08 Car careWashing and cleaning the vehicle
08194
Washing•
The vehicle should be washed at regular
intervals since dirt, dust, insects and tar
spots adhere to the paint and may cause
damage. It is particularly important to wash
the vehicle frequently in the wintertime to
prevent corrosion, when salt has been
used on the roads.
•
When washing the vehicle, 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.CAUTION
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.
•
Dry the vehicle with a clean chamois and
remember to clean the drain holes in the
doors and rocker panels.
•
Tar spots can be removed with kerosene
or tar remover after the vehicle has been
washed.
•
A stiff-bristle brush and lukewarm soapy
water can be used to clean the wiper
blades. Frequent cleaning of the wind-
shield and wiper blades improves visibility
considerably and also helps prolong the
service life of the wiper blades.
•
Wash off the dirt from the underside (wheel
housings, fenders, etc.).
•
In areas of high industrial fallout, more fre-
quent washing is recommended.
•
After cleaning the engine, the spark plug
wells should be inspected for water and
blown dry if necessary.
Suitable detergentsSpecial vehicle 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
vehicle should be well rinsed with clean water.
CAUTION
•
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.
•
Dirt, snow, etc., on the headlights can
reduce lighting capacity considerably.
Clean the headlights regularly, for
example when refueling.
•
During high pressure washing, the
spray mouthpiece must never be closer
to the vehicle than 13 " (30 cm). Do not
spray into the locks.
Special moonroof cautions:
•
Always close the moonroof and sun
shade before washing your vehicle.
•
Never use abrasive cleaning agents on
the moonroof.
•
Never use wax on the rubber seals
around the moonroof.
Exterior componentsVolvo recommends the use of special cleaning
products, available at your Volvo retailer, for
cleaning colored plastic, rubber, or ornamental
components such as chromed strips on the
exterior of your vehicle. The instructions for
using these products should be followed care-
08 Car careWashing and cleaning the vehicle
08196
CAUTION
Volvo does not recommend the use of long-
life or durable paint protection coatings,
some of which may claim to prevent pitting,
fading, oxidation, etc. These coatings have
not been tested by Volvo for compatibility
with your vehicle's clear coat. Some of them
may cause the clear coat to soften, crack,
or cloud. Damage caused by application of
paint protection coatings may not be cov-
ered under your vehicle's paint warranty.Mirrors with the water repellent glass
coating•
Do not apply wax, degreasing agents, etc
to this glass. This could damage the coa-
ting.
•
Clean the glass surface with care to avoid
scratching.NOTE
The water repellent coating is subject to
natural wear•
In order to maintain the coating's water
repellent characteristics, it should be trea-ted with a special compound that is avail-
able at your Volvo retailer.
•
This treatment should be carried out for the
first time after three years, and thereafter
once a year.
Cleaning the upholsteryFabricClean with soapy water or a detergent. For
more difficult spots caused by oil, ice cream,
shoe polish, grease, etc., use a clothing/fabric
stain remover. Consult your Volvo retailer.Interior plastic componentsCleaning interior plastic components should
be done with a cleaning agent specially
designed for this purpose. Consult your Volvo
retailer.Alcantera™ suede-like materialSuede-like upholstery can be cleaned with a
soft cloth and mild soap solution.Leather careVolvo's leather upholstery is manufactured
with a protectant to repel soiling. Over time,
sunlight, grease and dirt can break down the
protection. Staining, cracking, scuffing, and
fading can result.
Volvo offers an easy-to-use, non-greasy
leather care kit formulated to clean and beau-tify your vehicle's leather, and to renew the
protective qualities of its finish. The cleaner
removes dirt and oil buildup. The light cream
protectant restores a barrier against soil and
sunlight.
Volvo also offers a special leather softener that
should be applied after the cleaner and pro-
tectant. It leaves leather soft and smooth, and
reduces friction between leather and other fin-
ishes in the vehicle.
Volvo recommends cleaning, protecting and
conditioning your vehicle's leather two to four
times a year. Ask your Volvo retailer about
Leather Care Kit 951 0251 and Leather Soft-
ener 943 7429.
Cleaning leather upholstery1. Pour leather cleaner on a damp sponge
and squeeze it until the cleaner foams.
2. Apply the foam to the stain by moving the
sponge with circular movements.
3. Dampen the stain thoroughly with the
sponge. Let the sponge absorb the stain,
do not rub.
4. Dry the stain with soft paper towels or a
towel, and allow the leather to dry com-
pletely.
G020922
200
Volvo service......................................................................................... 202
Maintaining your vehicle....................................................................... 203
Working on your vehicle........................................................................ 205
Engine compartment............................................................................. 207
Engine oil............................................................................................... 208
Fluids..................................................................................................... 211
Wiper blades......................................................................................... 213
Battery................................................................................................... 214
Replacing bulbs.................................................................................... 217
Fuses..................................................................................................... 224