Suzuki Forenza (2008 year). Manual — part 11

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

mounted on a vehicle. The side of the tire

Speed Rating:

Vehicle Normal Load on the Tire:

that contains a whitewall, bears white let-

An alphanumeric code assigned to a tire

The load on an individual tire that is deter-

tering or bears manufacturer, brand and or

indicating the maximum speed at which a

mined by distributing to each axle its share

model name molding that is higher or

tire can operate.

of the curb weight, accessory weight, and

deeper than the same moldings on the

normal occupant weight

(distributed in

Traction:

other sidewall of the tire.

accordance with Table 1 shown below) and

The friction between the tire and the road

dividing by 2.

Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:

surface. The amount of grip provided.

A tire used on passenger cars and some

Tread:

TABLE 1 - Occupant Loading and Dis-

light duty trucks and multipurpose vehicles.

The portion of a tire that comes into con-

tribution For Vehicle Normal Load For

Production Options Weight:

tact with the road.

Various Designated Seating Capacities

The combined weight of those installed

Tread wear Indicators:

regular production options weighing over

Designated

Vehicle nor-

Occupant

Narrow bands, sometimes called

“wear

seating capac-

mal load, num-

distribution in

2.3 kilograms in excess of those standard

bars,” that show across the tread of a tire

ity, number of

ber of

a normally

items which they replace, not previously

when only 2/32 inch of tread remains.

occupants

occupants

loaded vehicle

considered in curb weight or accessory

weight, including heavy duty brakes, ride

UTQGS:

2 through 4

2

2 in front

levelers, roof rack, heavy duty battery, and

Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards, a

2 in front, 1 in

special trim.

tire information system that provides con-

5 through 10

3

second seat

sumers with ratings for a tire’s traction,

Recommended Inflation Pressure:

temperature and tread wear. Ratings are

Vehicle manufacturer’s recommended tire

Vehicle Placard:

determined by tire manufacturers using

inflation pressure shown on the tire plac-

A label permanently attached to a vehicle

government testing procedures. The rat-

ard.

showing the original equipment tire size

ings are molded into the sidewall of the

and recommended inflation pressure.

Radial Ply Tire:

tire.

A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that

Vehicle Capacity Weight:

extend to the beads are laid at 90 degrees

The number of designated seating posi-

to the centerline of the tread.

tions multiplied by 150 lbs (68 kg) plus the

Rim:

rated cargo load.

A metal support for a tire and upon which

Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire:

the tire beads are seated.

The load on an individual tire that is deter-

Sidewall:

mined by distributing to each axle its share

The portion of a tire between the tread and

of the maximum loaded vehicle weight and

the bead.

dividing by two.

5-32

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

Tire Inflation Pressure

Remove the valve cap from the tire valve

The Tire and Loading Information label

WARNING

stem. Press the tire gauge firmly onto the

shows the correct inflation pressures for

(Continued)

valve to get a pressure measurement. If

your tires when they’re cold. “Cold” means

• Never underinflate or overinflate

the cold tire inflation pressure is low, add

your vehicle has been sitting for at least

the tires.

air until you reach the recommended pres-

three hours or driven no more than 1 mile

Underinflation can cause unusual

sure.

(1.6 km). See “Loading Your Vehicle” in

handling characteristics or can

section 4.

If you overfill the tire, release air by push-

cause the rim to slip on the tire

ing on the metal stem in the center of the

bead, resulting in an accident or

Tire

33 psi

tire valve. Recheck the tire pressure with

Front

damage to the tire or rim.

195/55R15

(228 kPa)

the tire gauge.

Pressure

Underinflation can also cause tires

(Sedan)

33 psi

Rear

to overheat, leading to tire failure.

Be sure to put the valve caps back on the

(228 kPa)

Overinflation can cause the tire to

valve stems. They help prevent leaks by

33 psi

burst, resulting in personal injury.

keeping out dirt and moisture.

Front

195/55R15

(228 kPa)

Overinflation can also cause

(Wagon)

33 psi

unusual handling characteristics

Tire Inspection and Rotation

Rear

which may result in an accident.

Inspect your vehicle’s tires at least once a

(228 kPa)

month.

60 psi

Front

When to Check

Tires should be rotated every 7,500 miles

125/70D15

(420 kPa)

Check your tires each time you fill your fuel

(12,000 km).

