1997 Pontiac Grand Am Owner's Manual - Page 281

Cleaning the Outsideof Your Pontiac The paint finish on your vehicle provides beauty, depth of color, gloss retention and durability. Finish Care Occasional waxing or mild polishing of your Pontiac by hand may benecessary 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 Pontiac has a "basecoat/clearcoat"paint finish. The clearcoat gives more depth and gloss to thecolored basecoat. Always use waxes and polishes that are non-abrasive and madefor a basecoatklearcoat paint finish. Washing Your Vehicle The best way to preserve your vehicle's finish to keepit is 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 or chemical 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 an all-cotton towel to avoid surface scratches and water spotting. High pressure car washes maycause water to enter your vehicle. I I NOTICE: Machine compounding or aggressive polishing on a basecoatklearcoat paint finish may dull the finish or leave swirl marks. Cleaning Exterior Larnpshenses Use lukewarm or cold water, a soft cloth and a liquid hand, dish or car washing (mild detergent) soap to clean exterior lamps and lenses. Follow instructions under "Washing Your Vehicle." 6-54