Proper exterior care is essential for preserving the appearance and finish of your Mitsubishi Outlander over time.
To help protect painted surfaces from staining, corrosion, and environmental damage, wash the vehicle as soon as practical under the following conditions:
- after rainfall, particularly to reduce the possibility of damage from acid rain
- after driving on coastal roads where salt and moisture may collect on exterior surfaces
- when contaminants such as soot, bird droppings, tree sap, metal particles, or insects are present on the paint
- when noticeable amounts of dust, dirt, or mud have accumulated on the vehicle
Whenever possible, park or store the Mitsubishi Outlander in a garage or other covered location to reduce prolonged exposure to sunlight, precipitation, and airborne contaminants.
If outdoor parking is unavoidable, choose a shaded location when possible or protect the vehicle with an appropriate body cover.
When installing or removing a body cover, handle it carefully so the material does not drag across or scratch the painted surfaces.
Washing
Rinse loose dirt from the Mitsubishi Outlander with plenty of water, then wash the exterior using a wet sponge and a mild cleaning solution. A dedicated vehicle shampoo, mild soap, or general-purpose dishwashing liquid mixed with clean, lukewarm water may be used. Never wash the vehicle with hot water.
CAUTION
- Do not use automatic car washes that contain acid-based detergents. Some car washes, particularly certain brushless systems, may use acidic cleaning agents.
Acidic chemicals can react with some plastic components on the Mitsubishi Outlander, causing cracking, deterioration, or changes in appearance. Damage of this type may also interfere with proper component operation. Before using an automatic car wash, confirm that its cleaning process does not use acid-based detergents.
- Do not wash the vehicle with strong household soaps, aggressive chemical detergents, gasoline, solvents, or similar harsh cleaning products, as they may damage exterior finishes and materials.
- Avoid washing the Mitsubishi Outlander in direct sunlight or while the body panels are hot. Water and cleaning solution can dry too quickly on a heated surface and leave visible water spots or staining.
- Do not allow plastic components to contact petrol, light oil, brake fluid, engine oil, grease, paint thinner, sulfuric acid from battery electrolyte, or similar chemicals. These substances can crack, stain, discolor, or otherwise damage plastic parts.
Even short-term contact with certain chemicals, including coating materials, should be avoided because they may cause cracking that can allow moisture to enter lamp assemblies.
If any of these substances contact a plastic component, wipe the area promptly with a soft cloth, chamois, or similar material using a water-based solution of neutral detergent. Then rinse the affected surface immediately and thoroughly with clean water.
- Avoid using rough, stiff, or tightly napped cleaning materials that could scratch the exterior finish. Extra care should be taken when removing dried mud, hardened dirt, or other stubborn contaminants so the paint is not scratched or damaged.
- If the Mitsubishi Outlander is equipped with a rain sensor, place the wiper switch in the "OFF" position before washing the vehicle so the automatic wiper function does not activate unexpectedly.
NOTE
- Do not press heavily against the vehicle body or place your body weight on exterior panels while washing the Mitsubishi Outlander. Depending on the area, excessive force may deform or damage exterior components.
After washing, rinse the entire vehicle thoroughly with plenty of clean water to remove all detergent and loosened contaminants.
Interior flanges, seams, folds, and recessed areas around the doors, tailgate, and hood are especially vulnerable to road salt and trapped dirt. Clean these locations regularly and make sure the drain holes along the lower edges of the doors remain open. Spray clean water underneath the Mitsubishi Outlander and inside the wheel wells to loosen accumulated dirt and remove road salt that could contribute to corrosion.
After rinsing, dry the painted surfaces with a clean, damp chamois or another soft drying material to reduce the formation of water spots.
Waxing
Regular waxing helps protect the Mitsubishi Outlander paint finish from environmental exposure and preserves the appearance of the exterior. If old wax residue has accumulated or the finish begins to look weathered, polishing may be appropriate before applying a fresh coat of wax.
- Apply wax only after the vehicle has been washed thoroughly and dried. Follow the instructions provided by the wax manufacturer.
- Do not use wax products containing abrasives, cutting compounds, harsh cleaners, or similar materials that could damage or dull the painted finish.
Aggressive machine compounding or heavy polishing of a base coat/clear coat finish can reduce gloss, dull the surface, or leave visible swirl marks.
Removing spots
Remove tar, oil, industrial fallout, insects, tree sap, and similar contaminants from painted surfaces as soon as possible. Leaving these substances on the Mitsubishi Outlander for extended periods may cause permanent staining or finish damage. Suitable automotive cleaning products are available from authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealers and automotive accessory retailers. It is recommended that you consult an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer if you are unsure which product is appropriate.
Underbody
In regions where road salt or other de-icing chemicals are used during winter, clean the underbody of the Mitsubishi Outlander regularly. Removing accumulated dirt and salt helps reduce accelerated corrosion of underbody panels and suspension components. Inspect the underbody protective coating before winter and again in spring, and have it repaired or reapplied if necessary.
Glass
Use an appropriate automotive glass cleaner to remove smoke residue, dust, fingerprints, and other film from window surfaces. A light film may naturally develop on the glass after the Mitsubishi Outlander has been parked in strong sunlight or high temperatures. This residue can usually be removed easily with glass cleaner and a clean, soft cloth.
CAUTION
- When cleaning the inside surfaces of the windows, do not use sharp-edged tools, abrasive cleaning products, or chlorine-based disinfectant cleaners. These may damage electrical conductors, radio antenna elements, or the heating elements of the rear window defogger.
Chrome parts
To help prevent staining, spotting, and corrosion on chrome-finished components, wash them with clean water using a soft cloth, then dry the surfaces thoroughly.
Aluminum wheels
1. Remove loose dirt from the aluminum wheels using a wet sponge and plenty of clean water.
2. For dirt that cannot be removed with water alone, use a mild detergent. After cleaning, rinse the wheels thoroughly so no detergent residue remains.
3. Dry the wheels completely with a clean chamois leather or a soft cloth to help prevent water spotting.
CAUTION
- Follow the precautions below to help prevent staining, discoloration, or damage to the aluminum wheel finish:
- Do not use hard brushes, stiff tools, or other abrasive implements on the wheels.
- Do not use cleaners that contain abrasive materials or products that are strongly acidic or alkaline.
Such cleaners can damage the protective wheel coating and may cause peeling, discoloration, staining, or deterioration of the finish.
- Do not direct hot water or steam onto the wheels with a steam cleaner or other high-temperature cleaning equipment.
- Seawater and road salt used for de-icing can promote corrosion. Rinse these substances from the aluminum wheels of the Mitsubishi Outlander as soon as possible.
