Saab 2007 owner manual For long trips

246 Car care and technical information

2Clean the underside of the car during the winter. Use high pressure water to clean the car’s underside (floor panels, wheel wells) at least at mid- winter and in the spring.

3Inspect the car frequently for leaks or damage, and arrange for needed repairs promptly. After washing or after heavy rain, check for leaks. When wash- ing the car inspect body surfaces for paint damage. While checking for leaks, lift the floor mats and check beneath them. Water can collect in these areas and remain for prolonged periods. Dry any wet areas including the floor mats. Have leaks repaired as soon as possi- ble.

Use touch-up paint to repair small scratches or minor finish damage. Areas where metal is exposed will rust quickly and MUST be repaired immediately by touch-up or professional repainting. Rust must be removed, the bare metal primed and painted. Major body damage should be repaired immediately and new panels or exposed areas should be undercoated with anti- corro- sion material.

Repairs of this type are the owner’s responsibility and are not covered under warranty.

4Inspect the undercoating and touch up if necessary. Pay particular atten- tion to the fenders and wheel housings, which are exposed to abrasion by flying gravel, etc. If the composition has worn or flaked off, the steel must be thor- oughly cleaned and dried before a fresh coat is applied. The cleaning is best done with a scraper and a steel wire brush, followed by washing with solvent. Apply the new coating thinly, as other- wise it may run off or fall off when dry.

For long trips

Before setting off on a long journey, it is advisable to have your car checked over by your Saab dealer.

Obtain a few important items to take along on your journey such as spare bulbs, wiper blades, fuses, a Poly-V-belt and the like.

You can check some points yourself before- hand:

•Make sure that the engine is in good con- dition.

•Check that no oil or gasoline leaks out of the engine or gearbox/transmission.

•Check the coolant and power steering fluid levels. Check also for leaks.

•Inspect the Poly-V-belt and replace it if it shows any signs of hard wear.

•Check the battery charge.

•Check the tires for tread pattern and air pressure, including the compact spare wheel.

•Check the brakes.

•Check all bulbs.

•Check for the presence of the tool kit and the jack in the car.