Instrument Panel, Vinyl,
and Other Plastic
Surfaces
A soft cloth dampened with water
may be used to remove dust.
If a more thorough cleaning is
necessary, a clean soft cloth
dampened with a mild soap solution
can be used to gently remove
dust and dirt. Never use spot lifters
or removers on plastic surfaces.
Many commercial cleaners
and coatings that are sold to
preserve and protect soft plastic
surfaces may permanently change
the appearance and feel of the
interior and are not recommended.
Do not use silicone or wax-based
products, or those containing
organic solvents to clean the
vehicle’s interior because they can
alter the appearance by increasing
the gloss in a non-uniform manner.Some commercial products may
increase gloss on the instrument
panel. The increase in gloss
may cause annoying re ections in
the windshield and even make
it difficult to see through the
windshield under certain conditions.
Care of Safety Belts
Keep belts clean and dry.
{CAUTION
Do not bleach or dye safety belts.
It may severely weaken them. In
a crash, they might not be able to
provide adequate protection.
Clean safety belts only with mild
soap and lukewarm water.
Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will
make them last longer, seal
better, and not stick or squeak.
Apply silicone grease with a clean
cloth. During very cold, damp
weather frequent application may be
required. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-11.
Washing Your Vehicle
The best way to preserve the
vehicle’s nish is to keep it clean by
washing it often.
Notice:Certain cleaners contain
chemicals that can damage
the emblems or nameplates on
the vehicle. Check the cleaning
product label. If it states that
it should not be used on plastic
parts, do not use it on the vehicle
or damage may occur and it
would not be covered by
the warranty.
Service and Appearance Care 5-69
ProCarManuals.com
Do not wash the vehicle in direct
sunlight. Use a car washing
soap. Do not use cleaning agents
that are petroleum based or
that contain acid or abrasives, as
they can damage the paint, metal or
plastic on the vehicle. Approved
cleaning products can be obtained
from your dealer/retailer. Follow
all manufacturers’ directions
regarding correct product usage,
necessary safety precautions
and appropriate disposal of any
vehicle care product.
Rinse the vehicle well, before
washing and after to remove all
cleaning agents completely. If they
are allowed to dry on the surface,
they could stain.Dry the nish with a soft, clean
chamois or an all-cotton towel to
avoid surface scratches and
water spotting.
High pressure car washes may
cause water to enter the vehicle.
Avoid using high pressure washes
closer than 12 inches (30 cm)
to the surface of the vehicle. Use
of power washers exceeding
1,200 psi (8 274 kPa) can result in
damage or removal of paint and
decals.
Cleaning Exterior
Lamps/Lenses
Use only lukewarm or cold water, a
soft cloth and a car washing
soap to clean exterior lamps and
lenses. Follow instructions
underWashing Your Vehicle on
page 5-69.
Finish Care
Occasional waxing or mild polishing
of the vehicle by hand may be
necessary to remove residue from
the paint nish. Approved cleaning
products can be obtained from
your dealer/retailer.
If the vehicle has a
basecoat/clearcoat paint nish, the
clearcoat gives more depth and
gloss to the colored basecoat.
Always use waxes and polishes that
are non-abrasive and made for a
basecoat/clearcoat paint nish.
Notice:Machine compounding
or aggressive polishing on a
basecoat/clearcoat paint nish
may damage it. Use only
non-abrasive waxes and polishes
that are made for a
basecoat/clearcoat paint nish on
the vehicle.
5-70 Service and Appearance Care
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