regulations about washing vehicles (e.g. do not wash your vehicle on a public highway).
Observe the vehicle stopping distances when driving on gravelled surfaces to prevent paint damage.
Repair, or have repaired quickly, areas where the paint has been damaged, to prevent corrosion spreading.
Remember to visit the body shop periodically in order to maintain your anti-corrosion warranty. Refer to the maintenance document.
If mechanical components, hinges, etc. have been cleaned, they must be protected again by spraying with products approved by our Technical Department.
Tip
We have selected special products to care for your vehicle and you can obtain these from the manufacturer's accessory outlets.

Do not do the following

Wash the vehicle in bright sunlight or freezing temperatures.
Do not scrape off mud or dirt without pre-wetting.
Allow dirt to accumulate on the exterior.
Allow rust to form following minor impacts.
Do not use solvents not approved by our Technical Department to remove stains as this could damage the paintwork.
Do not drive in snow or muddy conditions without washing the vehicle, particularly under the wheel arches and body.
Degrease or clean using high-pressure cleaning equipment or by spraying products not approved by our Technical Department:
Doing this could give rise to corrosion or operational faults.

Vehicles with a matte paint finish

This type of paint requires certain precautions.

You should do the following

Wash the vehicle by hand using plenty of water, using a soft cloth or a gentle sponge.

Do not do the following

Use wax-based products (polishing).
Rub too hard.
Wash the vehicle in a roller-type car wash.
Attach stickers to the paintwork (risk of leaving marks).
Wash the vehicle using a high-pressure cleaning device.

Using a roller type car wash

Return the windscreen wiper stalk to the Park position (refer to the information on the "Windscreen washer, wiper" in Section 1). Check the mounting of external accessories, additional lights and rear view mirrors, and ensure that the wiper blades are secured with adhesive tape.
Remove the radio aerial mast if your vehicle is fitted with this equipment.
Remember to remove the tape and refit the antenna after washing.
Special features of vehicles with aerodynamic equipment
WARNING
Never use a roller-type car wash on vehicles fitted with a rear spoiler.
Risk of damage to the vehicle.

Cleaning the headlights, sensors and cameras

Use a soft cloth or cotton wool. If this does not clean them properly, moisten the cloth with soapy water, then wipe clean with a soft damp cloth or cotton wool. Finally, carefully dry off with a soft dry cloth.
Do not use alcohol-based cleaning products or utensils such as scrapers.

Cleaning stickers, decorative films, etc.

You should do the following

Use a soft cloth or cotton wool. Moisten it with soapy water, then always wipe clean with a soft cloth or cotton wool.
Finally, carefully dry off with a soft dry cloth.

Do not do the following

Use alcohol-based cleaning products. Use utensils (e.g. a scraper). Rub too hard.
Wash the area using a high-pressure cleaning device.