(Temporary)

60 psi

Rear

tank or at least once a month using a tire

Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate

(420 kPa)

pressure gauge.

your tires as soon as possible and check

Don’t forget your compact spare tire. It

wheel alignment. Also check for damaged

WARNING

should be at 60 psi (420 kPa).

tires or wheels. See “When It Is Time for

New Tires” and “Wheel Replacement” in

•

Air pressures should be checked

How to check

this section for more information.

when the tires are cold or you may

Use a good quality pocket-type gauge to

get inaccurate readings.

The purpose of regular rotation is to

check tire pressure. You can’t tell if your

•

Check the inflation pressure from

achieve more uniform wear for all tires on

tires are properly inflated simply by looking

time to time while inflating the tire

the vehicle. The first rotation is the most

at them. Radial tires may look properly

gradually, until the specified pres-

important. See

“Scheduled Maintenance

inflated even when they’re under inflated.

sure is obtained.

Services” in section 6, for scheduled rota-

Check the tire’s inflation pressure when the

(Continued)

tion intervals.

tires are cold. Cold means your vehicle has

been sitting for at least three hours or

driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).

5-35

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

NOTE:

WARNING

Use of replacement tires with a higher

load-carrying capacity than the original

Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the

tires, or using a tire inflation pressure

parts to which it is fastened, can

higher than the recommended tire inflation

make wheel nuts become loose after

pressure, will not increase the GVWR or

a time. The wheel could come off and

GAWR limit of your vehicle.

cause an accident. When you change

a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from

When It Is Time for New Tires

places where the wheel attaches to

the vehicle. In an emergency, you can

use a cloth or a paper towel to do

this, but be sure to use a scraper or

wire brush later, if you need to, to get

all the rust or dirt off. See “Changing

a Flat Tire” in this section.

When rotating your tires, always use the

correct rotation pattern shown here.

Vehicle Loading

Don’t include the compact spare tire in

The tires on your vehicle, when they are

your tire rotation.

inflated to the recommended tire inflation

After the tires have been rotated, adjust

pressure, have a load-carrying capacity

the front and rear inflation pressures as

that is greater than the load that will be on

shown on the Tire and Loading Information

the tires when the vehicle is at its GVWR

label. Make certain that all wheel nuts are

or GAWR limit. Never use replacement

properly tightened. See

“Wheel Nut

tires that have a load-carrying capacity

One way to tell when it’s time for new tires

Torque” under “Capacities and Specifica-

less than the original tires on your vehicle.

is to check the tread wear indicators, which

tions” in this section.

Tire load-carrying capacity information is

will appear when your tires have only 1/16

molded into the tire sidewall typically

inch (1.6 mm) or less of tread remaining.

shown as “Max. Load”. Use of replacement

tires with a lower load-carrying capacity

You need a new tire if any of the following

statements are true:

than the original tires, or failure to keep the

tires inflated to the recommended tire pres-

• You can see the indicators at three or

sure, may reduce the GVWR or GAWR

more places around the tire.

limit of your vehicle.

• You can see cord or fabric showing

through the tire’s rubber.

5-36

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

• The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut or

Uniform Tire Quality Grading

snagged deep enough to show cord or

WARNING

Quality grades can be found where appli-

fabric.

cable on the tire sidewall between the

Replacing the wheels and tires

• The tire has a bump, bulge or split.

tread shoulder and the maximum section

equipped on your vehicle with certain

• The tire has a puncture, cut or other

width. For example:

combinations of aftermarket wheels

damage that can’t be repaired well

Tread wear 200 Traction AA Tempera-

and tires can significantly change the

because of the size or location of the

steering and handling characteris-

ture A

damage.

tics of your vehicle. Oversized tires

may also rub against the fender over

The following information relates to the

Buying New Tires

bumps, causing vehicle damage or

system developed by the United States

To find out what kind and size of tires you

tire failure. Therefore, use only those

National Highway Traffic Safety Adminis-

need, look at the Tire and Loading Infor-

wheel and tire combinations

tration, which grades tires by tread wear,

mation label.

approved by SUZUKI Motor Corpora-

traction and temperature performance.

