1997 Chevrolet Express Van Owner's Manual - Page 287

Cleaning the Outside Your Vehicle of The paint finish on your vehicle provides beauty, depth of color, gloss retention and durability. Finish Care Occasional waxing or mild polishing of your vehicle by hand may be necessary to remove residue from the paint finish. You can get GM-approved cleaning products from your dealer. (See "Appearance Care and Materials" in the Index.) Your GM manufactured vehicle may have a "basecoat/clearcoat" paint finish. The clearcoat gives more depth and gloss to the colored basecoat. Always use waxes and polishes that are non-abrasive and made for a basecoat/clearcoat paint finish. Washing Your Vehicle The best way to preserve your vehicle's finish is to keep it clean by washing it often with lukewam or cold water. Don't wash your vehicle in the direct rays of the sun. Don't use strong soaps orchemical detergents. Use liquid hand, dish or car washing (mild detergent) soaps. Don't use cleaning agents that are petroleum based, or that contain acid or abrasives. All cleaning agents should be flushed promptly and not allowed to dry on the surface, orthey could stain. Dry the finish with a soft, clean chamois or an all-cotton towel to avoid surface scratchesand water spotting. High pressure vehicle washes may cause water to enter your vehicle. I NOTICE: Machine compounding or aggressive polishing on a basecoat/clearcoat paint finish may dull the leave finish swirl or marks. Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc., can damage your vehicle's finish if they remain on painted surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as possible. If necessary, use non-abrasive cleaners that are marked safe for painted surfaces to remove foreign matter. 1 Cleaning Exterior LampsLenses Use lukewarm or coldwater, a soft cloth and a liquid hand, dish or vehicle washing (mild detergent) soap to clean exterior lamps and lenses. Follow instructions under "Washing Your Vehicle."