Vehicle - Protection From Chemical Paint Spotting
89saab05FILE IN VOL.
S.I. Man. I
SEC. PG.
A-1, B-1 120, 54
ISSUE: 02/89-1117, 1118
SUBJECT: PROTECTING NEW CARS FROM CHEMICAL PAINT SPOTTING
APPLICATION: ALL SAAB MODELS
This S.I. is issued as a reminder about the potential for paint damage from airborne contamination. Industrial fallout ("acid rain") and organic contaminants (sap, pollen, insects and bird droppings) can chemically damage the paint finish on a car. The Northeast, the Great Lakes area and the Southeast and Gulf Coastline are the places most susceptible to industrial fallout.
Paint Damage Prevention
New cars should be kept clean at all times in order to avoid damage to the paint finish. They should be washed before dirt or spotting are apparent. Wash cars with clean water and a mild automotive-type detergent which contains no abrasives. Rinse with clean water and dry with a clean chamois. Local conditions may dictate that cars be rinsed off after rainstorms.
New car finishes should also be protected by applying a good quality, non-abrasive, automotive wax. The finish on new cars in dealer inventory has aged sufficiently to allow this. Note, however, that polishes and cleaner waxes are abrasive and should never be used on a new car or on fresh paint. Properly applied, wax will help protect both your inventory as well as cars delivered to customers.
Local paint and paint treatment material suppliers can advise your dealership on how to protect your new car inventory if local conditions warrant special protection measures.
Assessment of Paint Spotting Damage
Before making an inspection of the paint, the car must be thoroughly cleaned. Paint spotting damage should always be carefully assessed by a qualified body technician and repaired in a professional manner. Do not try to remove chemical spotting by rubbing or sanding affected areas. If necessary, consult a local paint treatment materials supplier or your District Service Manager for advice about available chemical neutralizers formulated to treat spot damaged finishes.
Warranty Information
See paragraph 5.A. on page 77 of the latest Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual. Claims for repairing paint damage because of gravel, sand, dust, flying chemicals, tar, oil or other foreign substances, or from unusually harsh atmospheric conditions, will not be accepted. The dealer is responsible for paint damage while the vehicle is in his inventory.
NOTE: Saab will take responsibility for paint damage which occurs during, or prior to shipment of the vehicle to the dealer. Repair of such damage must be handled by the Transportation Damage Department.