Make sure the replacements are the same

tion as standard or optional equip-

(This applies only to vehicles sold in the

size, load range, speed rating and con-

ment for your vehicle. For

United States.) The grades are molded on

struction type (bias, bias-belted or radial)

information regarding the specified

the sidewalls of most passenger car tires.

as your original tires.

tires, refer to the Tire Information

The Uniform Tire Quality Grading system

Label located on the driver’s side

does not apply to deep tread, winter-type

WARNING

door pillar or

“Tire Inflation Pres-

snow tires, space-saver or temporary use

sure” in this section.

spare tires, tires with nominal rim diame-

Your SUZUKI is equipped with tires

ters of 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm), or to

which are all the same type and size.

some limited-production tires.

This is important to ensure proper

CAUTION

steering and handling of the vehicle.

While the tires available on SUZUKI vehi-

Replacing the original tires with tires

Never mix tires of different size or

cles may vary with respect to these grades,

type on the four wheels of your vehi-

of a different size may result in false

they all conform to federal safety require-

speedometer or odometer readings.

cle. The size and type of tires used

ments.

Check with your SUZUKI dealer

should be only those approved by

before purchasing replacement tires

SUZUKI Motor Corporation as stan-

Tread wear

dard or optional equipment for your

that differ in size from the original

The tread wear grade is a comparative rat-

tires.

vehicle.

ing 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 a half (1.5) times as well on the gov-

ernment course as a tire graded 100. The

5-37

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

relative performance of tires depends upon

tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a

Wheel Replacement

the actual conditions of their use, however,

level of performance which all passenger

Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked or

and may depart significantly from the norm

car tires must meet under the Federal

badly rusted or corroded. If wheel nuts

due to variations in driving habits, service

Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No.109.

keep coming loose, the wheel, wheel bolts

practices and differences in road charac-

Grades B and A represent higher levels of

and wheel nuts should be replaced. If the

teristics and climate.

performance on the laboratory test wheel

wheel leaks air, replace it (except some

than the minimum required by law.

aluminum wheels, which can sometimes

Traction - AA, A, B, C

be repaired). See your SUZUKI dealer if

The traction grades, from highest to low-

WARNING

any of these conditions exist.

est, are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades

Your SUZUKI dealer will know the kind of

The temperature grade for this tire is

represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet

wheel you need.

established for a tire that is properly

pavement as measured under controlled

inflated and not overloaded. Exces-

Each new wheel should have the same

conditions on specified government test

sive speed, underinflation, or exces-

load-carrying capacity, diameter, width, off-

surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire

sive loading, either separately or in

set and be mounted the same way as the

marked C may have poor traction perfor-

combination, can cause heat buildup

one it replaces.

mance.

and possible tire failure.

If you need to replace any of your wheels,

WARNING

wheel bolts or wheel nuts, replace them

Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance

only with new SUZUKI original equipment

The traction grade assigned to this

The wheels on your vehicle were aligned

parts. This way, you will be sure to have

tire is based on straight-ahead brak-

and balanced carefully at the factory to

the right wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts

ing traction tests, and does not

give you the longest tire life and best over-

for your vehicle.

include acceleration, cornering,

all performance.

hydroplaning, or peak traction char-

Scheduled wheel alignment and wheel bal-

WARNING

acteristics.

ancing are not needed. However, if you

Using the wrong replacement wheels,

notice unusual tire wear or your vehicle

Temperature - A, B, C

wheel bolts or wheel nuts on your

pulling one way or the other, the alignment

The temperature grades are A (the high-

vehicle can be dangerous. It could

may need to be reset. If you notice your

est), B, and C, representing the tire’s resis-

affect the braking and handling of

vehicle vibrating when driving on a smooth

tance to the generation of heat and its

your vehicle, make your tires lose air

road, your wheels may need to be rebal-

ability to dissipate heat when tested under

and make you lose control. You could

anced.

controlled conditions on a specified indoor

have a collision in which you or oth-

laboratory test wheel. Sustained high tem-

ers could be injured. Always use the

perature can cause the material of the tire

correct wheel, wheel bolts and wheel

to degenerate and reduce tire life, and

nuts for replacement.

