1998 Pontiac Sunfire Owner's Manual - Page 297

NOTICE: Machine compoundingor aggressive polishing on a basecoat/clearcoat 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, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc., can damage your vehicle's finish if they remain painted on surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as possible. If necessary, use non-abrasivecleaners 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 over a period toll of years. You can help to keep the paint finish looking new by keepingyour vehicle garaged or covered whenever possible. When you hand wash the top, do it in partial shade. Use a mildsoap, lukewarm water and a soft sponge. A chamois or cloth may leave lint on the top, and a brush can chafe the threads in the top fabric. Don't use detergents, harsh cleaners,solvents or bleaching agents. Wet the entire vehicle and wash the top evenly to avoid spots or rings. Let the soap remain on the fabric for a few minutes. When the top is really dirty, use a mild foam-type cleaner. Thoroughly rinse the entire vehicle, then let the top dry indirect sunlight. To protect the convertible top: After you wash the vehicle, make sure the top is completely dry before you lower it. 0 Don't get any cleaner on the vehicle's painted finish; it could leave streaks. If you decide to go through an automatic car wash, ask the manager if the equipment could damage your top. Before entering a car wash, set the climate control to VENT and the fan control to the highest speed. This will help to prevent water under high pressure from entering around the convertible top. Cleaning Your Convertible Top Your convertible top shouldbe cleaned often. If you use an automatic vehicle wash, use onewith waterjets and hanging cloths. High pressure car washes may cause water to enter your vehicle. 6-53