1996 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual - Page 299

Cleaning the Outside of Your Pontiac The paint finish on yourvehicle provides beauty, depth of color, gloss retention and durability. Washing Your Vehicle The best way to preserve your vehicle's finish to keep is it clean by washing it often with lukewarm cold water. or '- Your Pontiac has a "basecoaYclearcoat" paint finish. The clearcoat gives more depth and gloss tothe colored basecoat. Always use waxes and polishes that are non-abrasive and made for a basecoatklearcoat paint finish. I NOTICE: Machine compounding aggressive polishing on or a basecoatklearcoat paint fbish 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, 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. Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging, weather and chemical fallout that can take their toll over a period of years. You can help to beep the paint finish looking new by keeping your Pontiac garaged or covered whenever possible. Don't wash your vehicle in the direct rays of the sun. Don't use strong soaps or chemical detergents. Use liquid hand, dish orcar 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. Finish Care Occasional waxing or mild polishing of your Pontiac 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.) 6. .