excessive temperature can lead to sudden

5-38

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

Tire Chains

A rear blowout, particularly on a curve,

CAUTION

acts much like a skid and may require the

CAUTION

same correction you’d use in a skid. In any

The wrong wheel can also cause

rear blowout, remove your foot from the

problems with bearing life, brake

Use tire chains only where legal and

accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under

cooling, speedometer or odometer

only when you must. Use only SAE

control by steering the way you want the

calibration, headlamp aim, bumper

class “S” type chains that are the

vehicle to go. It may be very bumpy and

height, vehicle ground clearance and

proper size for your tires. Install them

noisy, but you can still steer. Gently brake

tire or tire chain clearance to the

on the front tires and tighten them as

to a stop, well off the road if possible.

body and chassis.

tightly as possible with the ends

securely fastened. Drive slowly and

WARNING

See “Changing a Flat Tire” in this section

follow the chain manufacturer’s

for more information.

instructions. If you can hear the

Lifting a vehicle and getting under it

chains contacting your vehicle, stop

to do maintenance or repairs is dan-

Used Replacement Wheels

and retighten them. If the contact

gerous without the appropriate safety

continues, slow down until it stops.

equipment and training. The jack pro-

WARNING

Driving too fast or spinning the

vided with your vehicle is designed

wheels with chains on will damage

only for changing a flat tire. If it is

Putting a used wheel on your vehicle

your vehicle.

used for anything else, you or others

is dangerous. You can’t know how it’s

could be badly injured or killed if the

been used or how far it’s been driven.

If a Tire Goes Flat

vehicle slips off the jack. Use the jack

It could fail suddenly and cause a

provided with your vehicle only for

It’s a unusual for a tire to “blowout” while

crash. If you have to replace a wheel,

you’re driving, especially if you maintain

changing a flat tire.

use a new SUZUKI original equip-

your tire properly. If air goes out of a tire,

ment wheel.

it’s much more likely to leak out slowly. But

If a tire goes flat, the next part shows how

if you should ever have a “blowout”, here

to use your jacking equipment to change a

are a few tips about what to expect and

flat tire safely.

what to do:

Changing a Flat Tire

If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a

If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and

drag that pulls the vehicle toward that side.

wheel damage by driving slowly to a level

Take your foot off the accelerator pedal

place. Turn on your hazard warning flash-

and grip the steering wheel firmly. Steer to

ers.

maintain lane position, and then gently

brake to a stop well out of the traffic lane.

5-39

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

Removing the Spare Tire and Tools

WARNING

Changing a tire can cause an injury.

The vehicle can slip off the jack and

roll over you or other people. You and

they could be severely injured. Find a

level place to change your tire. To

help prevent the vehicle from mov-

ing:

1) Set the parking brake firmly.

2) Put an automatic transmission

shift lever in PARK (P), or shift a

manual transmission to FIRST (1)

or REVERSE (R).

3) Turn off the engine and do not

The following steps will tell you how to use

restart while the vehicle is raised.

the jack to change a tire.

A. Jack

4) Do not allow passengers to

B. Wrench

remain in the vehicle.

C. Jack Handle

To be even more certain the vehicle

D. Screwdriver

won’t move, you should put blocks at

the front and rear of the tire farthest

The compartment

spare

tire

and

tools

away from the one being changed.

you’ll need are located in the trunk.

That would be the tire on the other

side, at the opposite end of the vehi-

WARNING

cle.

Only use the jack for lifting this car

during an emergency tire change.

1) Remove the trim cover from the floor of

the cargo area by pulling up on the tab.

2) Remove the foam tray that contains the

tools.

3) Turn the retainer on the compact spare

tire counterclockwise and remove the

retainer.

5-40

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

4) Remove the compact spare tire. See

5) Remove the compact spare tire. See

“Compact Spare Tire” in this section for

“Compact Spare Tire” in this section for

more information.

more information.

5) Remove the jack, jack handle and the

wheel wrench. The jack is located in the

cargo area. Turn the jack retainer,

located on the right side of the jack,

counterclockwise to release it. The jack

handle and the wheel wrench are

located inside the foam tray.

In case of the Wagon models, do the fol-

lowing:

3) Near each wheel well is a notch in the

N5U5006A

frame which the jack head fits in.

Position the jack and raise the jack

6) To access the tools, pull the strap on

head until it fits firmly into the notch in

the tool box cover upward. The tools

the vehicle’s frame nearest the flat tire.

are located inside the foam tray.

