FIAT Punto User Manual
Page 250
249
SAFETY DEVICES
CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
W
ARNING
LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICA
TIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CAR
MAINTENANCE
ADVICE FOR PRESERVING THE
BODYWORK
Paint
Paintwork does not only serve an aestethic purpose,
but also protects the underlying sheet metal.
In the case of deep scrapes or scores, you are advised
to have the necessary touching up carried out
immediately to avoid the formation of rust. Use only
original paint products for touching up (see
“Bodywork paint identification plate” in “Technical
specification” section).
Normal paint maintenance consists in washing at
intervals depending on the conditions and environment
of use. For example, in highly polluted areas, or if the
roads are sprayed with salt, it is wise to wash the car
more frequently.
To correctly wash the car:
❒
remove the aerial from the roof to prevent damage
to it if the car is washed in an automatic system;
❒
wash the body using a low pressure jet of water;
❒
wipe a sponge with a slightly soapy solution over
the bodywork, frequently rinsing with the sponge;
❒
rinse well with water and dry with a jet of air or a
chamois leather.
When drying, take particular care with the less visible
parts like door surrounds, bonnet and around the
headlights where water may stagnate. The car should
not be taken to a closed area immediately, but left in
the open so that residual water can evaporate.
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 vehicle.
Where possible, do not park under trees; the resinous
substance many species release give the paint a dull
appearance and increase the possibility of triggering
rust processes.
IMPORTANT Bird droppings must be washed off
immediately and thoroughly as the acid they contain is
particularly aggressive.
Detergents cause water pollution. Therefore the engine compartment should be washed in areas
equipped for collecting and purifying the liquid used in the washing process.
225-250 Punto GB 27-05-2009 11:59 Pagina 249