Chevrolet Equinox Service Manual: Exterior Care

Locks

Locks are lubricated at the factory. Use a de-icing agent only when absolutely necessary,and have the locks greased after using. SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants.

Washing the Vehicle

To preserve the vehicle's finish, wash it often and out of direct sunlight.

Caution:Do not use petroleum-based, acidic, or abrasive cleaning agents as they can damagethe vehicle's paint, metal, or plastic parts. If damage occurs, it would not be coveredby the vehicle warranty. Approved cleaning products can be obtained from your dealer.Follow all manufacturer directions regarding correct product usage, necessary safetyprecautions, andappropriate disposal of any vehicle care product.

Caution:Avoid using high-pressure washes closer than 30 cm (12 in) to the surface of the vehicle.Use of power washers exceeding 8,274 kPa (1,200 psi) can result in damage or removalof paint and decals.

The e symbol is on any underhood compartment electrical center that should not be powerwashed. This could cause damage that would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.

If using an automatic car wash, follow the car wash instructions. The windshield wiperand rear window wiper, if equipped, must be off. Remove any accessories that may bedamaged or interfere with the car wash equipment.

Rinse the vehicle well, before washing and after, to remove all cleaning agents completely.If they are allowed to dry on the surface, they could stain.

Dry the finish with a soft, clean chamois or an all-cotton towel to avoid surfacescratches and water spotting.

Finish Care

Application of aftermarket clearcoat sealant/wax materials is not recommended. Ifpainted surfaces are damaged, see your dealer to have the damage assessed and repaired.Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other salts, ice melting agents, roadoil and tar, tree sap, bird droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc., candamage the vehicle's finish if they remain on painted surfaces. Wash the vehicle assoon as possible.If necessary, use non-abrasive cleaners that are marked safe for painted surfacesto remove foreign matter.

Occasional hand waxing or mild polishing should be done to remove residue from thepaint finish. See your dealer for approved cleaning products.

Do not apply waxes or polishes to uncoated plastic, vinyl, rubber, decals, simulatedwood, or flat paint as damage can occur.

Caution:Machine compounding or aggressive polishing on a basecoat/clearcoat paint finish maydamage it. Use only non-abrasive waxes and polishes that are made for a basecoat/clearcoatpaint finish on the vehicle.

To keep the paint finish looking new, keep the vehicle garaged or covered wheneverpossible.

Protecting Exterior Bright Metal Moldings

Caution:Failure to clean and protect the bright metal moldings can result in a hazy whitefinish or pitting. This damage would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.

The bright metal moldings on the vehicle are aluminum. To prevent damage always followthese cleaning instructions:

Be sure the molding is cool to the touch before applying any cleaning solution.Use a cleaning solution approved for aluminum. Some cleaners are highly acidic orcontain alkaline substances and can damage the moldings.Always dilute a concentrated cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions.Do not use chrome cleaners.Do not use cleaners that are not intended for automotive use.Use a nonabrasive wax on the vehicle after washing to protect and extend the moldingfinish.Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses, Emblems, Decals and Stripes

Use only lukewarm or cold water, a soft cloth, and a car washing soap to clean exteriorlamps, lenses, emblems, decals and stripes. Follow instructions under "Washing theVehicle" previously in this section.

Lamp covers are made of plastic, and some have a UV protective coating.

Use only lukewarm water, a soft cloth, and mild car washing soap to clean exteriorlamps and lenses. Do not clean or wipe them while they are dry.

Do not use any of the following on lamp covers:

Abrasive or caustic agents.Washer fluids and other cleaning agents in higher concentrations than suggested bythe manufacturer.Solvents, alcohols, fuels, or other harsh cleaners.Ice scrapers or other hard items.Aftermarket appearance caps or covers while the lamps are illuminated, due to excessiveheat generated.

Caution:Failure to clean lamps properly can cause damage to the lamp cover that would notbe covered by the vehicle warranty.

Caution:Using wax on low gloss black finish stripes can increase the gloss level and createa non-uniform finish. Clean low gloss stripes with soap and water only.

Air Intakes

Clear debris from the air intakes, between the hood and windshield when washing thevehicle.

Windshield and Wiper Blades

Clean the outside of the windshield with glass cleaner.

Clean rubber blades using a lint-free cloth or paper towel soaked with windshieldwasher fluid or a mild detergent. Wash the windshield thoroughly when cleaning theblades. Bugs, road grime, sap, and a buildup of vehicle wash/wax treatments may causewiper streaking.

Replace the wiper blades if they are worn or damaged. Damage can be caused by extremedusty conditions, sand, salt, heat, sun, snow, and ice.

Weatherstrips

Apply Dielectric silicone grease on weatherstrips to make them last longer, seal better,and not stick or squeak. Lubricate weatherstrips at least once a year. Hot, dry climatesmay require more frequent application. Black marks from rubber material on paintedsurfaces can be removed by rubbing with a clean cloth. SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants.

Tires

Use a stiff brush with tire cleaner to clean the tires.

Caution:Using petroleum-based tire dressing products on the vehicle may damage the paint finishand/or tires. When applying a tire dressing, always wipe off any overspray from allpainted surfaces on the vehicle.

Wheels and Trim-—-Aluminum or Chrome

Use a soft, clean cloth with mild soap and water to clean the wheels. After rinsingthoroughly with clean water, dry with a soft, clean towel. A wax may then be applied.

Caution:Chrome wheels and other chrome trim may be damaged if the vehicle is not washed afterdriving on roads that have been sprayed with magnesium, calcium, or sodium chloride.These chlorides are used on roads for conditions such as ice and dust. Always washthe chrome with soap and water after exposure.

Caution:To avoid surface damage, do not use strong soaps, chemicals, abrasive polishes, cleaners,brushes, or cleaners that contain acid on aluminum or chrome-plated wheels. Use onlyapproved cleaners. Also, never drive a vehicle with aluminum or chrome-plated wheelsthrough an automatic car wash that uses silicone carbide tire cleaning brushes. Damagecould occurand the repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.

Steering, Suspension, and Chassis Components

Visually inspect steering, suspension, and chassis components for damaged, loose,or missing parts or signs of wear at least once a year.

Inspect power steering for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.

Visually check constant velocity joint boots and axle seals for leaks.

Body Component Lubrication

Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood hinges, liftgate hinges, and the fuel doorhinge unless the components are plastic. Applying silicone grease on weatherstripswith a clean cloth will make them last longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak.

Underbody Maintenance

At least twice a year, Spring and Fall, use plain water to flush dirt and debris fromthe vehicle's underbody. Your dealer or an underbody car washing system can do this.If not removed, rust and corrosion can develop.

Sheet Metal Damage

If the vehicle is damaged and requires sheet metal repair or replacement, make surethe body repair shop applies anti-corrosion material to parts repaired or replacedto restore corrosion protection.

Original manufacturer replacement parts will provide the corrosion protection whilemaintaining the vehicle warranty.

Finish Damage

Quickly repair minor chips and scratches with touch-up materials available from yourdealer to avoid corrosion. Larger areas of finish damage can be corrected in yourdealer's body and paint shop.

Chemical Paint Spotting

Airborne pollutants can fall upon and attack painted vehicle surfaces causing blotchy,ring-shaped discolorations, and small, irregular dark spots etched into the paintsurface. See “Finish Care” previously in this section.