Put the compact spare tire near you.

Removing the Flat Tire and Installing

WARNING

the Spare Tire

Getting under a vehicle when it is

1) If your vehicle is equipped with wheel

jacked up is dangerous. If the vehicle

covers, loosen the 4 plastic caps by

slips off the jack you could be badly

N5U5005A

hand with the aid of the wheel wrench

injured or killed. Never get under a

and remove the wheel cover.

vehicle when it is supported only by a

1)

Open the floor cover by pulling the han-

2) Then use the wheel wrench to loosen

jack.

dle upward.

all the wheel nuts. Don’t remove them

2)

Lift the floor tray.

yet.

3)

Release the prop from its retainer and

put the prop into the slot.

4)

Turn the retainer on the compact spare

tire counterclockwise and remove the

retainer.

5-41

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

WARNING

WARNING

Raising your vehicle with the jack

Never use oil or grease on studs or

improperly positioned can damage

nuts. If you do, the nuts might come

the vehicle and even make the vehi-

loose. Your wheel could fall off, caus-

cle fall. To help avoid personal injury

ing a serious accident.

and vehicle damage, be sure to fit the

jack lift head into the proper location

9) Place the compact spare tire on the

before raising the vehicle.

wheel-mounting surface.

10)Reinstall the wheel nuts with the

rounded end of the nuts toward the

wheel. Tighten each wheel nut by turn-

ing it clockwise with your hand until the

wheel is held against the hub.

8)

Remove any rust or dirt from the wheel

11)Lower the vehicle by turning the wheel

bolts, mounting surfaces and spare

handle counterclockwise. Lower the

wheel.

jack completely.

WARNING

Rust or dirt on the wheel, or on the

parts to which it is fastened, can

make the wheel nuts become loose

after a time. The wheel could come

off and cause an accident. When you

4)

Insert the jack handle and the wheel

change a wheel, remove any rust or

wrench into the jack.

dirt from the places where the wheel

5)

Raise the vehicle by turning the jack

attaches to the vehicle. In an emer-

handle clockwise. Raise the vehicle far

gency, you can use a cloth or a paper

enough off the ground so there is

towel to do this, but be sure to use a

enough room for the compact spare tire

scraper or wire brush later, if you

to fit underneath the wheel well.

need to, to get all the rust or dirt off.

6)

Remove all of the wheel nuts by turning

12)Tighten the wheel nuts firmly in a criss-

them counterclockwise.

cross sequence as shown.

7)

Remove the flat tire.

5-42

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

Storing the Flat Tire and Tools

WARNING

CAUTION

WARNING

Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly

If you install a full-size tire rather than

tightened wheel nuts can cause the

your compact spare tire, reinstall the

Improperly storing a jack, a tire, or

wheel to come loose and even come

wheel cover as follows:

other equipment in the passenger

off. This could lead to an accident. Be

1) Put the wheel cover on the full-

compartment of the vehicle could

sure to use the correct wheel nuts. If

size tire.

cause injury. In a sudden stop or col-

you have to replace them, be sure to

2) Fasten the 4 plastic caps snugly

lision, loose equipment could strike

get new SUZUKI original equipment

by hand.

someone. Store all these items in the

wheel nuts. Stop somewhere as soon

3) Tighten the caps by turning them

proper place.

as you can and have the nuts tight-

an additional 90° with the wheel

ened with a torque wrench to the

wrench.

Store the flat tire in the compact spare tire

proper torque specification. See

- The proper tightening torque is a

compartment. Place the tire in the com-

“Capacities and Specifications” in

maximum of 5.9 lb-ft (8 N·m).

partment, then secure the retainer. Store

the Index for the wheel nut torque

- Tightening to the improper

the jack in its housing in the cargo area.

specification.

torque can cause damage to the

Secure the jack by turning the retainer

plastic caps.

clockwise. Store the tools securely in the

foam tray and place the tray on top of the

CAUTION

tire. Replace the trim cover.

