2002 Saab 9-5 Owner's Manual - Page 233

Car care and technical information 233 Washing the car The bodywork must be washed frequently. When the car is new, the body should be washed by hand using plain cold water and a clean, soft brush, or in a brushless carwash that uses mild detergent. Automatic car washes with brushes should be avoided when the car is new. Do not use automatic car washes for the first five or six months, before the paintwork has hardened properly. Thereafter, use a high quality car wash soap added to lukewarm water. Do not use a pressure washer at close range on stone chip damage, scratches or other damage to the paintwork. The paint can otherwise start to flake. Remove any bird droppings without delay, as these can discolor the paintwork and prove difficult to polish out. Use a soft cloth moistened with methyl alcohol to remove splashes of tar or asphalt. Do not use strong cleaners, as these can dry out the paintwork. The underside of the car also needs washing regularly, and this should be done extra thoroughly at the end of winter. Clean the underside of the car by hand if the car is usually washed in an automatic car wash without special facilities for underbody cleaning. Never wash or leave the car to dry in the sun, but wipe it dry with a chamois leather immediately after washing to avoid smears and streaks. Clean the window glass inside and out using a high quality window cleaner. This is particularly important when the car is new, as upholstery and trim have a tendency to sweat a little at first. Keep the glass well cleaned, as this helps to prevent misting. Waxing and polishing Do not wax a new car during the first three or four months. In fact, there is no need to polish the car before the paintwork has started to go dull through oxidation. Other than in exceptional cases, do not use abrasive polishes containing a cutting agent on a new car. Always wash the car thoroughly before waxing or polishing. Engine compartment Clean the engine compartment using an engine detergent and rinse with hot water. Cover the headlights. Do not use high-pressure washer. Avoid spraying the hood liner, as this can become heavy and hang down and touch the engine when the hood is closed. Do not use gasoline as a cleaning agent or solvent when carrying out repairs or maintenance. Saab recommends the use of environmentally safe degreasing agents. NOTE • The door mirrors must be fully retracted before the car enters an automatic car wash. • Remove fixed antennas, e.g. for mobile phone, before putting car through an automatic car wash. • Try your brakes on leaving a car wash. Wet brake discs reduce the braking effect. NOTE Avoid using any alcohol-based cleaners on the front and rear light clusters, as these can cause cracking of the lenses.