Maserati Ghibli 2023 Bodywork Maintenance User Manual

Introduction

Washing: Washing the Ghibli’s exterior on a regular basis helps remove dirt, grime, and contaminants that can accumulate over time. To avoid scratching the paint, use a gentle automotive-specific soap, a soft sponge or microfiber cloth, and plenty of water.

• Drying: Ensure proper drying after washing to avoid water spots and streaks. Dry the vehicle gently with a clean, soft microfiber towel or chamois, paying special attention to hard-to-reach areas and crevices.
• Paint Protection Film: To protect vulnerable areas of the Ghibli’s bodywork, such as the front bumper, hood, and side mirrors, consider installing a clear paint protection film (PPF). PPF protects against chips, scratches, and minor abrasions.
• Wheel Maintenance: Use a wheel cleaner appropriate for the wheel type (e.g., alloy, chrome, or painted) to clean the wheels on a regular basis. Inspect for any damage, such as curb rash or cracks, and repair it as soon as possible.

Bodywork Maintenance and Care

Protection from Atmospheric Agents
The main causes of corrosion are:

1. atmospheric pollution;
2. salinity and humidity in the atmosphere (marine areas or a damp climate);
3. seasonal environmental conditions;
4. salt scattered on the roadbed to melt ice and snow.

The abrasive action of wind-carried atmospheric dust and sand, mud and stones should not be underestimated. On this vehicle, Maserati has adopted the best technological solutions to protect the bodywork from corrosion. The main measures are:

1. paint products and systems that give the vehicle particular resistance to corrosion and abrasion;
2. use of galvanized (or pre-treated) metal sheets which are highly resistant to corrosion in the most exposed parts;
3. spraying of the underbody, engine compartment, insides of wheel housings, and other structures with wax products having high protective power;
4. spraying of plastic materials, with a protective function, in the most exposed points: underneath the doors, inside part of the mud guards, edges, etc.;
5. use of ventilated box sections, coated with protective wax products, to avoid condensation and trapped water which could encourage the formation of internal rust.

Useful Advice to Keep the Bodywork in Good Condition Paint
The paintwork does not only have an aesthetic function but also protects the underlying metal sheets. In the event of abrasions or deep scratches, we recommend to have the necessary touch-ups made immediately, to avoid any rust formation. Touch-ups do not feature particular difficulties, even on metallic and matte finishes. For all paint touch-ups, use only original products indicated on the plate applied on the lower left side of the hood.

Normal paint maintenance consists in washing, the frequency of which depends on the conditions of use and of the environment. For example, if driving the vehicle in areas where there is high atmospheric pollution or the roads are spread with anti-freeze salt, it is advisable to wash the vehicle more frequently.

ENVIRONMENTAL!
Detergents pollute water. Therefore the vehicle should be washed in areas equipped for the collection and purification of the fluids used for washing.

NOTE:
The use of alcohol-based products for cleaning the metal surfaces in the engine compartment and/or the trunk may deteriorate the protective paint. It is recommended to use water-based products.

Car Wash
For correct washing:

1. wet the bodywork with a low-pressure water jet;
2. pass a sponge with a light detergent solution over the bodywork, frequently rinsing the sponge;
3. rinse well with water and dry with an air jet or chamois leather.

When drying, take particular care with the parts that are less visible, such as the door and lids bays, and headlight edges, in which water can be trapped more easily. You are recommended not to take the vehicle immediately into an enclosed environment, but leave it in the open air so as to allow the water to evaporate. Do not wash the vehicle after it has been left in the sun or when the hood is hot: the paint gloss could be affected. External plastic parts must be cleaned with the same procedure followed for the normal washing of the bodywork. Avoid, as far as possible, parking the vehicle under trees; the resinous substances that very often drop from the trees give the paint a dull appearance and increase the possibility of originating corrosive processes. It is important that the drain holes in the lower sides of the doors, rocker panels, and trunk bottom be kept clear and open.

CAUTION

1. Bird droppings must be washed off immediately and thoroughly since their acidity is particularly corrosive.
2. To provide better protection from the paint, polish the vehicle at intervals with a suitable product leaving a protective film on the paint.
3. If the vehicle is washed using high-pressure water jets or cleaners, it is important that the nozzle of the jet be kept at a distance of at least 16 in (40 cm) from the bodywork to avoid damaging it.

Washing Vehicles with Matte Finish Paint

1. It is recommended to hand wash vehicles with matte-finish paint.
2. Before washing, first remove from the bodywork dust and other particles that could damage the paint. Preferably use an air pressure jet.
3. When grease spots and fingerprints are present, it is recommended using a special cleaner for matte finish paint. Apply the product using a microfiber cloth. To avoid damaging the paint surface, do not use too much pressure.
4. Wet the bodywork with plenty of water and clean it using a soft sponge and a neutral wax-free shampoo, starting from the top and working down. Dry the bodywork using an air pressure jet.
5. Rinse all the parts of the vehicle thoroughly with plenty of water. Keep the sponge or the washing mitt in use always wet and clean.
6. At last, using a different sponge or washing mitt, clean the wheels, the door sill plates and the other parts that are less visible.

CAUTION

1. It is recommended not to wash the vehicle in direct sunlight. The little drops of water, acting as small focal lenses, could damage the paint.
2. Always and only wash the vehicle by hand. Avoid using abrasive sponges or mitts that could damage the matte finish paint.
3. Never polish and never use polishing agents on the vehicle with matte finish paint or on parts of it.
4. Hard water (over 30 °f) could leave limestone residues.

Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis with any commercial household-type glass cleaner. Never use an abrasive type cleaner. Use caution when cleaning the inside rear window equipped with electric defrosters. Do not use scrapers or other sharp instrument that may scratch the elements. When cleaning the rearview mirror, spray cleaner on the towel or rag that you are using. Do not spray cleaner directly on the mirror. Labels can be peeled off after soaking with warm water. When cleaning is performed, keep all metal objects at a safe distance from the window.

Cleaning Headlights
Your vehicle has plastic headlights that are lighter and less susceptible to stone breakage than glass headlights.
Plastic is not as scratch-resistant as glass and therefore different lens cleaning procedures must be followed. To minimize the possibility of scratching the lenses and reducing light output, avoid wiping with a dry cloth. To remove road dirt, wash with a mild soap solution followed by rinsing. Do not use abrasive cleaning components, solvents, steel wool or other aggressive material to clean the lenses.

Condensation and Fogging on the Light Clusters
With cold or humid climates, after a driving rain or after cleaning the car, the surface of the front and rear light clusters could fog and/or form condensate drops on the inside. This is a natural phenomenon due to the temperature and humidity differences between the lens internal and external surface, which nevertheless does not indicate a fault and does not compromise the regular operation of the lights. The fogging/condensate disappears when switching on the lights, starting from the center of the diffuser and gradually going to the edges.

Moldings and Aluminum Trims

1. For cleaning moldings and aluminum trims, avoid the use of acidic or alkaline cleaning agents that can destroy the protecting surface treatment.
2. After washing aluminum trim with warm water, apply the cleaning agent with a clean tissue or a soft sponge on the surface. Do not use any other equipment such as brushes, steel wool, abrasives or any other equipment for cleaning.
3. After cleaning, please rinse the aluminum trim with a lot of clear water.
4. While cleaning in the car, please make sure that the moldings and aluminum trims only get in contact with soft brushes or textiles.

Engine Compartment
At the end of each winter season, carefully wash the engine compartment, remembering to avoid directing the jet of water for too long on the electric parts. To perform this operation, you must contact an Authorized Maserati Dealer.

Pre-Short Drop Function
When in a car wash, if the driver keeps the key fob in his/her pocket, or in any place outside the vehicle within 3.3 ft (1 m) distance, the front windows will perform a pre-short drop. This is a shorter drop compared to the normal short drop performed by the “Passive Entry” function when you grab the door handle to enter the vehicle. In order to prevent water from entering the vehicle between the upper edge of the glass window and the door outline on the bodywork, while the car is being washed, it is advisable to disable the “Passive Entry” from the MIA system, for further information refer to chapter “Functions of Settings Menu on MIA” in section “Dashboard Instruments and controls”. When deactivating the “Passive Entry”, also the “Pre-Short Drop” function will be disabled.

FAQs

1. How often should I wash my Maserati Ghibli 2023?
   Depending on the level of dirt and environmental conditions, it is generally recommended to wash your Ghibli every two weeks or as needed.
2. Can I use a regular household detergent to wash my Ghibli?
   No, a gentle automotive-specific soap or shampoo should be used to avoid damaging the paint or stripping away any protective coatings.
3. Are automatic car washes safe for my Ghibli’s bodywork?
   While some automatic car washes may be safe, handwashing or using touchless car washes is generally preferred to reduce the risk of scratches or bodywork damage.
4. How often should I wax my Ghibli’s paint?
   Waxing your Ghibli every three to four months is recommended to maintain a protective layer on the paint and enhance its shine.
5. Can I apply wax or sealant on matte paint finishes?
   No, matte paint finishes require special care and should not be treated with standard waxes or sealants.
6. How can I remove bird droppings or tree sap from my Ghibli’s bodywork?
   To avoid potential paint damage, remove bird droppings or tree sap as soon as possible with a gentle automotive detailing spray or waterless wash product.
7. Are there any specific products to protect the Ghibli’s chrome trim?
   Yes, chrome-specific cleaners and polishes are available to clean and protect your Ghibli’s chrome trim.
8. Can I use a pressure washer to clean my Ghibli?
   It is generally advised to avoid using high-pressure washers, particularly on sensitive areas such as emblems or body seams, as they may cause damage.
9. How can I prevent scratches on my Ghibli’s bodywork during washing?
   To avoid dirt particles causing scratches, use a soft sponge or microfiber wash mitt and rinse it frequently. To reduce swirls, use the two-bucket wash method.
10. What should I do if my Ghibli’s bodywork gets scratched or dented?
    It is best to consult a professional automotive repair service for deep scratches or dents so that the damage can be properly assessed and repaired.
11. Can I use polish to remove minor swirl marks on my Ghibli’s paint?
    Yes, using a mild polishing compound with a microfiber cloth or foam pad can aid in the reduction or elimination of minor swirl marks.
12. How can I protect the Ghibli’s paint from UV damage?
    In addition to regular waxing, parking in shaded areas or using a car cover can help protect the paint from UV rays.
13. Should I apply any protection to my Ghibli’s wheels?
    Using a wheel sealant or wax on the wheels can help protect them from brake dust buildup and make them easier to clean.
14. Can I repair small paint chips on my Ghibli myself?
    Small paint chips can be repaired using touch-up paint kits that are specifically matched to the color code of your Ghibli. For the best results, follow the instructions provided.
15. How often should I have my Ghibli professionally detailed?
    Depending on your preferences and the level of care you want to maintain for your Ghibli’s bodywork, professional detailing can be done once or twice a year.

Useful Links

View Full User Guide: Maserati Ghibli 2023 User Manual | Auto User Guide
Download Manuals: On-Board Owner Documentation | Maserati

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