Acura RLX (2018 year). Instruction — part 33

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Checking and Maintaining Tires

Checking Tires

To safely operate your vehicle, your tires must be of the proper type and size, in
good condition with adequate tread, and properly inflated.

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Inflation guidelines

Properly inflated tires provide the best combination of handling, tread life, and
comfort. Refer to the driver’s doorjamb label or specifications page for the specified
pressure.

Underinflated tires wear unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel economy, and
are more likely to fail from overheating.

Overinflated tires make your vehicle ride harshly, are more prone to road hazards,
and wear unevenly.

Every day before you drive, look at each of the tires. If one looks lower than the
others, check the pressure with a tire gauge.

At least once a month or before long trips, use a gauge to measure the pressure in
all tires. Even tires in good condition can lose 1-2 psi (10-20 kPa, 0.1-0.2 kgf/cm

2

)

per month.

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Inspection guidelines

Every time you check inflation, also examine the tires and valve stems. Look for:
• Bumps or bulges on the side or in the tread. Replace the tire if you find any cuts,

splits, or cracks in the side of the tire. Replace it if you see fabric or cord.

• Remove any foreign objects and inspect for air leaks.
• Uneven tread wear. Have a dealer check the wheel alignment.
• Excessive tread wear.

2 Wear Indicators P. 526

• Cracks or other damage around valve stem.

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Checking Tires

Measure the air pressure when tires are cold. This
means the vehicle has been parked for at least three
hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km). If
necessary, add or release air until the specified
pressure is reached.

If checked when hot, tire pressure can be as much as
4–6 psi (30–40 kPa, 0.3–0.4 kgf/cm

2

) higher than if

checked when cold.

Have a dealer check the tires if you feel a consistent
vibration while driving. New tires and any that have
been removed and reinstalled should be properly
balanced.

Check the spare tire pressure once a month or before
long trips.

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WARNING

Using tires that are excessively worn or
improperly inflated can cause a crash in
which you can be seriously hurt or killed.

Follow all instructions in this owner’s
instruction regarding tire inflation and
maintenance.

Vehicles with optional spare tire kit

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Tire and Loading Information Label

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Tire and Loading Information Label

The label attached to the driver’s doorjamb provides necessary tire and loading
information.

Tire Labeling

The tires that came on your vehicle have a
number of markings. Those you should be
aware of are described as follows.

Whenever tires are replaced, they should be replaced with tires of the same size.

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Tire and Loading Information Label

The tire and loading information label attached to the
driver’s doorjamb contains:

a

The number of people your vehicle can carry.

b

The total weight your vehicle can carry. Do not
exceed this weight.

c

The original tire sizes for front, rear, and spare, if
equipped.

d

The proper cold tire pressure for front, rear, and
spare, if equipped.

Label
Example

Example

Tire Size

Tire
Identification
Number (TIN)

Maximum
Tire Load

Maximum
Tire Pressure

Tire Size

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Tire Sizes

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Tire Sizes

Following is an example of tire size with an
explanation of what each component means.
245/40R19 98W
245: Tire width in millimeters.
40: Aspect ratio (the tire’s section height as a
percentage of its width).
R: Tire construction code (R indicates radial).
19: Rim diameter in inches.
98: Load index (a numerical code associated with the
maximum load the tire can carry).
W: Speed symbol (an alphabetical code indicating the
maximum speed rating).

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Tire Labeling

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The tire identification number (TIN) is a group of numbers and letters that look like
the example in the side column. TIN is located on the sidewall of the tire.

Cold Tire Pressure – The tire air pressure when the vehicle has been parked for at
least three hours or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Load Rating – Means the maximum load that a tire is rated to carry for a given
inflation pressure.
Maximum Inflation Pressure – The maximum tire air pressure that the tire can
hold.
Maximum Load Rating – Means the load rating for a tire at the maximum
permissible inflation pressure for that tire.
Recommended Inflation Pressure – The cold tire inflation pressure recommended
by the manufacturer.
Treadwear Indicators (TWI) – Means the projections within the principal grooves
designed to give a visual indication of the degrees of wear of the tread.

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Tire Identification Number (TIN)

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Glossary of Tire Terminology

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Tire Identification Number (TIN)

DOT B97R FW6X 2209
DOT: This indicates that the tire meets all
requirements of the U.S. Department of
Transportation.
B97R: Manufacturer’s identification mark.
FW6X: Tire type code.
22 09: Date of manufacture.

