Problems cleaning the Volt exterior

[Voripteth]

The exterior design of the Volt seems to consist of many flat sheets attached to the body in such a way that leaves many channels about 1/4 inch wide. This can especially be seen around the rear tail lights. When we first got the Volt we saw there was what looked like white powder (wax?) down inside the channel making all the edge pieces around the light look the edges were crazed. We chalked it up to a sloppy detailing job where excess wax was left over. The problem is I have no idea how to get inside there to clean it. (I really don't want to take a tooth brush to it on a daily basis.) Now that we've had the car for a couple of weeks I see that road dirt tends to accumulate here as well.

Will I have problems in the Winter when water gets into these channels, freezes, expands and breaks something?

[ssj4vegita2002]

As far as being worried about freezing, I took delivery of my volt in December 2010. It was a pretty rough winter here in northern NJ, and we had quite a few freezing rain/sleet storms, as well as a blizzard and constant snow cover. My car was a champ. No lasting effects whatsoever. Here is an example:

Encased in ice.

[Koz]

The biggest issue with the crevices at the rear are with smal leaves and other small objects. You need a sharp stream of water and patience to clean them out.

[Fulgerite]

I have been driving for over 35 years. I have owned at least 15 cars. They ALL have crackes & crevices that can accumulate grit & wax. A toothbrush works for me. Some people use Q-Tips. Talk to your local auto parts store... or an auto detailer. They have all sorts of secret tips.

Enjoy your beautiful Volt!

[zete]

Having gone through a complete Ottawa winter with our Volt I can say the creases and other exterior features have no impact on the car in winter. I've had freezing rain, snow and then freezing rain, etc. and each time it was easy to clear off the car. Taking it to a car wash in winter is also a non-event.

As to accumulating dirt, every car has weird spots that will happen. The biggest problem with dirt I have with the Volt is that the rear camera gets covered in dirt because of the back spray off the car. I got into the habit of running my gloved finger over the lens daily to keep it clear.

[Fulgerite]

I got into the habit of running my gloved finger over the lens daily to keep it clear.

Unless you rinse it with water or cleaning solution a dry glove is just grinding grit across the lens. (Like fine sandpaper.) You will destroy the lens very quickly without rinsing with water first.