PROTECTION FROM ATMOSPHERIC AGENTS

The main causes of rust are:

– atmospheric pollution

– salt and humidity in the atmosphere (coastal or very hot and humid areas)

– environmental conditions that are specific to the season.

Not to be underestimated is also the abrasive action of wind-borne atmospheric dust and sand and mud and gravel raised by other vehicles.

For your Fiat Doblò, Fiat has used leading-edge technological solutions to effectively protect the body from rust.

These include:

– Painting systems and products that make the vehicle particularly resistant to rust and scratching.

– The use of zinc-plated sheet steel which is highly resistant to rust.

– The spraying of the underbody, engine compartment, inside the wheelhouses and other parts with waxbased products with a high protective capacity.

– Spraying plastic-coating materials to protect the most exposed points:

under the door, inside the wings, the edges etc.

– The use of “open” box sections to prevent condensation and water from building up and rusting the inside of the parts.

BODY AND UNDERBODY WARRANTY

Your Fiat Doblò is covered by warranty against any original structural or body part being perforated by rust.

Refer to the Warranty Booklet for the general terms.

ADVICE FOR PRESERVING THE BODYWORK

Paint

Paintwork does not only serve an aesthetic purpose, but also protects the underlying sheet metal.

In the case of deep scrapes or scores, you are advised to have the necessary touching up carried out immediately to avoid the formation of rust.

Only use genuine products when touching up the paintwork (see “Bodywork paint identification plate” in section “Technical specifications”).

Ordinary maintenance of the paintwork means washing it. The frequency you should do this depends on the conditions and the environment the vehicle is driven in. For example, in areas with a high level of air pollution or on roads sprinkled with road salt, wash the vehicle more frequently.

Detergents pollute water.

For this reason, the vehicle must be washed in an area equipped for the collection and purification of the liquids used while washing.

To wash the vehicle properly:

1) Remove the aerial from the roof to prevent damaging it when washing the vehicle in an automatic carwash.

2) Wash the body using a low pressure jet of water.

3) Wipe a sponge with a slightly soapy solution over the bodywork, frequently rinsing the sponge.

4) Rinse well with water and dry with a jet of air or a chamois leather.

When drying the vehicle, be careful to get at those parts which are not so easily seen e.g. the door frames, bonnet and around the headlights where water can most readily collect. You should leave the vehicle out in the open so that any water remaining can evaporate more easily.

Detergents pollute water.

For this reason, the vehicle must be washed in an area equipped for the collection and purification of the liquids used while washing.

Engine compartment At the end of each winter season, carefully clean the engine compartment.

Be careful not to direct the jet of water on the electronic control units. Have this done at a garage.

Do not wash the vehicle after it has been parked in the sun or while the bonnet is hot: it could take the shine off the paint.

Outside plastic parts must be cleaned following the usual vehicle washing procedure.

Where possible avoid parking the vehicle under trees; the resinous substances that certain species of tree shed dull the paintwork and increase the possibility of rust forming.

IMPORTANT

Bird droppings must be washed off immediately and with great care as their acid is particularly aggressive.

Windows

Use specific window cleaner products to clean cloths to avoid scratching the glass or damaging the transparency.

IMPORTANT

To prevent damage to the electric heater element, wipe the inside of the heated rear window gently in the same direction as the elements.

Engine compartment

At the end of each winter season, carefully clean the engine compartment.

Be careful not to direct the jet of water on the electronic control units. Have this done at a garage.

Detergents pollute water.

The vehicle must therefore be washed in an area equipped for the collection and purification of the liquids used while washing.

IMPORTANT

The engine compartment should be washed while the engine is cold and with the ignition key at STOP. After washing, make sure that the various protections (e.g. rubber boots and various guards) have not be removed or damaged.