Finish Damage
Any stone chips, fractures or deep
scratches in the finish should
be repaired right away. Bare metal
will corrode quickly and may
develop into major repair expense.
Minor chips and scratches can
be repaired with touch-up materials
available from your dealer/retailer.
Larger areas of finish damage
can be corrected in your dealer’s/
retailer’s body and paint shop.
Underbody Maintenance
Chemicals used for ice and snow
removal and dust control can collect
on the underbody. If these are not
removed, corrosion and rust can
develop on the underbody parts such
as fuel lines, frame, floor pan, and
exhaust system even though they
have corrosion protection.
At least every spring, flush these
materials from the underbody
with plain water. Clean any areas
where mud and debris can collect.
Dirt packed in close areas of the
frame should be loosened before
being flushed. Your dealer/retailer or
an underbody car washing system
can do this.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Some weather and atmospheric
conditions can create a chemical
fallout. Airborne pollutants can
fall upon and attack painted surfaces
on the vehicle. This damage can
take two forms: blotchy, ring-shaped
discolorations, and small, irregular
dark spots etched into the paint
surface.
Although no defect in the paint job
causes this, we will repair, at no
charge to the owner, the surfaces of
new vehicles damaged by this
fallout condition within 12 months or
12,000 miles (20 000 km) of
purchase, whichever occurs first.
Vehicle Identification
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN)
This is the legal identifier for your
vehicle. It appears on a plate in the
front corner of the instrument
panel, on the driver side. It can be
seen through the windshield
from outside the vehicle. The VIN
also appears on the Vehicle
Certification and Service Parts
labels and the certificates of title and
registration.
5-90
Service and Appearance Care