Year
Week

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DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)

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DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)

The tires on your vehicle meet all U.S. Federal Safety
Requirements. All tires are also graded for treadwear, traction,
and temperature performance according to Department of
Transportation (DOT) standards. The following explains these
gradings.

Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall
between tread shoulder and maximum section width.

The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear
rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150
would wear one and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance
of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however,
and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in
driving habits, service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.

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Uniform Tire Quality Grading

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Treadwear

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Uniform Tire Quality Grading

For example:
Treadwear 200
Traction AA
Temperature A

All passenger car tires must conform
to Federal Safety Requirements in
addition to these grades.

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DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)

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The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement
as measured under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked
C may have poor traction performance.

The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high
temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and
reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire
failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance which
all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels
of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.

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Traction

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Temperature

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Traction

Warning: The traction grade
assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests,
and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak
traction characteristics.

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Temperature

Warning: The temperature grade for
this tire is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading,
either separately or in combination,
can cause heat buildup and possible
tire failure.

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Checking and Maintaining Tires

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Wear Indicators

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Wear Indicators

The groove where the wear indicator is
located is 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) shallower than
elsewhere on the tire. If the tread has worn so
that the indicator is exposed, replace the tire.
Worn out tires have poor traction on wet
roads.

Tire Service Life

The life of your tires is dependent on many factors, including driving habits, road
conditions, vehicle loading, inflation pressure, maintenance history, speed, and
environmental conditions (even when the tires are not in use).

In addition to regular inspections and inflation pressure maintenance, it is
recommended that you have annual inspections performed once the tires reach five
years old. All tires, including the spare

*

, should be removed from service after 10

years from the date of manufacture, regardless of their condition or state of wear.

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Checking Tires

High speed driving
We recommend that you do not drive faster than the
posted speed limits and conditions allow. If you drive
at sustained high speeds (over 118 mph or 190
km/h), adjust the cold tire pressures as shown below
to avoid excessive heat build up and sudden tire
failure.

Tire Size

245/40R19 98W

Pressure

38 psi (260 kPa, 2.7 kgf/cm

2

)

Example of a Wear
Indicator mark

* Not available on all models

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Tire and Wheel Replacement

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Tire and Wheel Replacement

Replace your tires with radials of the same size, load range, speed rating, and
maximum cold tire pressure rating (as shown on the tire’s sidewall). Using tires of a
different size or construction can cause certain vehicle systems such as the ABS and
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) system to work incorrectly.

It is best to replace all four tires at the same time. If that isn’t possible, replace the
front or rear tires in pairs.

If you replace a wheel, only use TPMS specified wheels approved for your vehicle.
Make sure that the wheel’s specifications match those of the original wheels.

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Tire and Wheel Replacement

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WARNING

Installing improper tires on your vehicle can
affect handling and stability. This can cause
a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or
killed.

Always use the size and type of tires
recommended in this owner’s instruction.

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Tire Rotation

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Tire Rotation

Rotating tires according to the maintenance messages on the multi-information
display helps to distribute wear more evenly and increase tire life.

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Tires without rotation marks

Rotate the tires as shown here.

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Tires with rotation marks

Rotate the tires as shown here.

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Tire Rotation

Tires with directional tread patterns should only be
rotated front to back (not from one side to the other).
Directional tires should be mounted with the rotation
indication mark facing forward, as shown below.

Front

Direction Mark

Front

Front

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Winter Tires

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Winter Tires

If driving on snowy or frozen roads, mount all season marked M+S tires, snow tires,
or tire chains; reduce speed; and maintain sufficient distance between vehicles when
driving.

Be particularly careful when operating the steering wheel or brakes to prevent
skidding.

Use tire chains, snow tires, or all season tires when necessary or according to the law.

When mounting, refer to the following points.

For winter tires:
• Select the size and load ranges that are the same as the original tires.
• Mount the tires to all four wheels.
For tire chains:
• Install them on the front tires only.
• Because your vehicle has limited tire clearance, we strongly recommend using the

chains listed below:

• Follow the chain manufacturer’s instruction when installing. Mount them as

tightly as you can.

• Check that the chains do not touch the brake lines or suspension.
• Drive slowly.

Cable-type: SCC Radial Chain SC1040

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Winter Tires

NOTICE

Traction devices that are the wrong size or improperly
installed can damage your vehicle’s brake lines,
suspension, body, and wheels. Stop driving if they are
hitting any part of the vehicle.

