Maintaining the exterior of your Nissan Kicks is essential for preserving its appearance, protecting the paint finish, and helping retain long-term value. Regular cleaning removes contaminants that can gradually damage painted surfaces and exterior trim.
To help protect the exterior finish of your Nissan Kicks, wash the vehicle as soon as practical under the following conditions:
- After rainfall to minimize the effects of acid rain deposits.
- After driving along coastal roads where salt exposure may accelerate corrosion.
- When contaminants such as bird droppings, tree sap, industrial fallout, soot, insects, or metal particles accumulate on the paint.
- Whenever dust, mud, road grime, or other debris builds up on exterior surfaces.
Whenever possible, store your Nissan Kicks inside a garage or another covered location to reduce exposure to sunlight, weather, and airborne contaminants.
When covered parking is not available, choose a shaded area whenever possible or use a high-quality vehicle cover for added protection.
Always exercise care when installing or removing a vehicle cover to avoid scratching or marring the paint finish.
Washing
Begin by rinsing away loose dirt using plenty of clean water and a soft sponge. Thoroughly wash the Nissan Kicks using a mild automotive shampoo, vehicle-specific soap, or a gentle dishwashing liquid diluted with clean, lukewarm water. Never use hot water, as it may affect painted surfaces and trim materials.
CAUTION
- Do not direct concentrated water spray toward the sonar sensors (if equipped) located in the bumpers, as
excessive pressure may damage these components.
Do not use pressure washers capable of exceeding 1,200 psi (8,274 kPa). Excessive pressure may damage paint, decals, graphics, trim pieces, or sensor components. Keep the nozzle at least 12 inches (30 cm) from the vehicle surface, use a wide-angle spray pattern, and continuously move the spray rather than concentrating it in one area.
- Avoid automatic car washes that use acidic detergents. Certain brushless wash systems utilize acidic cleaning solutions that may react with plastic exterior components, causing discoloration, cracking, or premature deterioration. Always verify that acid-based cleaners are not used.
- Do not wash the vehicle using strong household cleaners, harsh chemical detergents, gasoline, solvents, or similar substances.
- Avoid washing the Nissan Kicks in direct sunlight or when the body panels are hot, as water spots may form on the finish.
- Do not use rough cloths, abrasive mitts, or tight-napped materials. Exercise caution when removing stubborn dirt deposits to prevent scratches or surface damage.
- When using a high-pressure car wash, keep the nozzle away from the shark-fin antenna. Excessive pressure may deform or damage the antenna seal.
After washing, thoroughly rinse the Nissan Kicks using plenty of clean water to remove all traces of soap and contaminants.
Special attention should be given to door edges, hood seams, liftgate openings, and body folds, as these areas are especially susceptible to the accumulation of road salt and moisture.
Regularly inspect and clean drain holes located along the lower edges of the doors. Spray water underneath the vehicle and inside the wheel wells to loosen dirt and remove salt deposits that may contribute to corrosion.
Dry the vehicle using a clean damp chamois or microfiber towel to help prevent water spotting and maintain a clean finish.
Waxing
Regular waxing helps protect the paintwork of your Nissan Kicks from environmental contaminants while maintaining a deep, glossy appearance.
Before applying fresh wax, polishing may be performed to remove accumulated wax residue and restore clarity to the finish. This helps prevent a dull or weathered appearance over time.
A NISSAN dealer can assist in selecting appropriate products designed for your vehicle's paint system.
- Always wash and thoroughly dry the vehicle before applying wax. Follow the product manufacturer's instructions carefully.
- Do not use wax products that contain abrasive materials, cutting compounds, or aggressive cleaners, as they may damage the finish.
Excessive machine compounding or aggressive polishing on a base-coat/clear-coat finish may create swirl marks or reduce the gloss of the paint surface.
Removing Spots
Tar, oil, industrial fallout, insects, tree sap, and similar contaminants should be removed from the paint as quickly as possible to help prevent permanent staining or surface damage. Specialized automotive cleaning products are available through NISSAN dealers and automotive accessory retailers. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for suitable cleaning products designed for your Nissan Kicks.
Underbody
In regions where road salt is used during winter months, regular cleaning of the underbody is particularly important. Salt, dirt, and moisture accumulation can accelerate corrosion of suspension and underbody components.
Before winter begins, and again after the season ends, inspect the underbody protection and reapply undercoating if necessary.
Glass
Use a quality automotive glass cleaner to remove dust, smoke residue, and road film from all glass surfaces. It is normal for a light film to develop on windows after the Nissan Kicks has been parked in direct sunlight.
Most glass residue can be removed easily using a soft cloth and an appropriate glass-cleaning product.
CAUTION
When cleaning interior glass surfaces, avoid sharp tools, abrasive cleaning products, and chlorine-based disinfectants. These materials may damage electrical conductors, antenna elements, or rear window defroster lines embedded in the glass.
Aluminum Alloy Wheels
Wash alloy wheels regularly using a sponge and a mild soap solution. This is especially important during winter months when road salt and brake dust can accumulate on wheel surfaces.
If left untreated, road salt may cause staining or discoloration of the wheels.
CAUTION
Follow these guidelines to help prevent wheel staining or discoloration:
- Do not use wheel cleaners that contain strong acidic or alkaline ingredients.
- Never apply wheel cleaner to hot wheels. Allow the wheels to cool to ambient temperature before cleaning.
- Thoroughly rinse off all wheel cleaner within 15 minutes of application.
Chrome Parts
To preserve the appearance of chrome trim and exterior accents on your Nissan Kicks, clean these surfaces regularly using a non-abrasive chrome polish designed for automotive use.
CAUTION
Observe the following precautions to prevent staining or discoloration of chrome components:
- Do not use cleaners that contain strong acidic or alkaline compounds on chrome surfaces.
Tire Dressings
NISSAN does not recommend the routine use of tire dressings. Tire manufacturers apply a protective coating during production to help reduce rubber discoloration. Some aftermarket tire dressings may react with this coating and create residue that can be transferred onto painted body panels while driving.
If you choose to apply tire dressing to your Nissan Kicks, follow these recommendations:
- Use only water-based tire dressings whenever possible, as they are less likely to react with the factory-applied tire coating.
- Apply only a light, even coating and avoid allowing the product to enter tire tread grooves.
- Wipe away any excess dressing with a clean dry towel, ensuring that no residue remains in the tread pattern.
- Allow the dressing to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions before driving the vehicle.