SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
222
To correctly wash the vehicle, follow these
instructions:
If high pressure jets or cleaners are used to
wash the vehicle, keep a distance of at least
15 inches (40 cm) from the bodywork to avoid
damage or alteration. Build up of water could
cause damage to the vehicle in the long term.
To make it easier to remove any dirt deposits
in the area where the blades are normally
located it is recommended to position the
windshield wipers vertically (service position).
Wash the bodywork using a low pressure jet of
water if possible.
Wipe a sponge with a slightly soapy solution
over the bodywork, frequently rinsing the
sponge.
Rinse well with water and dry with a leather
chamois.
Dry the less visible parts (e.g. door frames, hood,
headlight frames, etc.) with special care, as water
may stagnate more easily in these areas. Do not
wash the car after it has been left in the sun or
with the hood hot: this may alter the shine of the
paintwork.
Exterior plastic parts must be cleaned in the
same way as the rest of the vehicle.
If washing the car in a service that moves the car,
for cars with automatic transmissions, PARK (P)
must be cut out. You have to shut off the engine
in the following conditions: car stopped,
transmission in NEUTRAL (N), push the starter
button for at least three seconds.
NOTE:
Avoid parking under trees; the resin dropped by
trees makes the paintwork go opaque and
increases the possibility of corrosion. Windows
Use specific detergents and clean cloths to
prevent scratching or altering the transparency.
Front Headlights
Use a soft cloth soaked in water and detergent for
washing cars.
NOTE:
Never use aromatic substances (e.g. gasoline)
or ketones (e.g. acetone) for cleaning the
plastic lenses of the headlights.
When cleaning with a pressure washer, keep
the pressure washer at least eight inches
(20 cm) away from the headlights.
Engine Compartment
At the end of every Winter, wash the engine
compartment thoroughly, taking care not to aim
the jet of water directly at the electronic control
units or at the windshield wiper motors. Have this
operation performed at a specialized workshop.
For further information
Ú
page 191.
NOTE:
The washing should take place with the engine
cold and the ignition device in the STOP position.
After the washing operation, make sure that the
various protections (e.g. rubber caps and guards)
have not been removed or damaged.
INTERIORS
Periodically check the cleanliness of the interior,
beneath the mats, which could cause oxidation of
the sheet metal.
SEATS AND FABRIC PARTS
Remove dust with a soft brush or a vacuum
cleaner. Rub the seats with a sponge moistened
with a solution of water and neutral detergent.
Cleaning heat press images on seats —
if equipped:
Due to the color, opacity and wear-resistant
protection with which the heat press images on
some seats are made, they may be subject to
temporary scratching if they are touched by finger
nails, keys, or other hard objects. In such cases, the
visible signs do not impair the profiled images, and
can easily be removed by wiping the affected area
with a microfiber cloth moistened with water (not
dry) to restore the seat to its original condition. The
microfiber cloth must not have been previously
soaked in other substances or detergents.
LEATHER SEATS
Remove the dry dirt with a chamois or slightly
damp cloth, without exerting too much pressure.
Remove any liquid or grease stains using an
absorbent dry cloth, without rubbing. Then clean
with a soft cloth or buckskin cloth dampened with
water and mild soap. If the stain persists, use
specific products and observe the instructions
carefully.
NOTE:
Never use alcohol. Make sure that the cleaning
products used contain no alcohol or alcohol deriv -
atives, even in small quantities.
CAUTION!
Wipe the rear window inside gently with a cloth
following the direction of the filaments to avoid
damaging the heating device.
23_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 222