We do NOT recommend washing your car in an automatic wash during the first six months (because the paint will
not have hardened sufficiently).
An automatic wash is a simple and quick way to clean your car, but it is worth
237 06 Maintenance and specifications
Vehicle care
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.
CAUTION
Before driving into an automatic car wash, turn off the optional rain sensor to avoid damaging the windshield
wipers.
Make sure that side view mirrors, auxiliary lamps, etc, are secure, and that any antenna(s) are retracted or
removed. Otherwise there is risk of the machine dislodging them.
Chromed wheels : Clean chrome-plated wheels using the same detergents used for the body of the vehicle.
Aggressive wheel-cleaning agents can permanently stain chrome-plated wheels.
WARNING
When the vehicle 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.
Exterior lighting
Condensation may form temporarily on the inside of the lenses of exterior lights such as headlights, fog lights, or
taillights. This is normal and the lights are designed to withstand moisture. Normally, condensation will dissipate after
the lights have been on for a short time.
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 vehicle 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 a dull surface.
A wide range of polymer-based waxes can be purchased today. These waxes are easy to use and produce a long-
lasting, high-gloss finish that protects the bodywork against oxidation, road dirt and fading.
Do not polish or wax your vehicle in direct sunlight (the surface of the vehicle should not be warmer than 113° F
(45° C).
238 06 Maintenance and specifications
Vehicle care
ProCarManuals.com
Mirrors
defroster95
power door94
rearview, auto-dim function95
retractable94
vanity160
Moonroof96-97
Motor oil
checking194
specifications246
volumes247
O
Occupant safety12
Occupant weight sensor21-23
Octane recommendations175
Odometer, trip74
Oil
checking194
low pressure warning light72
specifications246
volumes247
On Call Roadside Assistance250
Opening the trunk from the inside61
Overhead courtesy lighting88-89
Oxygen sensors, heated178
P
Paint, touching up240
Panic alarm51
Park assist153-154
Parking brake
electric, applying/releasing110
manual, applying/releasing109
warning light72
Parking lights85
changing bulbs199-200
Personal Car Communicator, unique functions51-52
Power front seat
memory function78
with keyless drive79
Power mirrors94
defroster95
Power moonroof96-97
Power steering
fluid197
, 248
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