1994 Chevrolet Astro Owner's Manual - Page 278

Protecting Exterior Bright Metal Parts Bright metal parts should be cleaned regularly to keep their luster. Washing with water is all that is usually needed. However,you may use GM Chrome Polish on chromeor stainless steel trim, if necessary. Use special care with aluminum trim. To avoid damaging protective trim, never use auto or chrome polish, steamor caustic soap to clean aluminum. A coating of wax, rubbed to high polish, is recommended for all bright metal parts. Aluminum Wheels (If So Equipped) Your aluminum wheels have protective coating similar to the painted a surface of your vehicle. Don't use strong soaps, chemicals, chrome polish, abrasive cleaners or abrasive cleaning brushes on them because you could damage this coating. After rinsing thoroughly, wax may be applied. a NOTICE: If you have aluminum wheels, don't use an automatic vehicle wash that has hard silicon carbide cleaning brushes. These brushes can take the protective coating. off Weatherstrips Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply silicone grease with a clean cloth at least every six months. During verycold, damp weather more frequent application may be required. (See "RecommendedFluids & Lubricants" in the Index.) Sheet Metal Damage If your vehicle is damaged and requires sheet metal repair or replacement, make sure the body repair shopapplies anti-corrosion material to the parts repaired or replaced torestore corrosion protection. Foreign Material Calcium chloride and other salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird droppings, chemicals from industrialchimneys, and other foreign matter can damage your vehicle's finish if they remain on paintedsurfaces. Use cleaners that are marked safe for painted surfaces to remove foreign matter.