Hyundai 2006 Elantra - Manual (Page 186)

44 CORROSION PREVENTION AND APPEARANCE CARE
2 TO HELP PREVENT CORROSION CORROSION PROTECTION
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You can help prevent corrosion from getting
started by observing the following:
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High-Corrosion Areas
If you live in an area where your car is regularly
exposed to corrosive materials, corrosion pro-
tection is particularly important. Some of the
common causes of accelerated corrosion are
road salts, dust control chemicals, ocean air
and industrial pollution.
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Common Causes of Corrosion
The most common causes of corrosion on your
car are:
o Road salt, dirt and moisture that is allowed to
accumulate underneath the car.
o Removal of paint or protective coatings by
stones, gravel, abrasion or minor scrapes
and dents which leave unprotected metal
exposed to corrosion.
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Protecting Your Hyundai from
Corrosion
By using the most advanced design and con-
struction practices to combat corrosion,
Hyundai produces cars of the highest quality,
However, this is only part of the job. To achieve
long-term corrosion resistance your Hyundai
can deliver, the owner's cooperation and assis-
tance is also required.
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Moisture Breeds Corrosion
Moisture creates the conditions in which corro-
sion is most likely to occur. For example, cor-
rosion is accelerated by high humidity, particu-
larly when temperatures are just above freez-
ing. In such conditions, the corrosive material is
kept in contact with the car surfaces by mois-
ture 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 corro-
sion.
High temperatures can also accelerate corro-
sion 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.
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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 particu-
larly important.
o 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.
o 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.