Washing the vehicle
The vehicle 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.
The following points should be kept in mind when washing and cleaning the car:
Important
Avoid using car washing detergents with a pH value lower than 3.5 or higher than 11.5. Doing so could result in discoloring of anodized aluminum surfaces on e.g., roof rails or the frames around the side windows.
- 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.
- 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 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 windshield 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 frequent washing is recommended.
Note
When washing the vehicle, remember to remove dirt from the drain holes in the doors and sills.
Important
- 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.
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 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 carefully. Solvents or stain removers should not be used.
The frames around the side windows, roof rails and door frames near the windows* are made of anodized aluminum and should only be washed with a cleaning product with a pH value between 3.5 till 11.5.
Important
- Avoid waxing or polishing plastic or rubber components
- Polishing chromed strips can wear away or damage the surface
- Polishes containing abrasive substances should not be used