Underbody wax

Underbody wax

The underbody wax must be reinstated following all repairs affecting floor panels. The wax is applied over paints and underbody sealers.

CAUTION: Remove old underbody wax completely from a zone extending at least 200mm beyond the area where new underbody sealer is to be applied.

Engine bay wax

Reinstate all protective engine bay wax disturbed during repairs using an approved material.

Where repairs have involved replacement of engine bay panels, treat the entire engine compartment including all components, clips and other fixtures with an approved underbonnet lacquer or wax.

Precautions during body repairs and handling

Take care when handling the vehicle in the workshop. Underbody sealers, seam sealers, underbody wax and body panels may be damaged if the vehicle is carelessly lifted. See INFORMATION, Lifting and towing.

Proprietary anti-corrosion treatments

The application of proprietary anti-corrosion treatments in addition to the factory-applied treatment could invalidate the Corrosion Warranty and should be discouraged. This does not apply to approved, compatible, preservative waxes which may be applied on top of existing coatings.

Fitting approved accessories

When fitting accessories ensure that the vehicle’s corrosion protection is not affected, either by breaking the protective coating or by introducing a moisture trap.

Do not screw self-tapping screws directly into body panels. Fit suitable plastic inserts to the panel beforehand. Always ensure that the edges of holes drilled into panels, chassis members and other body parts are protected with a suitable zinc rich or acid etch primer, and follow with a protective wax coating brushed onto the surrounding area.

Do not attach painted metal surfaces of any accessory directly to the vehicle’s bodywork unless suitably protected. Where metal faces are bolted together always interpose a suitable interface material such as weldable zinc rich primer, extruded strip, or zinc tape.

Steam cleaning and dewaxing

Due to the high temperatures generated by steam cleaning equipment, there is a risk that certain trim components could be damaged and some adhesives and corrosion prevention materials softened or liquified.

Adjust the equipment so that the nozzle temperature does not exceed 90°C (194°F). Take care not to allow the steam jet to dwell on one area, and keep the nozzle at least 300mm from panel surfaces.

DO NOT remove wax or lacquer from underbody or underbonnet areas during repairs. Should it be necessary to steam clean these areas, apply a new coating of wax or underbody protection as soon as possible.