Maintenance Tips from Lockyer Valley Mitsubishi

Cleaning the Interior

A few handy tips for cleaning the interior of your Mitsubishi:

• Clean plastic, vinyl, leather, fabric and flocked parts with a soft cloth soaked in lukewarm water and a small amount of neutral detergent.
• Don't use cleaners, conditioners or protectants that contain silicone or wax. These products may cause annoying reflections that obscure your vision.
• Clean the carpet with a vacuum cleaner and remove any stains with carpet cleaner.
• Oil and grease can be removed from carpets by lightly dabbing with a clean, colourfast cloth and stain remover.

Cleaning the Exterior

Keep the exterior of your Mitsubishi looking clean and new by ensuring the following:

• If the exterior of your vehicle comes into contact with saltwater, anti-freeze, soot or dust, iron powder, bird droppings or any corrosive chemical substances, be sure to wash it immediately.
• After washing your vehicle, make sure all traces of soap or detergent are removed, and wipe it dry with a soft cloth.
• After washing, also carefully clean the joints and flanges of the doors and engine hood where dirt is likely to hide from view.
• If you live in a coastal area, it’s particularly important to wash your car regularly. Wind-born spray from the sea can distribute salt for a distance of up to 20 kilometres from the shore.

Cleaning the Underside

For 4WD vehicles such as the Pajero, Outlander and Triton, it’s important to keep the underside clean – particularly if you drive off-road.  This will remove corrosive dirt, dust and salt water.

When washing the underside:

• Be sure to wear a pair of rubber gloves and exercise caution.
• Be careful not to spray water onto any electrical components in the engine compartment.

Weather Protection - Cold Weather Care

As the salt and other chemicals spread on the roads in some areas in winter can have a harmful effect on your vehicle, you should clean it as often as possible to prevent corrosion and lasting damage.

Also: If you live in a particularly cold area, be sure to wipe off all water from the rubber parts around the doors to prevent the doors from freezing.

It's also recommended you book in for a Mitsubishi Preventative Service before and after the winter months - to ensure your Mitsubishi remains in optimal condition.

Paintwork - Waxing

Applying wax to your vehicle can help prevent the build up of dust and road chemicals on your paintwork. When doing so, be mindful that:

• You should apply a wax solution after washing your vehicle, at least once every three months.
• You shouldn't wax your vehicle in direct sunlight and should only apply wax after the surfaces have cooled.

Paintwork - Polishing

When it comes to polishing your paintwork:

• Only polish your vehicle if the paintwork has become stained or lost its luster.
• Matt-finish parts and plastic bumpers mustn’t be polished as this may stain them or damage their finish.

Paintwork - Damaged Paint

Often, your paintwork may be damaged due to flying stones or corrosion. If this is the case:

• Small cracks and scratches can be touched up with Mitsubishi touch-up paint to prevent corrosion - and to keep your vehicle looking new.
• The paint code number for your vehicle can be found on the vehicle information code plate in the engine compartment.