When tire chains are mounted, follow the chain
manufacturer’s instructions regarding vehicle
operational limits.

If your vehicle is equipped with summer tires, be
aware that these tires are not designed for winter
driving conditions. For more information, contact a
dealer.

3

WARNING

Using the wrong chains, or not properly
installing chains, can damage the brake
lines and cause a crash in which you can be
seriously injured or killed.

Follow all instructions in this owner’s
instruction regarding the selection and use of
tire chains.

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12-Volt Battery

Checking the 12-Volt Battery

The condition of the battery is monitored by a
sensor located on the negative terminal of the
battery. If there is a problem with this sensor,
the multi-information display will display a
warning message. If this happens, have your
vehicle inspected by a dealer.

Check the battery terminals for corrosion
monthly.

If your vehicle’s battery is disconnected or goes dead:
• The audio system is disabled.

2 Reactivating the audio system P. 214

• The clock resets.

2 Clock P. 128

• The navigation system is disabled.

2 Refer to the Navigation System Instruction

Charging the 12-Volt Battery

Disconnect both battery cables to prevent damaging your vehicle’s electrical system.
Always disconnect the negative (–) cable first, and reconnect it last.

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12-Volt Battery

WARNING: Battery post, terminals,
and related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds.
Wash your hands after handling.

When you find corrosion, clean the battery terminals
by applying a baking powder and water solution.
Clean the terminals with a damp towel. Cloth/towel
dry the battery. Coat the terminals with grease to
help prevent future corrosion.

When replacing the battery, the replacement must be
of the same specifications.
Consult a dealer for more information.

3

WARNING

The battery gives off explosive hydrogen
gas during normal operation.

A spark or flame can cause the battery to
explode with enough force to kill or
seriously hurt you.

When conducting any battery maintenance,
wear protective clothing and a face shield,
or have a skilled technician do it.

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Remote Transmitter Care

Replacing the Button Battery

If the indicator does not come on when the button is pressed, replace the battery.

1. Remove the built-in key.

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As a convenience, lightly place masking
tape over the remote buttons to hold
them in place.

2. Remove the upper half by carefully prying

on the edge with a coin.

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Wrap a coin with a cloth to prevent
scratching the transmitter.

3. Press down on the center of the assembly

and remove the battery.

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When removing the button battery, be
careful not to touch parts around it.

4. Make sure to replace the battery with the

correct polarity.

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Replacing the Button Battery

NOTICE

An improperly disposed of battery can damage the
environment. Always confirm local regulations for
battery disposal.

NOTICE

The Remote transmitter is equipped with two
batteries: A standard replaceable CR2032 coin
button battery and an integral non-replaceable
rechargeable battery. To prevent permanent damage
to the rechargeable battery, replace the CR2032
battery every three to four years.

Replacement batteries are commercially available or
at a dealer.

3

WARNING

CHEMICAL BURN HAZARD
The battery that powers the remote
transmitter can cause severe internal burns
and can even lead to death if swallowed.
Keep new and used batteries away from
children.
If you suspect that a child has swallowed
the battery, seek medical attention
immediately.

Battery type: CR2032

Battery

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Climate Control System Maintenance

Dust and Pollen Filter

The climate control system is equipped with a dust and pollen filter that collects
pollen, dust, and other debris in the air. The Maintenance Minder

TM

messages will let

you know when to replace the filter.

We recommend that you replace the dust and pollen filter sooner when using your
vehicle in areas with high concentrations of dust.

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Dust and Pollen Filter

If the airflow from the climate control system
deteriorates noticeably, and the windows fog up
easily, the filter may need to be replaced. Please
contact a dealer for replacement.

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Cleaning

Interior Care

Use a damp cloth with a mixture of mild detergent and warm water to remove dirt.
Use a clean cloth to remove detergent residue.

Use a soft brush with a mixture of mild soap and warm water to clean the seat belts.
Let the belts air dry. Wipe the openings of the seat belt anchors using a clean cloth.

Wipe using a glass cleaner.

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Cleaning Seat Belts

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Interior Care

Do not spill liquids inside the vehicle. Electrical
devices and systems may malfunction if liquids are
splashed on them.

Do not use silicone based sprays on electrical devices
such as audio devices and switches. Doing so may
cause the items to malfunction or cause a fire inside
the vehicle.
If a silicone based spray is inadvertently used on
electrical devices, consult a dealer.

