2007 Volvo S80 Owner's Manual - Page 229

2007 VOLVO S80 236 06 Maintenance and specifications Vehicle care Washing the car The following points should be kept in mind when washing and cleaning the car: The car should be washed at regular intervals since dirt, dust, insects and tar spots adhere to the paint and may cause damage. To help prevent corrosion, it is particularly 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 improves visibility considerably. Wash off the dirt from the underside (wheel housings, fenders, etc). In areas of high industrial fallout, more frequent 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. 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. Special 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 plastic components Cleaning exterior plastic components should be done with a cleaning agent specially designed for this purpose. Solvents or stain removers should not be used. Consult your Volvo retailer. Automatic car wash