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Body Features
All body panels are made of composite
or plastic based materials and are either
bonded or secured to the chassis using
threaded fasteners.
NOTICE:
Care is required, due to the
low ground clearance, to guard against
chassis underside damage caused by
ramps, kerbs and road humps.
Paint Care
Also see page 81 for additional information
for vehicles finished in 'Soft Feel' paint.
Following this simple maintenance
procedure will help retain the gloss,
colour and protective properties of your
vehicles paint throughout the life of the
car. However, car finishes are not immune
to damage and amongst the more common
causes of deterioration are:
- Atmospheric contaminants; Dust, soot,
ash and acidic or alkaline aerosol mist
can chemically attack paint.
-
Tree sap and insect fluids; these can
form a water-insoluble polymer that
adheres to the paint.
- Bird excrement; highly acidic or alkaline,
this can chemically etch the paint. Wash
off immediately.
- Leaves; These contain tannic acid which
can stain light finishes.
- Abrasion; Blowing sand and dust, or a
dirty washing cloth can cause abrasion
damage.
- Impact damage; Loose stone chippings
resulting in paint chips especially around
the front panels. To avoid stone chips do
not follow other vehicles too closely. For
increased paintwork protection, Lotus
strongly recommends the use of a clear
coat paint protection film, some of which
are available from your Lotus dealer.
- Moisture entrapment; Long term use
of a non-breathable car cover can trap
moisture and/or induce condensation.
This can promote water penetration of
the paint film.
Ventilation
Water lying on the paint surface for a
lengthy period will eventually penetrate
the paint film. Although the effects will not
be visible immediately, deterioration in the
visual quality and protective properties of
the paint film will ultimately result.
It is not recommended to store a wet car in a
poorly ventilated garage. If good ventilation
cannot be provided, storage outside on a
hard standing or under a carport is to be
preferred.
Washing
NOTICE:
Lotus recommends hand
washing the painted bodywork. The car
is a speciality vehicle not intended to
be subjected to an automatic car wash.
Automatic car washing machines and jet
wash facilities may have a detrimental
effect on the paint film. Use of such
equipment will invalidate the terms of
the New Vehicle Warranty.
Many contaminants are water soluble and
can be removed before any harm occurs by
thorough washing with plenty of lukewarm
water, together with a proprietary car wash
additive (Do not use household detergent
and washing up liquid as they can contain
corrosive salts and will remove wax and
accelerate oxidation).
Frequent washing is the best safeguard
a g a i n s t b o t h s e e n a n d u n s e e n
contaminants.
Wash in the shade, and use a cotton chenille
wash mitt or a sponge rinsed frequently to
minimise the retention of dirt particles.
Use a straight back and forth washing
motion to avoid swirled micro scratches,
and rinse the body thoroughly.
SERVICING & MAINTENANCE
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