1997 Pontiac Sunfire Owner's Manual - Page 296

Finish Care Occasional waxing or mildpolishing of your Pontiac by hand may be necessary to remove residue from the paint finish. You can getGM-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 the colored basecoat. Always use waxes and polishes that are non-abrasive and made for a basecoat/clearcoat paint finish. necessary, use non-abrasive cleanersthat 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 overa period of years. You can help to keep the paint finish looking new by keeping your Pontiac garaged or covered whenever possible. Cleaning Your Convertible Top Your convertible top should be cleaned often. If you use an automatic car wash, use with water jetsand one hanging cloths. High pressure car washes may cause water to enter your vehicle. When you hand wash the top,do it in partial shade. Use a mild soap, lukewarm water and a soft sponge.A chamois or cloth may leave lint on the top, a brush and can chafe the threads in the top fabric. Don't use detergents, harsh cleaners, solvents or bleaching agents. When you clean the top, put one hand under it to support it. Wet the entire vehicle wash the top and remain on evenly to avoid spots or rings. Let the soap the fabric fora few minutes. When the topis really dirty, use a mild foam-type cleaner. Thoroughly rinse the entire vehicle, then let the dry in direct top sunlight. NOTICE: Machine compounding or aggressive polishing on a basecoatklearcoat paint finish may dull the finish or leave swirl marks. Foreign materials such as calcium chlorideand other salts, ice melting agents, road oil and t a , 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 6-52