Hyundai Tucson 2005 is a popular SUV among drivers worldwide. Although the Tucson 2005 has proven to be reliable and durable, it still requires good maintenance to continue to function optimally and look attractive. One important aspect of maintaining the Tucson 2005 is preventing corrosion and keeping its appearance looking good. In this article, we will discuss some tips and tricks for preventing corrosion and properly maintaining the appearance of the Hyundai Tucson 2005.
CORROSION PROTECTION
Protecting Your Hyundai from Corrosion
By using the most advanced design and construction practices to combat corrosion, Hyundai produces cars of the highest quality. However, this is only part of the job. To achieve the long-term corrosion resistance your
Hyundai can deliver, the owner’s cooperation and assistance is also required.
Common Causes of Corrosion
The most common causes of corrosion on your car are:
- Road salt, dirt and moisture that is allowed to accumulate underneath the car.
- Removal of paint or protective coatings by stones, gravel, abrasion or minor scrapes and dents which leave unprotected metal exposed to corrosion.
High-Corrosion Areas
If you live in an area where your car is regularly exposed to corrosive materials, corrosion protection is particularly important. Some of the common causes of accelerated corrosion are road salts, dust control chemicals, ocean air and industrial pollution.
Moisture Breeds Corrosion
Moisture creates the conditions in which corrosion is most likely to occur. For example, corrosion is accelerated by high humidity, particularly when temperatures are just above freezing. In such conditions, the corrosive material is kept in contact with the car surfaces by moisture that is slow to evaporate.
Mud is particularly corrosive because it is slow to dry and holds moisture in contact with the vehicle. Although the mud appears to be dry, it can still retain the moisture and promote corrosion.
High temperatures can also accelerate corrosion of parts that are not properly ventilated so the moisture can be dispersed. For all these reasons, it is particularly important to keep your car clean and free of mud or accumulations of other materials. This applies not only to the visible surfaces but particularly to the underside of the car.
TO HELP PREVENT CORROSION
You can help prevent corrosion from getting started by observing the following:
Keep Your Car Clean
The best way to prevent corrosion is to keep your car clean and free of corrosive materials. Attention to the underside of the car is particularly important.
- If you live in a high-corrosion area — where road salts are used, near the ocean, areas with industrial pollution, acid rain, etc.—, you should take extra care to prevent corrosion. In winter, hose off the underside of your car at least once a month and be sure to clean the underside thoroughly when winter is over.
- When cleaning underneath the car, give particular attention to the components under the fenders and other areas that are hidden from view. Do a thorough job; just dampening the accumulated mud rather than washing it away will accelerate corrosion rather than prevent it. Water under high pressure and steam are particularly effective in removing accumulated mud and corrosive materials
- When cleaning lower door panels, rocker panels and frame members, be sure that drain holes are kept open so that moisture can escape and not be trapped inside to accelerate corrosion.
Keep Your Garage Dry
Don’t park your car in a damp, poorly ventilated garage. This creates a favorable environment for corrosion. This is particularly true if you wash your car in the garage or drive it into the garage when it is still wet or covered with snow, ice or mud. Even a heated garage can contribute to corrosion unless it is well ventilated so moisture is dispersed.
Keep Paint and Trim in Good Condition
Scratches or chips in the finish should be covered with “touch-up” paint as soon as possible to reduce the possibility of corrosion. If bare metal is showing through, the attention of a qualified body and paint shop is recommended.
Bird droppings : Bird droppings are highly corrosive and may damage painted surfaces in just a few hours. Always remove bird droppings as soon as possible.
Don’t Neglect the Interior
Moisture can collect under the floor mats and carpeting to cause corrosion. Check under the mats periodically to be sure the carpeting is dry. Use particular care if you carry fertilizers, cleaning materials or chemicals in the car. These should be carried only in proper containers and any spills or leaks should be cleaned up, flushed with clear water and thoroughly dried.
WASHING AND WAXING 3
Washing Your Hyundai
Never wash your car when the surface is hot from being in the sun. Always wash your car in the shade. Wash your car frequently. Dirt is abrasive and can scratch the paint if it is not removed. Air pollution or acid rain may damage the paint and trim through chemical action if pollutants are allowed to remain in contact with the surface.
If you live near the ocean or in an area where road salts or dust control chemicals are used, you should pay particular attention to the underside of the car. Start by rinsing the car to remove dust and loose dirt. In winter, or if you have driven through mud or muddy water, be sure to thoroughly clean the underside as well.
Use a hard direct stream of water to remove accumulations of mud or corrosive materials. Use a good quality car-washing solution and follow the manufacturer’s directions on the package. These are available at your Hyundai dealer or auto parts outlet. Don’t use strong household detergents, gasoline, strong solvents or abrasive cleaning powders as these may damage the finish.
Use a clean sponge or cloth, rinse it frequently and don’t damage the finish by rubbing too hard. For stubborn spots, dampen them frequently and remove them a little at a time. To clean whitewall tires, use a stiff brush or soapy steel-wool scouring pad. To clean plastic wheel covers, use a clean sponge or soft cloth and water.
