Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood hinges, liftgate hinges, steel fuel door hinge, unless the components are plastic. Applying silicone grease on weatherstrips with a clean cloth will make them last longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak.
Underbody Maintenance
At least twice a year, spring and fall use plain water to flush any corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to thoroughly clean any areas where mud and other debris can collect.
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and requires sheet metal repair or replacement, make sure the body repair shop applies anti-corrosion material to parts repaired or replaced to restore corrosion protection.
Original manufacturer replacement parts will provide the corrosion protection while maintaining the vehicle warranty.
Finish Damage
Quickly repair minor chips and scratches with touch-up materials available from your dealer to avoid corrosion. Larger areas of finish damage can be corrected in your dealer's body and paint shop.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Airborne pollutants can fall upon and attack painted vehicle surfaces causing blotchy, ring-shaped discolorations, and small, irregular dark spots etched into the paint surface. See “Finish Care” previously in this section.
Brake System
Interior CareDrunk Driving
Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is a global tragedy.
Warning
Drinking and then driving is very dangerous. Your reflexes, perceptions,
attentiveness, and judgment can be affected by even a small amount of alcohol. You
can have a serious - or even fatal - collision if you d ...
Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission)
If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift the transmission into P (Park)
properly, the weight of the vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in
the transmission. You may find it difficult to pull the shift lever out of P (Park).
This is called “torque lock.” To prevent torque ...
If Steam Is Coming from the Engine Compartment
Warning
Steam from an overheated engine can burn you badly, even if you
just open the hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from
it. Just turn it off and get everyone away from the vehicle until it cools down.
Wait until there is no sign of steam or coolant before you ...