1996 GMC Sonoma Owner's Manual - Page 279

Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle 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 vehicle has 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 lukewarm 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, or they could stain. Dry the finish with a soft, clean chamois or a 100%cotton towel to avoid surface scratches and water spotting. High pressure car washes may cause water to enter your vehicle. I NOTICE: Machine compounding or aggressive polishing on a basecoatklearcoat paint finish may dull the finish or leave swirl marks. Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird droppings, chemicalsfrom industrial chimneys, etc. can damage your vehicle's finish if they remain on painted surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as possible. If 6-57