06 Maintenance and specifications
Vehicle care
06
274
Washing the car
WARNING
Be sure that the compressor is not con-
nected to a 12-volt socket while replacing
the container.
The following points should be kept in mind
when washing and cleaning the car:
•
The car should be washed at regular inter-
vals since dirt, dust, insects and tar spots
adhere to the paint and may cause dam-
age. To help prevent corrosion, it is partic-
ularly important to wash the car frequently
in the wintertime.
•
Avoid washing your car in direct sunlight.
Doing so may cause detergents and wax
to dry out and become abrasive. To avoid
scratching, use lukewarm water to soften
the dirt before you wash with a soft
sponge, and plenty of sudsy water.
•
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.
•
Dry the car 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 car 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.
NOTE
When washing the car, remember to remove
dirt from the drain holes in the doors and
sills.
CAUTION
•
During high pressure washing, the
spray mouthpiece must never be closer
to the vehicle than 13" (30 cm). Do not
spray into the locks.
•
Dirt, snow, etc., on the headlights can
reduce lighting capacity considerably.
Clean the headlights regularly, for
example when refueling.
•
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. Spe-
cial 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 components
Volvo 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-
