1998 Chevrolet Express Van Owner's Manual - Page 295

Foreign materials suchas calcium chloride and other salts, ice melting agents, road and tar, tree sap, bird oil droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc., can damage your vehicle's finish if they remain on painted surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soonas possible. If necessary, use non-abrasive cleaners that are marked safe for painted surfaces to remove foreign matter. Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging, weather a period and chemical fallout that can take their toll over of years. You can help tokeep the paint finishlooking new by keeping yourvehicle garaged or covered whenever possible. Cleaning Aluminum Wheels (If Equipped) Keep your wheelsclean using a soft cleancloth with mild soap and water. Rinse withclean water. After rinsing thoroughly, dry witha soft clean towel. A wax may thenbe applied. The surface of these wheels is similar to the painted surface of your vehicle. Don't use strong soaps, chemicals, abrasive polishes, abrasive cleaners or abrasive cleaning brushes on them because you could damage the surface. Don't take your vehicle through automatic car wash an that has silicon carbide tire cleaning brushes. These brushes can also damage the surface of these wheels. 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 chrome polish on use chrome or stainless steel trim, if necessary. Use special care with aluminum trim. To avoid damaging protective trim, never use auto or chrome polish, steam or caustic soap to clean aluminum. A coating of wax, rubbed to high polish, is recommended for all bright metal parts.