Operation Manual

Self-help, vehicle care188
Washing
The paintwork of your vehicle is exposed to
environmental influences, e.g. continuous
changes in weather conditions, ind ustrial
waste gases and dust or thawing salts, so
wash and wax your vehicle regularly. When
using a utomatic car washes, select a
programme which includes waxing.
Bird droppings, dead insects, resin, pollen
and the like should be cleaned off
immediately, as they contain aggressive
constituents which can cause paint
damage.
If using a car w ash, comply with the
pertinent instructions of the ca r wash
manufacturer. The windscreen wiper and
tailgate wiper must b e switched off –
see pages 11, 12. Remove detachable rod
antenna by unscrewing it.
Do not use high-pressure jet cleaners.
If you wash your vehicle by hand, make
sure that the insides of the wings are also
thoroughly rinsed out. Do not use
household dishwashing liquid , to avoid
removing wax from the paintwork.
Clea n edges and folds on op ened doors
and flaps as well as the area s they cover.
Thoroughly rinse off and leather-off the
vehicle. Rinse leather frequently. Use
separate leathers for paint and window
surfaces; remnants of wax on the windows
will impair vision.
Also wash aluminium trim parts, avoiding
the use of abrasive materials such as
autom otive or chrome polish, steam or
caustic soap. Washing with water is
normally sufficient.
Observe national regulations.
Waxing
Wax your vehicle regularly, in particular
after it has been washed using
Car Shampoo and at the latest when water
no longer forms beads on the paintwork,
otherwise the paintwork will dry out.
Also wax aluminium trim parts, edges and
folds on opened doors and flaps as well as
the areas they cover.
Polishing
Polishing is necessary only if the pa int
has become dull or if solid deposits have
become attached to it.
Paintwork polish with silicone forms
aprotective film, making waxing
unnecessary.
Plastic body parts should not be treated
with wax and polish.
Use Metallic Paintwork Wax on vehicles
with a metallic-effect paint finish.