2006 Mercedes SLK-Class Owner's Manual - Page 356

Operation Vehicle care Paintwork, painted body components Engine cleaning Prior to cleaning the engine compartment, make sure to protect electrical components and connectors from the intrusion of water and cleaning agents. Corrosion protection, such as MB Anticorrosion Wax should be applied to the engine compartment after every engine cleaning. Before applying, all control linkage bushings and joints should be lubricated. The poly-V-belt and all pulleys should be protected from any wax. Vehicle washing In the winter, thoroughly remove all traces of road salt as soon as possible. Hand-wash Do not use hot water or wash your vehicle in direct sunlight. Use only a mild car wash detergent, such as Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo. Thoroughly spray the vehicle with a diffused jet of water. Direct only a very weak spray towards the ventilation intake. Use plenty of water and rinse the sponge and chamois frequently. Rinse with clean water and thoroughly dry with a chamois. Do not allow cleaning agents to dry on the finish. ! Affixing stickers, adhesive tape or similar materials to painted body components may damage the paintwork. Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Care should be applied when water drops on the paint surface do not "bead up". This should normally be done every 3 to 5 months, depending on the climate and washing detergent used. Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Cleaner should be applied if the paint surface shows signs of embedded dirt (i.e. loss of gloss). Do not apply any of these products or wax if your vehicle is parked in the sun or if the hood is still hot. Use the appropriate MB-Touch-Up Stick for quick and provisional repairs of minor paint damage (i.e. chips from stones, vehicle doors, etc.). 355