217Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
Care of the vehicle exterior
Automatic car wash tunnel
The vehicle can normally be washed without problem in an
automatic car wash.
The vehicle paintwork is so durable that the vehicle can normally be washed
without problems in an automatic car wash tunnel. However, the paintwork
wear depends to a large extent on the kind of the car wash tunnel, the
brushes used, its water filtering and the type of cleaning and preservative
products.
Before going through a vehicle wash, be sure to take the usual precautions
such as closing the windows and sunroof.
If the vehicle has special accessories such as spoilers or a roof rack or two-
way radio aerial, etc., it is advisable to consult the car wash tunnel operator.
After washing, the brakes could take some time to respond as the brake
discs and pads could be wet, or even frozen in winter. Dry the brakes by
braking several times.
WARNING
Water, ice and salt on the brakes can reduce braking efficiency. Risk of
accident.
Washing by hand
Vehicle washing
–First soften the dirt and rinse it off with water.
–Clean your vehicle from top to bottom with a soft sponge, a
glove or a brush. Use very light pressure.
–Rinse the sponge or glove often with clean water.
–Special car shampoo should only be used for very stubborn dirt.
–Leave the wheels, sill panels etc. until last, using a different
sponge or glove.
–Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with water.
–Dry the vehicle surface gently with a chamois leather.
–In cold temperature, dry the rubber seals and their surfaces to
prevent them from freezing. Apply silicone spray to the rubber
seals.
After washing the vehicle
–After washing, avoid sudden and sharp braking. “Dry” the
brakes by braking several times ⇒ page 201, Braking capacity
and braking distance.
WARNING
●Wash your vehicle with the ignition switched off.
●Protect your hands and arms from cuts on sharp metal edges when
cleaning the underbody, the inside of the wheel housings etc. Risk of in-
jury.
●Water, ice and salt on the brakes can reduce braking efficiency. Risk
of accident.
Safety First Operating Instructions Practical Tips Technical Specifications