To clean cast aluminum alloy wheels, use a mild soap or neutral detergent. Do not use abrasive cleaners. Protect the bare-metal surfaces by cleaning, polishing and waxing. Because aluminum is subject to corrosion, be sure to give aluminum alloy wheels special attention in winter. If you drive on salted roads, clean the wheels thoroughly afterwards.
After washing, be sure to rinse thoroughly. If soapy water dries on the finish, streaking will result. When the weather is warm and the humidity low, you may find it necessary to rinse each section immediately after washing to avoid streaking.
After rinsing, dry the car using a damp chamois or soft, absorbent cloth. The reason for drying the car is to remove water from the car so it will dry without water spots. Don’t rub, this can damage the finish.
If you find any nicks or scratches in the paint, use touch-up paint to cover them to prevent corrosion. To protect the paintwork of the car against corrosion, you must clean your Hyundai (at least once a month). Give special attention to the removal of salt, mud and other substances on the underside of the splashboards of the car. Make sure that the outlets and the underside of the doors are open.
Paint damage can be caused by small accumulation of tar, industrial precipitation, tree resin, insects and bird droppings, when not removed immediately. If water alone is not strong enough to remove the accumulated dirt, use a mild car washing solution. Be sure to rinse the surface after washing to remove the solution. Never allow the solution to dry on the painted surfaces.
Spot Cleaning
Don’t use gasoline, strong solvents or corrosive cleaning agents. These can damage the finish of the car. To remove road tar, use turpentine on a clean, soft cloth. Be gentle. To remove dead insects or tree sap, use warm
water and mild soap or car-washing solution. Soak the spot and rub gently. If the paint has lost its luster, use a commercial car-cleaning polish.
Polishing and Waxing
Always wash and dry the car before polishing or waxing or using a combination cleaner and wax. Use a good quality commercial product and follow the manufacturer’s directions on the container. Polish and wax the bright trim pieces as well as the paint.
When to Wax Again
You should polish and wax the car again when water no longer beads on a clean surface but spreads out over a larger area.
Maintaining Bumpers
Special precautions must be observed to preserve the appearance of the bumpers on your Hyundai. They are:
- Be careful not to spill battery electrolyte or hydraulic brake fluid on the bumpers. If you do, wash it off immediately with clear water.
- Be gentle when cleaning the bumper surfaces. They are made of soft plastic and the surface can be damaged if mistreated. Do not use abrasive cleaners. Use warm water and mild soap or car-washing solution.
- Do not expose the bumpers to high temperatures. For example, if you have your car repainted, do not leave the bumpers on the car if the car is going to be placed in a high temperature paint booth.
To Clean the Vinyl Upholstery
To clean the vinyl upholstery, first remove loose dirt and dust with a vacuum cleaner. Then apply a solution of mild soap or detergent and water using a clean sponge or soft cloth. Allow this to stay on the surface to loosen the dirt, then wipe with a clean damp sponge or cloth. If all the dirt stains are not removed, repeat this procedure until the upholstery is clean. Do not use gasoline, solvent, paint thinner or other strong cleaners.
To Clean the Leather Upholstery
(If installed)
In the normal course of use, leather upholstered surfaces will, like any material, pick-up dust and dirt. This dust and dirt must be cleaned off or it may work into the surface of the leather, causing damage.
In the normal course of use, leather upholstered surfaces will, like any material, pick-up dust and dirt. This dust and dirt must be cleaned off or it may work into the surface of the leather, causing damage.
Fine leather needs care, and should be cleaned when necessary. Washing leather thoroughly with soap and water will keep your leather lustrous, beautiful and ensure you have many years of wear.
Take a piece of cheese cloth and using any mild soap and lukewarm water, work up a good lather. Thoroughly wash the leather. Wipe clean with a slightly damp cloth and dry with soft cloth. Do this as often as the leather becomes soiled.
During tanning operations, sufficient oils are incorporated through processing that none need be applied during the life of the leather. Oil applied to the finished surface will in no way help the leather and may do more harm than good. Varnishes and furniture polishes should never be used under any conditions.
Cleaning the Carpets
Use a foam-type carpet cleaner. Cleaners of this type are available in aerosol cans in liquid form or powder. Read the instructions and follow them exactly. Using a vacuum cleaner with the appropriate attachment, remove as much dirt from the carpets as possible. Apply the foam following the manufacturer’s directions, then rub in overlapping circles. Do not add water. These cleaners work best when the carpet is kept as dry as possible.
To clean the seat belts, use a cloth or sponge with mild soap or detergent and warm water. Do not use strong detergents, dye, bleach or abrasive materials on the seat belts as this may weaken the fabric. While cleaning the belts, inspect them for excessive wear, cuts, fraying or other signs of damage and replace them if necessary.
Cleaning the Windows
You may use any household window cleaner on the windows. However, when cleaning the inside of the rear window be careful not to damage the rear window defroster wiring.
6 ANY QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions about the care of your car, consult your Hyundai dealer.