Washing the car
· The car should be washed at regular intervals since dirt, dust, insects and tar spots adhere to the paint and may cause
damage.
NOTE: It is particularly important to wash the car frequently in the wintertime to prevent corrosion, when salt has
been used on the roads.
· When washing the car, do not expose it to direct sunlight. Use lukewarm water to soften the dirt before you wash
with a sponge, and plenty of water, to avoid scratching.
· Bird droppings: Remove from paintwork as soon as possible. Otherwise the finish may be permanently damaged.
· A detergent can be used to facilitate the softening of dirt and oil.
· A water-soluble grease solvent may be used in cases of sticky dirt. However, use a wash place equipped with a
drainage separator.
· Dry the car with a clean chamois and remember to clean the drain holes in the doors and rocker panels *.
· The power radio antenna must be dried after washing.
· Tar spots can be removed with kerosene or tar remover after the car has been washed.
· A stiff-bristle brush and lukewarm soapy water can be used to clean the wiper blades. Frequent cleaning improves
visibility considerably.
· Wash off the dirt from the underside (wheel housings, fenders, etc.).
· In areas of high industrial fallout, more frequent washing is recommended.
CAUTION: During high pressure washing, the spray mouthpiece must never be closer to the vehicle than 13" (30
cm). Do not spray into the locks.
· When washing or steam cleaning the engine, avoid spraying water or steam directly on the electrical components or
toward the rear side of the engine.
· After cleaning the engine, the spark plug wells should be inspected for water and blown dry if necessary.
Suitable detergents
Special car washing detergents should be used. A suitable mixture is about 2.5 fl. oz. (8.5 cl) of detergent to 2.6 US
gal. (10 liters) of warm water. After washing with a detergent the car should be well rinsed with clean water.
WARNING!
· When the car is driven immediately after being washed, apply the brakes several times in order to remove any
moisture from the brake linings.
· Engine cleaning agents should not be used when the engine is warm. This constitutes a fire risk.
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NOTE: When washing the car, remember to remove dirt from the drain holes in the doors and sills. Bumpers: Wash
the bumpers with the same cleaning agent used on the rest of the car. Never clean the bumpers with gasoline or paint
thinner. Difficult spots can be removed with denatured alcohol. To avoid scratches, do not dry the bumpers with paper.
* Pay special attention to the drain holes near the base of the windshield in the cowl under the rear edge of the hood.
pg. 103 Automatic car washing, Polishing and waxing
Automatic washing simple and quick
An automatic wash is a simple and quick way to clean your car, but it is worth remembering that it may not be as
thorough as when you yourself go over the car with sponge and water. Keeping the underbody clean is most important,
especially in the winter. Some automatic washers do not have facilities for washing the underbody.
Before driving into an automatic wash, make sure that side view mirrors, auxiliary lamps, etc., are secure, otherwise
there is risk of the machine dislodging them. You should also lower the antenna by turning off the radio.
We do NOT recommend washing your car in an automatic wash during the first six months (because the paint
will not have hardened sufficiently).
Polishing and waxing
Normally, polishing is not required during the first year after delivery, however, waxing may be beneficial.
Before applying polish or wax the car must be washed and dried. Tar spots can be removed with kerosene or tar
remover. Difficult spots may require a fine rubbing compound.
After polishing use liquid or paste wax.
Several commercially available products contain both polish and wax.
Waxing alone does not substitute for polishing of a dull surface.
A wide range of polymerbased car waxes can be purchased today. These waxes are easy to use and produce a
longlasting, highgloss finish that protects the bodywork against oxidation, road dirt and fading.
pg. 104 Cleaning the upholstery
Cleaning the upholstery
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