CAUTION

Improperly tightened wheel nuts can

lead to brake pulsation and rotor

Wheel covers will not fit on your com-

WARNING

damage. To avoid expensive brake

pact spare. If you try to put a wheel

Storing a jack, a tire, or other equip-

repairs, evenly tighten the wheel nuts

cover on the compact spare, you

ment in the passenger compartment

in the proper sequence and to the

could damage the cover or the spare.

of the vehicle could cause injury. In a

proper torque specification. See

sudden stop or collision, loose

“Capacities and Specifications” in

equipment could strike someone.

the index for the wheel nut torque

Store all these in the proper place.

specification.

Storing the Spare Tire and Tools

Don’t try to put a wheel cover on your com-

The compact spare tire is for temporary

pact spare tire. It won’t fit. Store the wheel

use only. Replace the compact spare tire

cover in the trunk until you have the flat tire

with a full-size tire as soon as you can. See

repaired or replaced.

“Compact Spare Tire” in this section.

5-43

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

Compact Spare Tire

Although the compact spare tire was fully

CAUTION

WARNING

inflated when your vehicle was new, it can

Tire chains won’t fit your compact

(Continued)

lose air after a time. Check the inflation

spare tire. Using them can damage

•

Do not use tire chains on the com-

pressure regularly. It should be 60 psi (420

your vehicle and can damage the

pact spare tire. If you must use tire

kPa).

chains too. Don’t use tire chains on

chains, rearrange the wheels so

After installing the compact spare tire on

your compact spare.

standard tires and wheels are fitted

your vehicle, you should stop as soon as

to the front axle.

possible and make sure your compact

•

The compact spare tire has a much

WARNING

spare tire is correctly inflated. The compact

shorter tread life than the conven-

spare tire is made to perform well at

tional tires on your vehicle.

The compact spare tire and wheel are

speeds up to 50 mph (80 km/h), so you

intended for temporary emergency

Replace the tire as soon as the

can finish your trip and have your full-size

tread wear indicator appears.

use only. Continuous use of the com-

tire repaired or replaced where you want.

pact spare tire can result in tire fail-

•

When replacing the compact spare

Of course, it’s best to replace your spare

tire, use a replacement tire with the

ure and loss of control. Always

with a full-size tire as soon as you can.

observe these precautions when

exact same size and construction.

Your spare will last longer and be in good

using the compact spare tire:

shape in case you need it again.

•

Your vehicle will handle differently

with this temporary spare.

CAUTION

•

Do not exceed 80 km/h (50 mph)

speed.

When the compact spare Tire is

•

Replace the compact spare tire

installed, don’t take your vehicle

with a standard tire and wheel as

through an automatic car wash with

soon as possible.

guide rails. The compact spare can

•

Use of the compact spare tire will

get caught on the rails. That can

reduce ground clearance.

damage the tire and wheel, and

•

Recommended air pressure for the

maybe other parts of your vehicle.

compact spare tire is 420 kPa (60

psi).

Don’t use your compact spare tire on other

(Continued)

vehicles.

And don’t mix your compact spare tire or

wheel with other wheels or tires. They

won’t fit. Keep your compact spare tire and

its wheel together.

5-44

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

Stains caused by candy, ice cream, may-

Cleaning the Top of the Instrument

Care of Safety Belts

onnaise, chili sauce and unknown stains

Panel

Keep belts clean and dry.

can be removed as follows:

Use only mild soap and water to clean the

top surfaces of the instrument panel.

WARNING

1) Carefully scrape off excess stain.

Sprays containing silicones or waxes may

2) First, clean with cool water and allow to

Do not bleach or dye safety belts. If

cause annoying reflections in the wind-

dry completely.

you do, it may severely weaken them.

shield and even make it difficult to see

3) If a stain remains, follow the cleaner

In a crash, they might not be able to

through the windshield under certain con-

instructions described earlier.

provide adequate protection. Clean

ditions.

safety belts only with mild soap and

Cleaning Vinyl

lukewarm water.

Cleaning Interior Plastic Components

Use warm water and a clean cloth.

Use only a mild soap and water solution on

• Rub with a clean, damp cloth to remove

a soft cloth or sponge. Commercial clean-

Weather-strips

dirt. You may have to do this more than

ers may affect the surface finish.

Silicone grease on weather-strips will

once.

make them last longer, seal better, and not

• Things like tar, asphalt and shoe polish

Cleaning Glass Surfaces

stick or squeak. Apply silicone grease with

will stain if you don’t get them off quickly.

