The car should be washed at regular intervals to remove dirt, dust, insects,
and tar and other possibly damaging stains that can adhere to the paint and
may cause damage. Proper exterior maintenance also helps in the resale value
of the vehicle by maintaining its like-new appearance.
NOTE: It is particularly important to frequently wash the
car in the wintertime to prevent corrosion, when salt has been used on the
roads.
There are many precautions and tips on washing, including the following:
- When washing the car, do not expose it do direct sunlight.
- Use lukewarm water to soften the dirt before you wash with a sponge, and
plenty of water, to avoid scratching.
- 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 washplace with a drainage separator.
- Dry the car with a clean chamois and remember to clean the drain holes
in the doors and rocker panels.
- If equipped with a power radio antenna, it must be dried after washing.
CAUTION
Never clean the bumpers with gasoline or paint thinner, always use the same
agent as used on the painted surfaces of the vehicle.
Tar spots can be removed with tar remover or kerosene 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 when using the wipers 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 nozzle must never be closer to the
vehicle than 13 inches (30cm). Do not spray into the locks.
When washing or steam cleaning the engine, avoid spraying water or steam directly
on the electrical components or near the distributor or ignition components.
After cleaning the engine, the spark plug wells should be inspected for water
and blown dry if necessary.
Special car washing detergent is the best to use. Liquid dishwashing detergent
can remove wax and leave the car's paint unprotected and in addition some liquid
detergents contains abrasives which can scratch the paint.
Bird droppings should be removed from the paintwork as soon as possible, otherwise
the finish may be permanently stained.
WARNING
When the car is driven immediately after being washed, apply the brakes several
times in order to remove any moisture from the braking surfaces.
WARNING
Engine cleaning agents should not be used when the engine is warm, a fire
risk is present as most engine cleaning agents are highly flammable.
Automatic car washing is a simple and quick way to clean your car, but it
is worth remembering that it is not as thorough as when you yourself clean
the car. Keeping the underbody clean is vitally important, and some automatic
washers do not contain equipment for washing the underside of the car.
When driving into an automatic was, make sure the following precautions have
been taken:
- Make sure all windows are up, and no objects that you do not want to get
wet are exposed.
- In some cases, rotating the side view mirrors in can help to avoid possible
damage.
- If your car is equipped with a power antenna, lower it. If your vehicle
has a solid mounted, non-power antenna, it is best to remove it, but this
is not always practical. Inspect the surroundings to reduce the risk of
possible damage, and check to see if the antenna can be manually lowered.
WARNING
Most manufacturers do not recommend automatic car washing in the first six
months due to the possibility of insufficient paint curing; a safe bet is
to wait until after six months of ownership (when purchased new) to use an
automatic car wash.
