08 car care – Volvo 2009 C70 User Manual

Page 197

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08 Car care

Washing and cleaning the car

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197

(because the paint will not have hardened suf-
ficiently).
An automatic wash is a simple and quick way
to clean your car, but it is worth remembering
that it may not be as thorough as when you
yourself go over the car with sponge and water.
Keeping the underbody clean is most impor-
tant, especially in the winter. Some automatic
washers do not have facilities for washing the
underbody.

CAUTION

Before driving into an automatic car

wash, turn off the optional rain sensor

to avoid damaging the windshield wip-

ers.

Make sure that side view mirrors, auxil-

iary lamps, etc, are secure, and that any

antenna(s) are retracted or removed.

Otherwise there is risk of the machine

dislodging them

Chromed wheels: Clean chrome-

plated wheels using the same deter-

gents used for the body of the vehicle.

Aggressive wheel-cleaning agents can

permanently stain chrome-plated

wheels.

WARNING

When the car is driven immediately after

being washed, apply the brakes several

times in order to remove any moisture

from the brake linings.

Engine cleaning agents should not be

used when the engine is warm. This

constitutes a fire risk.

Exterior lighting

Condensation may form temporarily on the
inside of the lenses of exterior lights such as
headlights, fog lights, or taillights. This is nor-
mal and the lights are designed to withstand
moisture. Normally, condensation will dissi-
pate after the lights have been on for a short
time.

Polishing and Waxing

Normally, polishing is not required during

the first year after delivery, however, wax-

ing may be beneficial.

Before applying polish or wax the vehicle

must be washed and dried. Tar spots can

be removed with kerosene or tar remover.

Difficult spots may require a fine rubbing

compound.

After polishing use liquid or paste wax.

Several commercially available products

contain both polish and wax.

Waxing alone does not substitute for pol-

ishing a dull surface.

A wide range of polymer-based waxes can

be purchased today. These waxes are easy

to use and produce a long-lasting, high-

gloss finish that protects the bodywork

against oxidation, road dirt and fading.

Do not polish or wax your vehicle in direct

sunlight (the surface of the vehicle should

not be warmer than 113 °F (45 °C).

CAUTION

Volvo does not recommend the use of long-

life or durable paint protection coatings,

some of which may claim to prevent pitting,

fading, oxidation, etc. These coatings have

not been tested by Volvo for compatibility

with your vehicle's clear coat. Some of them

may cause the clear coat to soften, crack,

or cloud. Damage caused by application of

paint protection coatings may not be cov-

ered under your vehicle's paint warranty.

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