Glass should be cleaned often. SUZUKI

a clean cloth at least every six months.

Use a clean cloth and vinyl cleaner. See

Glass Cleaner or a liquid household glass

During very cold, damp weather more fre-

your SUZUKI dealer for this product.

cleaner will remove normal tobacco smoke

quent application may be required.

and dust films on interior glass. See

Cleaning Leather

SUZUKI Vehicle Care/Appearance Materi-

Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehi-

Use a soft cloth with lukewarm water and a

als in this section.

cle

mild soap or saddle soap and wipe dry

The paint finish on your vehicle provides

with a soft cloth. Then, let the leather dry

CAUTION

beauty, depth of color, gloss retention and

naturally. Do not use heat to dry.

durability.

Don’t use abrasive cleaners on glass,

• For stubborn stains, use a leather

because they may cause scratches.

Washing Your Vehicle

cleaner.

Avoid placing decals on the inside

The best way to preserve your vehicle’s fin-

• Never use oils, varnishes, solvent-based

rear window, since they may have to

ish is to keep it clean by washing it often

or abrasive cleaners, furniture polish or

be scraped off later. If abrasive clean-

with lukewarm or cold water.

shoe polish on leather.

ers are used on the inside of the rear

• Soiled or stained leather should be

window, an electric defogger element

Don’t wash your vehicle in the direct rays

cleaned immediately. If dirt is allowed to

may be damaged. Any temporary

of the sun. Use a car washing soap. Don’t

work into the finish, it can harm the

license should not be attached

use strong soaps or chemical detergents.

leather.

across the defogger grid.

Be sure to rinse the vehicle well, removing

all soap residue completely. You can get

approved cleaning products from your

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SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE

Underbody Maintenance

CAUTION

Chemicals used for ice and snow removal

Description

Usage

and dust control can collect on the under-

When applying a tire dressing,

Polishing Cloth

Interior and exterior

body. If these are not removed, acceler-

always take care to wipe off any over-

Wax-Treated

polishing cloth.

ated corrosion

(rust) can occur on the

spray or splash from all painted sur-

underbody parts such as fuel lines, frame,

Tar and Road

Removes tar, road oil

faces on the body or wheels of the

floor pan and exhaust system even though

Oil Remover

and asphalt.

vehicle. Petroleum-based products

they have corrosion protection.

may damage the paint finish and

Chrome

Use on chrome or

tires.

At least every spring, flush these materials

Cleaner and

stainless steel.

from the underbody with plain water. Clean

Polish

Sheet Metal Damage

any areas where mud and debris can col-

lect. Dirt packed in close areas of the

White Sidewall

Removes soil and

If your vehicle is damaged and requires

sheet metal repair or replacement, make

frame should be loosened before being

Tire Cleaner

black marks from

flushed. Your SUZUKI dealer or an under-

whitewalls.

sure the body repair shop applies anti-cor-

rosion material to parts repaired or

body car washing system can do this for

Vinyl Cleaner

Cleans vinyl tops,

replaced to restore corrosion protection.

you.

upholstery and con-

Original manufacturer replacement parts

vertible tops.

Chemical Paint Spotting

will provide the corrosion protection while

Some weather and atmospheric conditions

Glass Cleaner

Removes dirt, grime,

maintaining the warranty.

can create a chemical fallout. Airborne pol-

smoke and finger-

lutants can fall upon and attack painted

prints.

Finish Damage

surfaces on your vehicle. This damage can

Any stone chips, fractures or deep

Chrome and

Removes dirt and

take two forms: blotchy, ring-shaped discol-

scratches in the finish should be repaired

orations, and small, irregular dark spots

Wire Wheel

grime from chrome

right away. Bare metal will corrode quickly

Cleaner

wheels and wire

etched into the paint surface.

and may develop into major repair

wheel covers.

expense.

Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials

Finish

Removes dust, finger-

Minor chips and scratches can be repaired

See your SUZUKI dealer for more informa-

Enhancer

prints, and surface

with touch-up materials available from your

tion on purchasing the following products.

contaminants, Spray

SUZUKI dealer. Larger areas of finish

on wipe off.

damage can be corrected in your SUZUKI

dealer’s body and paint shop.

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