Depending on their composition, chemicals and
liquid aromatics may cause discoloration, wrinkles,
and cracking to resin-based parts and textiles.
Do not use alkali solvents or organic solvents such as
benzene or gasoline.

After using chemicals, make sure to gently wipe them
away using a dry cloth.
Do not place used cloths on top of resin based parts
or textiles for long periods of time without washing.

Opening

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Cleaning the Window

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Cleaning the Window

Wires are mounted to the inside of the rear window.
Wipe along the same direction as the wires with a
soft cloth so as not to damage them.

Be careful not to spill fluids, such as water or glass
cleaner, on or around the cover of both the front
sensor camera and the rainfall/light sensor.

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Cleaning

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Interior Care

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The floor mats hook over floor anchors, which
keep them from sliding forward. To remove a
mat for cleaning, turn the anchor knobs to the
unlock position. When reinstalling the mat
after cleaning, turn the knobs to the lock
position.

Do not put additional floor mats on top of
the anchored mat.

To properly clean leather:
1. Use a vacuum or soft dry cloth first to remove any dirt or dust.
2. Clean the leather with a soft cloth dampened with a solution comprised of 90%

water and 10% neutral soap.

3. Wipe away any soap residue with a clean damp cloth.
4. Wipe away residual water and allow leather to air dry in the shade.

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Floor Mats

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Floor Mats

If you use any floor mats that were not originally
provided with your vehicle, make sure they are
designed for your specific vehicle, fit correctly, and
are securely anchored by the floor anchors.
Position the rear seat floor mats properly. If they are
not properly positioned, the floor mats can interfere
with the front seat functions.

Unlock

Lock

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Maintaining Genuine Leather

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Maintaining Genuine Leather

It is important to clean or wipe away dirt or dust as
soon as possible. Spills can soak into leather resulting
in stains. Dirt or dust can cause abrasions in the
leather. In addition, please note that some dark
colored clothing can rub onto the leather seats
resulting in discoloration or stains.

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Cleaning

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Exterior Care

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Exterior Care

Dust off the vehicle body after you drive. Regularly inspect your vehicle for
scratches on painted surfaces. A scratch on a painted surface can result in body rust.
If you find a scratch, promptly repair it.

Wash the vehicle regularly. Wash more frequently when driving in the following
conditions:
• If driving on roads with road salt.
• If driving in coastal areas.
• If tar, soot, bird droppings, insects, or tree sap are stuck to painted surfaces.

• Make sure to follow the instructions indicated on the automated car wash.
• Fold in the door mirrors.
• Turn off the automatic intermittent wipers.
If you use a conveyor type automatic car wash, keep the transmission in

(

N position.

2 If you want to keep the transmission in

(

N

position (car wash mode) P. 391

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Washing the Vehicle

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Using an Automated Car Wash

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Washing the Vehicle

Do not spray water into the air intake vents. It can
cause a malfunction.

Do not spray water onto the capless unit when the
fuel fill door is open. It can cause damage to the fuel
system or engine.

Air Intake Vents

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Using an Automated Car Wash

When using an automated car wash that pulls the
vehicle through with a conveyor, make sure vehicle is
in car wash mode.

2 If you want to keep the transmission in

(

N

position (car wash mode) P. 391

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Cleaning

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Exterior Care

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• Keep sufficient distance between the cleaning nozzle and the vehicle body.
• Take particular care around the windows. Standing too close may cause water to

enter the vehicle interior.

• Do not spray high pressure water directly into the engine compartment. Instead,

use low pressure water and a mild detergent.

A good coat of automotive body wax helps protect your vehicle’s paint from the
elements. Wax will wear off over time and expose your vehicle’s paint to the
elements, so reapply as necessary.

If you get gasoline, oil, engine coolant, or battery fluid on resin coated parts, they
may be stained or the coating may peel. Promptly wipe it away using a soft cloth and
clean water.

Wipe using a glass cleaner.

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Using High Pressure Cleaners

■

Applying Wax

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Maintaining the Bumpers and Other Resin Coated Parts

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Cleaning the Window

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Applying Wax

NOTICE

Chemical solvents and strong cleaners can damage
the paint, metal, and plastic on your vehicle. Wipe
away spills immediately.

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Maintaining the Bumpers and Other Resin Coated Parts

Ask a dealer about the correct coating material when
you want to repair the painted surface of the parts
made of resin.

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